Dan Runzler

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dan Runzler
Mota, Runzler, Ramirez, Mota (5747698967) (cropped).jpg
Runzler with the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day in 2011
Milwaukee Milkmen – No. 14
Pitcher/Pitching coach
Born: (1985-03-30) March 30, 1985 (age 36)
Santa Monica, California
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
September 4, 2009, for the San Francisco Giants
Last MLB appearance
October 1, 2017, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
Win–loss record4–2
Earned run average3.89
Strikeouts82
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Daniel Joseph Runzler (born March 30, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who is currently the pitching coach for the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association of Professional Baseball. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2012 and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017.

Born in Santa Monica, California, on March 30, 1985, Runzler attended the University of California, Riverside. A pitcher for the Highlanders, he was twice drafted, first by the Seattle Mariners in 2006, then by the Giants in 2007 after moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen. He signed with the Giants and made his MLB debut in 2009, posting a 1.04 earned run average (ERA) in 11 games. During the Giants' 2010 World Series season, he pitched in a career-high 41 games, going 3–0 with an ERA of 3.03, though the second half of his season was interrupted by a fractured patella. In 2011, the Giants experimented with using him as a starting pitcher, but he posted a 6.26 ERA and spent much of the season in the minor leagues. An injured lat muscle cost him the first two months of 2012, and he only pitched in six games for the Giants in their second World Series season during his time with the club. He did not pitch at all for San Francisco in 2013 and 2014, pitching in the minor leagues until halfway through the 2014 season, when he went to Japan and joined the Orix Buffaloes' secondary affiliate for the rest of the year.

Runzler returned to the United States in 2015, pitching in the minor leagues with various organizations until the Pirates added him to their roster in September 2017. He pitched in eight games for them, then spent the next two years in the minor leagues. In 2021, he accepted a job as the Director of Pitching Development for Sirious Baseball and also became the pitching coach for the Milkmen.

Early years[]

Daniel Joseph Runzler was born on March 30, 1985, in Santa Monica, California.[1] He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he played baseball. Originally, he played first base and right field for Chaminade. Not excelling at either position, he was the only junior ballplayer at Chaminade that had not reached the varsity team. Former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Mark Gubicza took over as Chaminade's varsity coach in 2003 when Runzler was a senior, and Gubicza finally added Runzler to the varsity team–though as a pitcher. Runzler underwent a growth spurt in high school, rising from 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) as a freshman to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) by the time he graduated.[2]

Runzler attended the University of California, Riverside, where he served as a starting pitcher for the Highlanders.[3] Eligible for the 2006 MLB draft after his sophomore season, he was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 17th round (501st overall) but did not sign.[2] That summer, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[4][5] On August 1, he entered a game against the Chatham Athletics in the sixth inning with the bases loaded, two outs, and the Kettleers clinging to a 1–0 lead. Runzler struck out Doug Pickens, ending the threat and preserving the lead in an eventual 2–1 victory that clinched the Western Division title for Cotuit.[6] As a junior in 2007, Runzler began pitching out of the bullpen, which resulted in an improved performance by him.[3] During the Tempe Super Regional, on June 3, 2007, Runzler hit a batter with a pitch with the bases loaded to allow an inherited runner to score, then allowed three runs of his own (though they were all unearned) in an 11–1 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers that eliminated the Highlanders from tournament play.[7] In the 2007 MLB draft, he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 9th round (284th overall). He chose to sign with the Giants on June 18.[1]

Professional career[]

San Francisco Giants[]

Minor leagues (2007–09)[]

Runzler spent most of the 2007 season with the Rookie-level Arizona League Giants. In 15 games, he had a 1–2 record, a 3.44 earned run average (ERA), 24 strikeouts, 6 walks, and 15 hits allowed in 18+1⁄3 innings pitched. He also appeared in one game for the Single-A short season Salem-Keizer Volcanoes of the Northwest League, allowing 1 run in 1 inning of work.[8]

In 2008, Runzler started the season with the Single-A Augusta Greenjackets of the South Atlantic League (SAL) but struggled.[9] In 20 games, he had an 0–1 record, a 5.47 ERA, 26 strikeouts, 19 walks, and 25 hits allowed in 24+2⁄3 innings before getting sent down to Salem-Keizer in midseason.[8][9] In 27 games for the Volcanoes, he had an 0–1 record, a 2.10 ERA, 43 strikeouts, 21 walks, and 19 hits allowed in 30 innings.[8] Runzler pitched through a stress fracture in his right foot during the latter part of the 2008 season, and he arrived at spring training early to help get himself in shape for the 2009 season.[9]

Runzler played for four different teams within the Giants farm system in 2009. He began the season with Augusta, where pitching coach Steve Kline helped him refine his pitching mechanics and focus more on attacking hitters.[9] He earned a spot on the SAL mid-season All-Star team but did not participate in the game because he was promoted to the Single-A advanced San Jose Giants in the California League on June 8.[2] He did not allow a run in his first 15 games with San Jose; combined with his last appearances with Augusta, Runzler threw 32+2⁄3 consecutive scoreless innings.[2] Runzler pitched in 19 games with San Jose before moving up to the Double-A Connecticut Defenders in the Eastern League. After seven appearances for them, he was promoted to the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies in the Pacific Coast League (PCL), with whom he threw two scoreless innings before being called up to the Giants in September when rosters expanded.[8][9] In 47 games across the four minor league levels, he had a 3–1 record, an 0.76 ERA, 83 strikeouts, 24 walks, and 23 hits allowed in 59 innings.[8] For his efforts in the minor leagues, he was named the 2009 This Year in Minor League Baseball Awards "Overall Reliever of the Year".[9]

Major leagues (2009–12)[]

On September 4, 2009, Runzler made his MLB debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out center fielder Jody Gerut on three pitches.[10] With that appearance, Runzler became the first player in Giants' history to play minor league ball at four levels and appear in the major leagues in the same season.[2] Runzler appeared in 11 games with San Francisco in 2009, striking out 11 batters in eight innings with an ERA of 1.04.[2] He did not allow a run until his final outing of the year, on October 2, when Henry Blanco of the San Diego Padres hit a solo home run against him.[9]

Runzler in the Giants' 2010 World Series victory parade

Ranked the fifth-best prospect in the Giants organization by Baseball America in 2010, Runzler made the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career.[2] He got his first major league win on May 4, pitching a scoreless 11th inning and striking out three in a 12-inning, 9–6 victory over the Florida Marlins.[11] His ERA was 5.00 through May 26, but in his next 16 games through July 8, Runzler allowed just one earned run.[12] In the July 8 contest, against the Brewers, Runzler relieved Santiago Casilla with one out in the sixth, the bases loaded, and San Francisco clinging to a 6–3 lead. He struck out Joe Inglett for the second out, then retired pinch-hitter Ryan Braun on a groundout to end the inning. Looking to leave him in for the seventh, Giants manager Bruce Bochy allowed him to have his first MLB at bat in the bottom of the inning. Facing David Riske, Runzler fouled a ball off his knee. Unable to finish the at bat, he was placed on the disabled list with a fractured left patella.[2][13] He returned in September and, though he only made five appearances for the rest of the season, he did not allow a run.[12] In 41 games, he had a 3–0 record, a 3.03 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 20 walks, and 29 hits allowed in 32+2⁄3 innings.[1] He was left off the playoff roster as the Giants won their first World Series since 1954.[14][15]

Runzler began 2011 with the Giants but struggled, posting a 6.41 ERA in his first 18 games. On May 28, he was optioned to Fresno to make room for Casilla, who was activated from the disabled list.[16][17] While he was in Fresno, the Giants experimented with using him as a starter, though sportswriter Andrew Baggarly thought the move was a temporary one meant to get him more time on the mound.[18] On August 16, Runzler was recalled when Sergio Romo was placed on the disabled list.[19] Runzler was called on to make a spot start on August 21 after Jonathan Sánchez was injured.[20] He gave up four runs in only 1+2⁄3 innings against the Houston Astros, but the Giants ultimately won 6–4 in 11 innings.[21] Afterwards, Eric Surkamp was called up to join the rotation. Both pitchers were sent to Fresno on August 28 to make room for Romo and Andrés Torres to return from the disabled list, but they were recalled on September 6 after rosters had expanded.[2][16][22][23][24] In 17 games (10 starts) for Fresno, Runzler had a 2–3 record, a 3.98 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 32 walks, and 47 walks in 52 innings.[8] He did not allow a run in 11 September appearances with San Francisco, lowing his ERA by 1.51.[16] Runzler had to exit the final game of the season on September 28 with what was later diagnosed as a torn latissimus dorsi muscle.[2][25] In 31 games, he had a 1–2 record, a 6.26 ERA, 25 strikeouts, 16 walks, and 29 hits allowed in 27+1⁄3 innings pitched.[1]

After aggravating his lat muscle injury during the first week of 2012 spring training, Runzler began the season on the disabled list.[26] He rehabbed in extended spring training and with San Jose before being activated from the disabled list and assigned to Fresno on June 27.[2] In 29 games for Fresno, he had an 0–2 record, a 6.00 ERA, 33 strikeouts, 14 walks, and 36 hits allowed in 27 innings.[8] He was called up on September 4 after rosters expanded.[27] He pitched scoreless ball in six outings with the club, striking out five, walking three, and allowing one hit in 3+2⁄3 innings.[1] He was not on the roster as the Giants won their second World Series in three years.[28][29] After the season, he pitched for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League. In 10 games, he had a 1–1 record, a 3.38 ERA, 11 strikeouts, seven walks, and six hits allowed in eight innings.[8]

Minor leagues (2013–14)[]

An unlikely candidate to make the Giants roster in 2013, as the ballclub already had three left-handed relievers, Runzler was optioned to Fresno on March 24.[30] In 51 games for the Grizzlies, he had a 3–7 record, a 5.68 ERA, 50 strikeouts, 37 walks, and 58 hits allowed in 52+1⁄3 innings.[8] He was designated for assignment on September 3 and outrighted to the Grizzlies three days later. Runzler posted on Twitter, "Thank you for the opportunity to play here. I’ve met a lot of good people and made some great friends. I wish the players, coaches and organization nothing but the best.”[2][31]

Runzler was invited to spring training in 2014 but returned to Fresno to start the season.[2] In 39 games, he had a 1–5 record, a 3.30 ERA, 53 strikeouts, 36 walks, and 38 hits allowed in 46+1⁄3 innings.[8] He was released on July 30 so he could play for a team in Japan.[32]

Orix Buffaloes[]

The same day as his release, Runzler signed with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.[32] Runzler did not appear with Orix's main club, but did appear in 6 games in the Japan Western League. He registered a 4.50 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 10 innings of work.[8]

Journeyman[]

On December 16, 2014, Runzler signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[2] In 39 games for the PCL's Reno Aces in 2015, he had an 0–1 record, a 5.26 ERA, 40 strikeouts, 28 walks, and 48 hits allowed in 37+2⁄3 innings.[8] He was released on July 30.[2]

On November 4, 2015, Runzler signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins that included an invitation to spring training.[2][33] He began the 2016 season with the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings of the International League. In 20 games, he had a 1–2 record, a 5.82 ERA, 18 strikeouts, 16 walks, and 24 hits allowed in 21+2⁄3 innings.[8] On June 22, 2016, Runzler was released.[34] He then signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[33] In 33 games, he had an 0–1 record, a 1.95 ERA, 29 strikeouts, 10 walks, and 36 hits allowed in 27⁄3 innings.[8]

Pittsburgh Pirates[]

Runzler signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 1, 2016.[33] He spent most of the year with the PCL's Indianapolis Indians. In 40 games, he had a 1–4 record, a 3.05 ERA, 36 strikeouts, 22 walks, and 43 hits allowed in 41+1⁄3 innings.[8] On September 10, the Pirates purchased his contract, returning him to the major leagues for the first time since 2012.[35] He did not allow a run in his first six outings, then gave up two runs in 2⁄3 of an inning against the Washington Nationals on September 29.[36] In Pittsburgh's last game of the year, on October 1, Runzler got two outs in the ninth and would have finished the inning, but an error by José Osuna allowed Wilmer Difo to reach, and Runzler gave up two runs before George Kontos entered to get the last out. Pittsburgh still won 11–8.[37] In eight games for Pittsburgh, Runzler had no record, a 4.50 ERA, four strikeouts, two walks, and seven hits allowed in four innings pitched.[1] He became a free agent on November 6.[1]

Journeyman[]

On February 5, 2018, Runzler signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.[38] However, he was released on March 11.[39] He would spend the 2018 season in a second stint with the Skeeters. In 53 games, he had a 4–2 record, a 2.81 ERA, 58 strikeouts, 27 walks, and 46 hits allowed in 48 innings.[8]

On February 1, 2019, Runzler signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox.[40] He was assigned to the Pawtucket Red Sox of the International League on April 3.[41] In 22 games, he had a 1–1 record, a 5.40 ERA, 22 strikeouts, 15 walks, and 26 hits allowed in 26+2⁄3 innings pitched.[8] He was released on July 15.[1] Seven days later, Runzler signed with the Skeeters for a third stint.[2] In 16 games, he had a 1–0 record, a 1.15 ERA, 17 strikeouts, three walks, and 17 hits allowed in 15+2⁄3 innings pitched.[8] He became a free agent following the season.[2]

On February 18, 2020, Runzler signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.[2] However, the entire 2020 Mexican League season was cancelled because of the impact of COVID-19.[42] On March 5, 2021, Runzler was released by the Sultanes.[2]

Career statistics[]

Runzler pitched in the major leagues for parts of five seasons: four with the Giants (2009–12) and one with the Pirates (2017). In 97 games, he had a 4–2 record, a 3.89 ERA, 82 strikeouts, 46 walks, and 72 hits allowed in 76+1⁄3 innings pitched. The Giants experimented with using him as a starter in 2011, but only one of his MLB appearances was a start.[1][18] Though the Giants once thought he might be a closer, he never had a major league save.[1][43] The Giants won the World Series in two out of his four seasons with them, though he was not a part of the postseason roster either time.[1]

Pitching style[]

Runzler threw three pitches: a fastball, a slider, and a changeup. In 2009, he threw a curveball 3.2 % of that time, but he stopped throwing it again until 2012, when he threw it 12.7% of the time. The fastball (75.5%) and slider (22.5%) were his main pitches, as he only threw the changeup 1% of the time during his career.[44] Because Runzler's fastball travelled in the mid-90mph range (approximately 145 km/h), the Giants thought he might be a future closer.[31][43] However, control problems prevented him from remaining in the major leagues.[32]

Personal life and coaching career[]

On November 19, 2011, Runzler married Michelle Phalen, a sports reporter for KSWB-TV in Salinas, California. Originally from Scotts Valley, California, Michelle played tennis at Occidental College.[2][45][46]

After the Sultanes released him, Runzler took a job with Sirious Baseball, a youth and high school baseball training organization in Campbell, California, as the Director of Pitching Development.[47] On April 9, 2021, Runzler was hired as the pitching coach for the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.[48] He will continue to work with Sirious during the offseason.[47]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Dan Runzler Stats". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Dan Runzler Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved August 28, 2021. (Note: May need to click "View More Bio Info+" for some information.)
  3. ^ a b Manuel, John (May 27, 2007). "2007 MLB Draft: California Prospect Rankings". Baseball America. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  4. ^ "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  5. ^ "2006 Cotuit Kettleers". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  6. ^ Kerr, Megan (August 1, 2006). "Smoak Solo Shot Enough to Help Cotuit to 2-1 Win Over A's". Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  7. ^ "Huskers Reach Regional Title Game with 11-1 Win". Nebraska Cornhuskers. June 3, 2007. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Dan Runzler Minor, Fall, Japanese, & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Winston, Lisa (December 30, 2009). "Runzler easy Reliever of the Year pick: After injury, left-hander limited opponents to .116 average". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2011.
  10. ^ "Giants pick up rare Miller Park win after Molina pounces on Brewers in 8th". ESPN. September 5, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  11. ^ "Bullpen loses Lincecum's effort but Rowand, Huff put away Marlins in 12 innings". ESPN. May 4, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  12. ^ a b "Dan Runzler 2010 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  13. ^ "Runzler Injures Knee Swinging Bat". Fox Sports. July 8, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  14. ^ Baggarly, Andy (October 7, 2010). "Updated:Giants release Division Series roster — and Jose Guillen isn't on it". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  15. ^ Haft, Chris (October 2, 2010). "Giants win the Series! Giants win the Series!". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
  16. ^ a b c "Dan Runzler 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  17. ^ Baggarly, Andrew (May 28, 2011). "Giants lineup for Saturday". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Baggarly, Andrew (July 23, 2011). "Postgame Notes: Brian Wilson's five-pitch save ends a playoff-charged night, SF fans toy with Plush, Runzler drawing attention". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  19. ^ "Banged-Up Giants Put OF Beltran, RHP Romo On DL". CBS SF Bay Area. August 16, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  20. ^ Baggarly, Andrew (August 23, 2011). "Updated: Carlos Beltran activated (with comments), Schierholtz has a fractured foot, J. Sanchez won't make his next start, Romo-Wilson-Panda updates". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  21. ^ "Pablo Sandoval's two-run homer lifts slumping Giants in 11". ESPN. August 21, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  22. ^ "Eric Surkamp 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  23. ^ Steward, Carl (August 26, 2011). "It's official: Surkamp coming up to start Saturday, plus pre-game medical reports". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  24. ^ "Jonathan Sanchez not improving". ESPN. August 28, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  25. ^ "Kevin Kouzmanoff leads Rockies past Giants". ESPN. September 28, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Giants Release Fontenot, Place Sanchez On DL". CBS 13 Sacramento. March 30, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  27. ^ Steward, Carl (September 4, 2012). "Tuesday's lineup: Vogey vs. Kennedy, more reinforcements in Otero, Runzler, Burriss". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  28. ^ "Giants Announce Roster For 2012 World Series". MLB.com. October 24, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  29. ^ "2012 World Series Game 4, Giants at Tigers, October 28". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  30. ^ Schulman, Henry (March 24, 2013). "Dan Runzler takes demotion hard". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  31. ^ a b Pavlovic, Alex (September 3, 2013). "Runzler, Tanaka designated for assignment". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  32. ^ a b c Gleeman, Aaron (July 31, 2014). "Dan Runzler leaves the Giants to go to Japan". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  33. ^ a b c "Pirates sign two minor league free agents". The Bradenton Herald. November 30, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  34. ^ Polishuk, Mark (December 24, 2014). "Minor Moves: Mijares, Bowden, Runzler". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 25, 2014.
  35. ^ "Pirates' Dan Runzler: Headed to majors". CBS Sports. September 10, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  36. ^ "Dan Runzler 2017 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  37. ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals Box Score, October 1, 2017". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  38. ^ "Rays' Dan Runzler: Signs minor-league deal with Rays". CBSSports.com. February 5, 2018. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  39. ^ Byrne, Connor (March 11, 2018). "Minor MLB Transactions: 3/11/18". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  40. ^ Todd, Jeff (February 1, 2019). "Red Sox To Sign Dan Runzler". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  41. ^ "Dan Runzler Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  42. ^ Todd, Jeff (July 1, 2020). "Mexican League Cancels 2020 Season". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  43. ^ a b Wardell, Peter. "San Francisco Giants: Who Will Make the 25-Man Roster?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  44. ^ "Dan Runzler - Stats". Fangraphs. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  45. ^ Star, Charlie (June 11, 2017). "Major League Baseball's most alluring wives and girlfriends". Kiwi Report. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  46. ^ "Michelle Phalen: Bio, Age, Dan Runzler Wife". Unfolded Magazine. February 23, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  47. ^ a b "Dan Runzler". Sirious Baseball. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  48. ^ @MKEMilkmen (April 9, 2021). "Introducing our new Pitching Coach" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""