The Awkwardness Of A Comeback Story That Shouldn't Be

Kip Wells is back in the major leagues, and he's about to start for the San Diego Padres. "Wow, what a story!" you might say, before you investigate.

Kip Wells Starting For Padres Tuesday

Kip Wells, who pitched for eight major league teams (the Cardinals, White Sox, Pirates, Royals, Rockies, Rangers, Reds and Nationals, not necessarily in that order), will add a ninth team to that resume Tuesday — three years after he last threw a major-league pitch:

Kip Wells has been promoted by #padres and will start tomorrow in houston in front of family. Terrific comeback story.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) June 25, 2012

Wells signed with the White Sox after throwing for their coaching staff while the Chisox were playing a pre-season exhibition game in Houston. But ten days later, they released him.

The Padres signed him on May 8. Truth be told, Wells has not pitched well in the minor leagues: seven starts, a 4.97 ERA and more walks (20) than strikeouts (16). But the Padres are desperate for starting pitchers after a number of injuries. They have already had 12 pitchers start for them this year; Tuesday, Wells will become the 13th.

For more on the Padres, please visit Gaslamp Ball.

Prodigal Son Kip Wells Returns To White Sox

Usually, we don't write much about minor-league deals here at Baseball Nation. But this one could wind up being quite interesting.