An eighth round pick by San Diego in 2001, Pauley posted a 7–12 record with a 4.17 ERA for the Padres' A-class affiliate, the Lake Elsinore Storm, as their seventh best prospect in 2004.
Pauley started 2006 in Portland. He posted a 2–3 record with a 2.39 ERA in 10 starts for the Sea Dogs before making his major league debut on May 31, starting for Boston in place of the injured David Wells. Pauley pitched 4.2 innings while allowing six runs on 11 hits in and 8-6 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. He did not record a decision in the game.[2] In his 16 innings pitched for the Red Sox, Pauley recorded a 7.88 ERA.
On December 22, 2009, Pauley signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[7] On August 13, 2010, he earned his first major league win, versus the Cleveland Indians.[8]
Detroit Tigers
On July 30, 2011, Pauley was traded to the Detroit Tigers along with Doug Fister for Charlie Furbush, Casper Wells, Chance Ruffin and minor leaguer Francisco Martinez.[9] Pauley was released by the Detroit Tigers on March 12, 2012[10] and became a free agent after clearing waivers on March 15.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels signed Pauley to a minor league contract on March 23, 2012.[11] He was called up to the majors on May 7, 2012, but was designated for assignment on May 24.[12] Pauley cleared waivers and was then recalled to the Angels on June 12, 2012. He was designated for assignment a second time on June 18.[13]
Toronto Blue Jays
Pauley was claimed by the Blue Jays on June 20 after being designated for assignment by the Angels for a second time.[14] For the Blue Jays, Pauley sported a 0–1 record with a 6.48 ERA in 10 relief appearances. He was designated for assignment after he gave up three earned runs on three hits vs. the Kansas City Royals on July 2.[15] On July 9, he elected free agency.
On June 10, 2013, Pauley signed a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was assigned to Triple-A Reno.[17] After pitching in four games for the Aces, Pauley was released by the team. In those four games, he went 0–1, giving up 10 hits and seven runs in 5.2 innings.[18]
Pauley is a sinkerball pitcher,[20] and as such his success relies on his ability to keep the ball down in the strike zone, and when contact is made, to get ground-ball outs. Pauley also has the standard fastball, curveball, and changeup in his repertoire.[citation needed] His fastball hits the high 80 MPH range and his curveball has more of a sweeping motion than the standard 12-to-6 movement seen from most minor-league pitchers.[citation needed]