photo: Packy Naughton (USA TODAY Sports)
The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed left-handed pitcher Patrick “Packy” Naughton off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, their fourth pitching addition since the lockout ended.
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Monday, March 21) that they have claimed left-handed pitcher Patrick “Packy” Naughton off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Naughton, 25, joins the team’s 40-player Major League roster, which now stands at a full 40.
Naughton, who was drafted by Cincinnati in 2017 (9th round) out of Virginia Tech University, made his Major League debut with Angels last season, making seven appearances, including five starts.
The 6-2, 195-pound Naughton went 2-2 with a 4.90 ERA in 14 games (10 starts) between Rocket City (AA) and Salt Lake (AAA) last season where he fanned 53 in 56.2 innings pitched.
Naughton will wear uniform No. 93.
Brian Walton’s take
Naughton is the fourth pitcher with MLB experience claimed by the Cardinals since the lockout and the third to take a 40-man spot. Naughton, who had been designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday, joins Drew VerHagen, Nick Wittgren and Zach McAllister (minor league contract with NRI) and is the only lefty among the Cardinals’ new additions.
Since 2021 was his first time on the 40-man roster, Naughton has at least two minor league option seasons remaining. That means he can be stashed in Memphis if need be until required by St. Louis.
The only other lefty on the 40-man expected to be with Memphis is Brandon Waddell. Non-roster lefties in camp include top prospects Matthew Liberatore, Zack Thompson and Connor Thomas (all of whom have started for Memphis) as well as Kyle Ryan. The two left-handed relievers with St. Louis are Genesis Cabrera and T.J. McFarland along with new starter Steven Matz.
This report on Naughton’s offerings comes from Halo Heaven.
“In limited major league experience, Naughton constructs his arsenal with five pitches ranging from 73-91 MPH. A Four-Seam Fastball (32.9%), Changeup (27.7%) and Sinker (24%) are the most utilized with the Sinker being the most effective. Opposing batters recorded a sub-two batting average (.185) and a 18% WHIFF rate. When taking a closer look at Naughton’s Sinker, it reveals how valuable this pitch in particular is to his success. In 2021, the Sinker totaled a Runs Value of -4, which means four runs are prevented per/game when using this pitch. As Naughton pitches to contact, his ground ball rate is around six points above league average (51.9%), while simultaneously the barrel rate against his offerings is below league average at 4.9%. Based on the numbers, Naughton has the tools to become a terrific young pitcher in this league, he just needs more time to iron out his repertoire and strengthen his arm for longevity.”
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