When Kris Goodman was released by the Miami Marlins in mid-August, he suspected his season was over.
He contacted several major league organizations, understanding landing a job was a long shot.
The only call he received was from RailCats manager Greg Tagert. They spoke Wednesday to gauge the mutual interest.
On Friday, Goodman drove seven hours from his home in Minnesota to the Steel Yard, signing on the final day American Association teams could add players to their rosters.
On Saturday night, the 23-year-old was in the RailCats’ lineup, leading off and playing left field.
“I thought it was going to be tough to get back into it in 2016 with 20 games left for whatever team,” Goodman said. “But I was pretty fortunate I was able to get that call.”
The RailCats entered the second game of their series against Kansas City in first place in the Central Division by a half-game. They had won nine of their last 10, including three straight.
Goodman, who had been playing with the Class A Greensboro Grasshoppers before his release, already was embracing the postseason push.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “(Friday night) just being in the dugout with the guys and seeing how energized they were, it’s just a good atmosphere to come into.”
The RailCats hope Goodman provides versatility and depth, especially with Portage graduate Tony Cheky continuing to deal with bone chips in his elbow.
After getting drafted out of Iowa in the 32nd round in 2015, Goodman hit .223 in two seasons with three teams in the Marlins organization.
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But he came highly recommended by former RailCats pitching coach Brendan Sagara, now the Greensboro pitching coach, and Goodman played with now-injured outfielder Cameron Newell.
“His numbers are not reflective hopefully of the type of performer he might be for us,” Tagert said. “But he had all the other attributes, with experience and still being a young player.”
Tagert views Goodman primarily as a left fielder and third baseman.
“He was open to accept any role we wanted,” Tagert said. “At this time of the year, if you can add somebody in a role that can be beneficial to the club, continue with the versatility we love, and he’s also somebody who will fit in well from a personality standpoint.”
Goodman has played every infield and outfield spot in his professional career. He grew up as an outfielder, played shortstop in high school and was recruited at that position. He wound up playing mostly as an outfielder for the Hawkeyes, before shifting to third as a senior and getting drafted at that spot.
His “natural” position?
“Whatever I am that day,” Goodman said. “My bag’s packed with just gloves, really.
“Even if you move around in the lineup or to different positions, the game stays the same.”
Goodman ended his four-year career at Iowa ranked seventh in games played with 194. He hit .262 with three homers, 26 RBIs and 10 stolen bases as a senior before playing rookie ball with the Marlins. He also played for the Class A Batavia Muckdogs this season.
“It was up and down,” Goodman said. “I had some success this season. I felt like I was getting better every day. Different organizations have different plans for ballplayers, and mine wasn’t working for the Marlins. But it doesn’t necessarily mean your career is over.
“(Tagert’s) call was pretty much the only one I got. But it only takes one.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff