Anthony Ranaudo

Anthony Ronald Ranaudo (born September 9, 1989) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Chicago White Sox, and in the KBO League for the Samsung Lions. Prior to playing professionally, Ranaudo attended Louisiana State University and played college baseball for the LSU Tigers.

Early life and amateur career Ranaudo was one of four children born to Angelo and Sharon Ranaudo. He was a New York Yankees fan growing up. He attended St. Aloysius School in Jackson Township, New Jersey and St. Rose High School in Belmar, New Jersey. During his time at St. Rose, he also played basketball and was president of the student council. Amassing numerous awards as a standout pitcher, Ranaudo was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 11th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft upon graduation, but did not sign a contract. However, he missed five weeks of the 2010 season due to an elbow injury. He had a standout year in 2009, third in NCAA strikeouts and was a critical player in the Tigers' College World Series victory. However, upon returning from the elbow injury in 2010, neither his numbers nor performance were the same as the previous year. and for the Brewster Whitecaps following his junior year. He dominated during his tenure with the Whitecaps, pitching to a 3–0 record, without giving up a run in 29.2 innings of 31/8 K/BB pitching.

Professional career Boston Red Sox (2014) Minor leagues Ranaudo was selected 39th overall in the supplemental first round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft by the Boston Red Sox. He signed with them for a $2.55 million signing bonus shortly before the signing deadline on August 16, 2010. Ranaudo was assigned first to the Red Sox's minor league affiliate Lowell Spinners, where he did not pitch in 2010.

Ranaudo was promoted to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League for the 2012 season. Previously, he was ranked as the top pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization and the 5th overall minor league prospect in Major League Baseball by MiLB.com. Ranaudo was injured for much of April and May and did not earn his first win with the Sea Dogs until June. His season ended early due to injuries, going 1–3 with a 6.69 earned run average over nine starts in just innings of work.

Late in August, Ranaudo was selected to the Eastern League Year–End All-Star team and was named the circuit's Pitcher of the Year, as voted on by league managers and media members.

On November 20, 2013, the Red Sox added Ranaudo to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

Ranaudo began the 2014 season in the Pawtucket Red Sox rotation. He was selected to the 2014 International League All-Star Team but did not play due to an injury.

Major leagues Ranaudo was called up to the major leagues for the first time on August 1, 2014 and made his Major League Baseball debut that day in a start against the New York Yankees. In that start he collected his first career strikeout, striking out Derek Jeter, who coincidentally was his boyhood sports hero. He also won the game. The next day, Ranaudo was optioned back to Pawtucket, but recalled August 12. He made seven starts for Boston during his rookie campaign, posting a 4-3 record and 4.81 ERA with 15 strikeouts across innings pitched.

Texas Rangers (2015–2016) On January 27, 2015, the Red Sox traded Ranaudo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for pitcher Robbie Ross Jr. He was sent down to begin the season with Triple–A Round Rock Express on March 28, 2015.

Ranaudo began the 2016 season with Triple–A Round Rock Express, and was recalled on May 6 by the Rangers, for whom he made his season debut on May 7 at Detroit, against the Tigers, entering the game in the third inning with the Rangers down 3–2. Ranaudo pitched innings, giving up two runs on an Ian Kinsler home run in the fourth inning as Anthony Gose was on base via a walk. He would give up one other hit in that inning (a single to Miguel Cabrera). Ranaudo would appear in one more game (May 10 against the Chicago White Sox) before being optioned back to Triple-A Round Rock on May 11.

Chicago White Sox (2016) Ranaudo was traded on May 12 to the Chicago White Sox for minor league right-handed pitcher Matt Ball. He was then optioned on May 13 to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. Ranaudo started in the majors again for the White Sox on July 27 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and got his first MLB hit with a fifth inning home run. On July 28, he was reassigned to Triple-A Charlotte. During the 2016 offseason, Ranaudo was released by the White Sox.

Samsung Lions (2017) On November 22, 2016, Ranaudo signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Samsung Lions of the KBO League. He became a free agent after the 2017 season.

Chicago Dogs (2025) On July 29, 2025, after seven years of inactivity, Ranaudo signed with the Chicago Dogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball. In 11 games he threw 15 innings of relief going 2-1 with a 6.60 ERA and 12 strikeouts.