Chad

Paronto

Paronto will be used in middle relief, filling in for Jake Westbrook until Westbrook can return to the pen.

Paronto was 0-2 with a 9.45 ERA in six relief appearances with the Indians.

Paronto was a fixture in the Atlanta pen for a year and a half, but the team sent him down to make room for Ron Mahay on July 31 and never gave him a recall. He had a 3.57 ERA in 40 1/3 innings when demoted, though that came with a 1.64 WHIP. He should be quite popular if he clears waivers and becomes a minor league free agent. That he’s arbitration eligible will likely prevent him from being claimed.

Rather than send down Blaine Boyer when they go back to 12 pitches, the Braves should release Paronto, who has allowed 25 hits and walked 10 in 17 2/3 innings. Not only is Boyer a better bet, but the club also has Joey Devine worthy of another opportunity.

Paronto goes to make room on the roster for Mark Teixeira, who could be available as a pinch-hitter after arriving during tonight’s game.

Paronto cleared waivers after being designated for assignment. He’s now a free agent, and he’ll be offered minor league deals by several teams.

Another mediocrity for Houston’s pitching staff. Paranto went unclaimed on waivers in October before becoming a free agent and only figured to receive minor league offers this winter, but the Astros have no shortage of 40-man roster spots to use in order to tempt some of the borderline guys. While Paronto, 32, had a 3.57 ERA in 40 1/3 innings for Atlanta last season, that came with a 1.64 WHIP and just 14 strikeouts. If the Astros pick up enough of these guys, odds are that one or two will turn in good seasons and be useful in middle relief.

Paronto had a 9.45 ERA in six relief appearances for the Indians last season and a 4.34 ERA at Triple-A Buffalo. He’ll begin next year at Triple-A Memphis.

Paronto was designated for assignment earlier this week after allowing seven hits and six earned runs in two appearances with Houston. He could be back in September, when rosters expand.

Paronto was considered a long shot anyway. He and Brandon Backe played catch from about 65-70 feet Saturday and Paronto complained of pain. He had a 2.70 ERA in 10 innings this spring before he was sidelined.