Padres sign RHP Jeremy Guthrie to minor league deal

The Padres have reportedly signed veteran right-handed pitcher Jeremy Guthrie to a minor league deal. The news was broken just before noon today by Ken Rosenthal, and comes on the heels of Guthrie's release by the Texas Rangers.

Prior to his brief stint with the Rangers, Guthrie spent four seasons with the Kansas City Royals. He only contributed in minor ways to the team's 2015 World Series Championship title. Guthrie lost his spot in the rotation after posting a 5.95 ERA through just 148 1/3 innings - the worst season of his career - and when the Royals secured their place in the postseason the righty was left off the playoff roster.

In Feburary, the Rangers signed Guthrie from free agency to a minor league contract. Guthrie hoped to compete for a rotation spot, but wasn't impressive enough in his limited tryout. Through five innings of work, he posted a 5.14 ERA, though he did collect five strikeouts and didn't issue a walk. After learning he likely wouldn't make the Opening Day roster for Texas, he exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and was granted release by the Rangers. A free agent once again, he hoped to find another team that would give him a shot at major league action.

So, are the Padres that team? While the front end of San Diego's rotation is already set, manager Andy Green has yet to officially announce the full set of starting pitchers. Perhaps there is a miniscule chance for Guthrie at the back end of the rotation. And if not, he'll start the season in Triple-A El Paso with a chance for a callup later in the season.