Zach Duke Signs Minor League Deal with Cincinnati Reds

Zach Duke has signed a minor league deal with the Reds after receiving his release earlier this week from the Nationals. (Image Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

Left-hander Zach Duke wasn’t out of work for long. The 30 year old was released by the Washington Nationals on Monday and, according to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com, he’s now signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Duke will report to the team’s Triple-A Louisville affiliate initially.

Duke made 12 appearances (including one start) for the Nationals before the team designated him for assignment last week. He’d post an 8.71 ERA and 1.887 WHIP over 20.2 IP. Duke’s been especially hit hard by lefties, allowing a .448/.467/.552 line on the year. Duke had looked like a nice pickup when the Nationals signed him to a minor league deal prior to the 2012 season, performance which resulted in the team awarding him a Major League contract this past winter.

Konrad Schmidt was released by the Reds in order to make room on the team’s 40-man roster for Duke. He’d spent the season with the organization’s Triple-A affiliate, batting .187/.219/.231 in 97 PA.