Ex-Red Sox Starter Attempting MLB Comeback After Reportedly Signing With AL West Club

Will the righty make his way back to the big leagues?

One former member of the Boston Red Sox is looking to make his return to the big leagues.

Seven-year veteran starting pitcher Zack Godley reportedly agreed to terms on a minor league contract with the lowly Oakland Athletics in an attempt to work his way back up to the majors, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams. 

"The Athletics signed righty Zack Godley to a minor league deal, I’m told," Adams said. "Had been pitching in the Atlantic League. Will head to AAA for now."

Godley was drafted in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft out of the University of Tennessee by the Chicago Cubs and eventually made his big league debut in 2015 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The righty spent five seasons in Arizona before being designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. In Arizona, Godley had a few solid seasons. The 2017 campaign was his best year as he compiled a 3.37 ERA across 25 starts and 26 total appearances. 

The 33-year-old struggled with inconsistent play afterward and eventually signed with the Red Sox during the 2020 COVID-shortened campaign. Godley's time in Boston was short-lived and he made just seven starts and appeared in eight games overall pitching to a disappointing 8.16 ERA. Godley was outrighted by the club after the season and eventually signed as a free agent with the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of the 2021 season. 

Godley hasn't appeared in a big league game since 2021 and has been pitching in the independent Atlantic League since 2022. The righty now will have the opportunity to work his way back up to the big leagues while beginning his time in the Oakland organization with Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. 

Oakland has mightily struggled this season and has an American League-worst 26-71 record so it wouldn't be too surprising to see Godley get an opportunity at some point before the 2023 campaign is all said and done.  

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