[1][2] In 2007, he was pitching and recorded the final out over the University of North Carolina to win the 2007 NCAA College World Series.

After signing, he made 13 relief appearances for AZL Giants and Short-Season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in his first minor league season.

During the 2010-11 offseason, Paterson was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2010 Rule 5 Draft (third overall pick).

[5] Paterson made the Diamondbacks' 2011 Opening Day 25 man roster as a middle relief pitcher.

He made his MLB debut on April 2, 2011, in Denver, Colorado against the Rockies where he faced two batters without giving up a run in the 8th inning.