Dequam LaWesley Wright (born January 28, 1985) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
| Wesley Wright | |
|---|---|
 Wright with the Texas Rangers in 2017 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: January 28, 1985 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| March 31, 2008, for the Houston Astros | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 4, 2015, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 10–18 |
| Earned run average | 4.16 |
| Strikeouts | 295 |
| Teams | |
Early life
editWright was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and he grew up in a Montgomery County community known as Grady. He attended Goshen High School.[1] He was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft. He had a scholarship offer from the University of South Alabama, but he signed with the Dodgers organization in June 2003.[2]
Professional career
editLos Angeles Dodgers
editHe made his professional debut with the Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League in 2004 and played for the Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers in 2005. With Columbus, he pitched in 30 games and accumulated a 1.93 era as a relief pitcher.
In 2006, he pitched in 25 games with Vero Beach, acquiring a 1.48 era and was promoted to the Jacksonville Suns, where he began 2007 before a mid-season promotion to the Las Vegas 51s.
Houston Astros
edit
In December 2007, he was selected by the Houston Astros in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wright made the Astros 2008 opening day roster as the only left-handed pitcher in the bullpen. On March 31, 2008, Wright made his major league debut against the San Diego Padres and pitched 1/3 of a scoreless inning. Wright collected his first major league win on April 4, 2008, against the Chicago Cubs after pitching 1/3 of a scoreless inning again. He collected his first major league save on July 29, 2008, against the Cincinnati Reds coming in during 9th inning with two outs, and recorded the final out of the game for the save.
On July 16, 2009, Wright was called in to pitch in a game against the Cubs in the second inning after starter Roy Oswalt was forced from the game by a strained back. Wright batted in the top of the third inning and singled to left field for his first Major League hit. Later that night, it was reported that he was rushed to the hospital after showing signs of appendicitis. He was diagnosed with dehydration.
Tampa Bay Rays
edit
On August 12, 2013 he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations.[3] With Tampa Bay, Wright made his playoff debut in 2013, appearing in two games of the Rays' ALDS matchup with the Boston Red Sox. After the season, Wright was non-tendered by Tampa Bay, making him a free agent.[4]
Chicago Cubs
editOn December 4, 2013 he agreed to a one-year, $1.425 million deal to pitch for the Chicago Cubs. The contract became official on December 16, 2013.[5] He was non-tendered by the Cubs on December 2, 2014.
Baltimore Orioles
editOn December 16, 2014, Wright agreed to a one–year, major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.[6] He made two appearances for the Orioles before he was placed on the injured list with a left trapezius strain on April 11, 2015.[7] After struggling to a 7.71 ERA in 10 rehab outings for the Triple–A Norfolk Tides, Wright was designated for assignment on July 15.[8] He was released by the Orioles organization on July 22.[9]
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
editOn July 30, 2015, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[10] In 12 appearances for the Triple–A Salt Lake Bees, he recorded a 1.42 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 12+2⁄3 innings pitched. On September 1, the Angels selected Wright's contract, adding him to their active roster.[11] In 9 games for the Angels, he compiled a 3.18 ERA with 5 strikeouts over 5+2⁄3 innings of work.
Boston Red Sox
editOn December 22, 2015, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.[12] However, he was released prior to the start of the season on March 28, 2016.[13] On April 12, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox[14] and was assigned to Triple–A Pawtucket Red Sox, where he appeared in 19 games before being released on July 11.[15]
Texas Rangers
editOn January 27, 2017, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.[16] In 30 games out of the bullpen for the Triple–A Round Rock Express, he compiled a 4.88 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 31+1⁄3 innings pitched. Wright was released by the Rangers organization on July 23.[17]
On November 11, 2017, it was announced Wright had decided to retire and take a job as a pro scout with the Minnesota Twins.
References
edit- ^ Long, A. Stacy. "Wesley Wright flying with Orioles". The Montgomery Advertiser.
- ^ Callis, Jim; Lingo, Will; Manuel, John (2007). Baseball America Prospect Handbook 2007. Simon and Schuster. p. 253. ISBN 9781932391145.
- ^ Rays Acquire Wesley Wright
- ^ Twitter / RaysBaseball: #Rays have two non-tenders before tonight's deadline: OF Sam Fuld and LHP Wesley Wright. Both players are now free agents.
- ^ Cubs, left-handed pitcher Wesley Wright agree to terms on 2014 contract. MLB.com. Retrieved on December 4, 2013.
- ^ "Orioles Sign Wesley Wright; Matusz and Snider Trade Pending?". thebaltimorewire.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Orioles Wesley Wright has shoulder pain, could be a candidate". camdenchat.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Orioles LHP Wesley Wright designated for assignment". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 15, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
- ^ "Orioles Release Wesley Wright". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Angels Sign Wesley Wright To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Angels Designate Alfredo Marte, Drew Rucinski". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Diamondbacks Sign Wesley Wright". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ Todd, Jeff (March 28, 2016). "Diamondbacks Release Sam LeCure, Wesley Wright". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
- ^ Wesley Wright signs minor league deal with Red Sox
- ^ 2016 Boston Red Sox Transactions. SoxProspects.com. Retrieved on July 13, 2016.
- ^ Adams, Steve (January 27, 2017). "Rangers Sign Wesley Wright To Minors Deal, Outright Brady Dragmire". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ^ "Minor MLB Transactions: 7/31/17". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
External links
edit
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Wesley Wright at Baseball Almanac