Zachary Kristofak (born December 8, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels.
| Zac Kristofak | |
|---|---|
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: December 8, 1997 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 28, 2024, for the Los Angeles Angels | |
| MLB statistics (through April 28, 2024) | |
| Win–loss record | 0–0 |
| Earned run average | 0.00 |
| Strikeouts | 2 |
| Teams | |
Amateur career
editKristofak attended George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, Georgia.[1] The Atlanta Braves selected him in the 37th round of the 2016 MLB draft, but he did not sign and instead enrolled at the University of Georgia, where he played college baseball for the Georgia Bulldogs. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Kristofak had a 12–3 win–loss record, a 4.29 earned run average, and 12 saves.[2] In 2018, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[3]
Professional career
editThe Los Angeles Angels drafted Kristofak in the 14th round, with the 421st overall selection of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.[4] After he signed with the Angels, Kristofak pitched for the Orem Owlz of the Rookie-level Pioneer League. He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]
Kristofak spent two seasons with the Tri-City Dust Devils of the High–A Northwest League. He played for the Rocket City Trash Pandas of the Double–A Southern League in 2023.[6] As a relief pitcher, he had a 2.12 ERA in 17 innings before they moved him into the starting rotation. Kristofak made six starts for Rocket City before an injury ended his season. He began the 2024 season with the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League.[7]
The Angels promoted Kristofak to the major leagues on April 28, 2024.[8] He made his major league debut that day, pitching two innings of relief.[9] Kristofak was designated for assignment by the Angels on May 1,[10] and released by the organization on May 7.[11] On May 17, Kristofak underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his season.[12]
Personal life
editZac has an older brother, Harrison. In December 2012, when Kristofak was 15 years old, his father, John, murdered his mother, Donna. His parents had divorced in August 2011 and his father had been imprisoned in March 2012 for stalking his mother. Kristofak stayed with the family of his neighbor and high school teammate, Carter Kieboom, in the days following the murder.[13] John was sentenced to life in prison in 2013.[14]
References
edit- ^ Writer, Alex MakridesMDJ Sports (June 22, 2016). "Pitcher of the Year: Walton's run to title fueled by Kristofak". Marietta Daily Journal.
- ^ "Kristofak Selected By Los Angeles Angels In The 14th Round". Georgia Bulldogs. June 5, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Zac Kristofak - Profile". pointstreak.com. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Writer, Adia Randall MDJ Sports (June 5, 2019). "Former Walton ace Zac Kristofak leads Day 3 draftees". Marietta Daily Journal.
- ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "Former Trash Pandas pitcher Zac Kristofak called up to Angels". rocketcitynow.com. April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Former Trash Pandas Pitcher Zac Kristofak Called Up To Angels". MiLB.com.
- ^ Fletcher, Jeff (April 28, 2024). "Angels promote Zac Kristofak, who hopes to inspire others who have endured tragedy". Orange County Register. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Kristofak overcomes tragedy, makes MLB debut". MLB.com.
- ^ "Angels Select Willie Calhoun". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Angels Release Zac Kristofak". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Angels' Willie Calhoun says he's back after losing his way". ocregister.com. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ Blum, Sam (September 13, 2013). "His father murdered his mother. Now, an Angels prospect is finding the light". The Athletic. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ Boone, Christian. "Cobb man pleads guilty to killing ex-wife". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
External links
edit- Career statistics from Baseball Reference (Minors)