Nathan Eovaldi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nathan Eovaldi
Nathan Eovaldi Red Sox.jpg
Eovaldi with the Boston Red Sox in 2018
Boston Red Sox – No. 17
Pitcher
Born: (1990-02-13) February 13, 1990 (age 31)
Alvin, Texas
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 6, 2011, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record61–65
Earned run average4.19
Strikeouts957
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Nathan Edward Eovaldi (/ɛˈvældi/ ev-AL-dee; born February 13, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays. With the Red Sox, Eovaldi was a World Series champion in 2018 and an All-Star in 2021.

Baseball career[]

Eovaldi attended Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas, where he played for the school's baseball team. Eovaldi had Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during his junior year of high school.[1][2] In 2008, Eovaldi's senior year, he was an honorable mention on Texas' All-State team.[3] He committed to attend Texas A&M University on a college baseball scholarship.[2]

Los Angeles Dodgers[]

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Eovaldi in the 11th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His draft stock had fallen because of his first Tommy John surgery. Eovaldi signed with the Dodgers, receiving a $250,000 signing bonus, forgoing his commitment to Texas A&M.[2] He made his way through the Dodgers' farm system, pitching for the Gulf Coast Dodgers of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2008 and the Great Lakes Loons of the Class A Midwest League in 2009. In 2010, with the Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino of the Class A-Advanced California League, Eovaldi was selected to the mid-season California League all-star team. Eovaldi was promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Class AA Southern League in 2011 and was selected to the mid-season all-star game. He had a 6–5 win–loss record with a 2.62 earned run average (ERA) for the Lookouts, where he started 19 games. He was also selected to the post-season All-Star team.[4]

Eovaldi pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012

Eovaldi was called up to the majors for the first time on August 6, 2011, and was the starting pitcher that night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.[5] In the game, he picked up the win, while pitching five innings, allowing only two runs while striking out seven. He also hit a single in his first major league at bat and scored a run. His seven strikeouts were tied for fourth in Dodgers' history for a major league debut and he was only the fourth Dodger pitcher to score a run in his debut since 1960.[6] Eovaldi became the first Dodger starter since Danny McDevitt in the 1957 season to start his career with four games of five innings or more while allowing two runs or less.[7] He made 6 starts for the Dodgers and was then moved to the bullpen in order to keep his innings down for the season.[8] He pitched in four games out of the bullpen late in the season. His 2011 totals included a 1–2 record and 3.63 ERA.[9]

After beginning the 2012 season with Chattanooga, Eovaldi made his first appearance of the season for the Dodgers on May 29 when he started against the Milwaukee Brewers. He had four strikeouts, allowed 4 hits and 2 runs through 7 innings in a 1–2 loss. In 10 starts with the Dodgers, he had a 1–6 record with a 4.15 ERA.[10]

Miami Marlins[]

On July 25, 2012, Eovaldi was traded, along with minor league pitcher Scott McGough, to the Miami Marlins for Hanley Ramírez and Randy Choate. In his first game with the Marlins, he got the win vs the San Diego Padres on July 28.[11] He started 12 games for the Marlins in 2012, with a 3–7 record and 4.43 ERA. He finished the season with a 4–13 record in 22 games with a 4.30 ERA, a 1.51 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) ratio, 47 walks, and 78 strikeouts in 119+13 innings pitched.[10]

In 2013, Eovaldi had a 4–6 record with a 3.39 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 18 starts.

In 2014, Eovaldi had a 6–14 record with a 4.37 ERA. He allowed 223 hits, the most in the National League. He set new career highs with 33 games started and 199+23 innings pitched.[12]

New York Yankees[]

Eovaldi with the New York Yankees

On December 19, 2014, the Marlins traded Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and Domingo Germán to the New York Yankees for Martín Prado and David Phelps.[13]

Eovaldi made his first start for the Yankees on April 10, 2015, against the Boston Red Sox, where he pitched 5+13 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. He was credited with a no decision as the Yankees lost to the Red Sox, 6–5 in 19 innings.[14] Eovaldi developed a split-finger fastball, which led to improved results.[15] From June 20 through August 24, Eovaldi pitched to an 8–0 record with a 2.93 ERA.[16] In September, Eovaldi experienced elbow inflammation, ending his regular season.[17] For the 2015 Yankees, Eovaldi went 14–3 with a 4.20 ERA, pitching 154+13 innings in 27 starts. Eovaldi was prepared to pitch in the ALDS, but the Yankees were eliminated in the Wild Card Game.[18]

On August 16, 2016, it was announced that Eovaldi would miss the remainder of the 2016 season due to a torn flexor tendon and partially-torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching (right) elbow.[19] Several days later, the Yankees announced that Eovaldi had undergone his second Tommy John surgery.[20] With the 2016 Yankees, Eovaldi made 24 appearances (21 starts), registering a 9–8 record with 4.76 ERA in 124+23 innings pitched. He was expected to miss the 2017 season, after which he would have become eligible for free agency.[21] On November 23, the Yankees released Eovaldi.[22]

Tampa Bay Rays[]

On February 14, 2017, Eovaldi signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays; the contract included a $2 million club option for the 2018 season. Eovaldi missed the entire 2017 season due to recovery from his prior elbow surgery.[23][24] The Rays exercised the option going into the 2018 season.[25]

On March 28, 2018, it was revealed that Eovaldi was diagnosed with "loose bodies" in his elbow, and was ruled out indefinitely.[26] On May 30, almost a year and a half since his last start, Eovaldi pitched against the Oakland Athletics, throwing six no-hit innings before being taken out due to pitch count considerations. With the 2018 Rays, Eovaldi made 10 appearances (all starts) with a 4.26 ERA and 3–4 record, while recording 53 strikeouts and eight walks in 57 innings pitched.

Boston Red Sox[]

2018[]

On July 25, 2018, the Rays traded Eovaldi to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Jalen Beeks.[27] Eovaldi made his Red Sox debut on July 29, going seven innings without giving up a run, as the Red Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins 3–0.[28] With the 2018 Red Sox, Eovaldi made 12 appearances (11 starts) with a 3.33 ERA and 3–3 record, striking out 48 in 54 innings.

In the 2018 playoffs, Eovaldi pitched seven innings in Game 3 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees, which the Red Sox won 16–1, giving the Yankees their most lopsided loss in postseason history.[29] In Game 3 of the League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, Eovaldi pitched six innings, allowing just two runs, as the Red Sox won 8–2. Eovaldi also pitched 1+13 innings of relief in Game 5 as Boston clinched the series win.[30]

In the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Eovaldi pitched eight shutout innings in Games 1 and 2. Although he was originally slated to start Game 4,[31] Eovaldi ended up the final reliever in the 18-inning marathon Game 3, the longest game in World Series history. Eovaldi threw 97 pitches over six innings of relief before giving up a walk-off home run to Max Muncy, which made him the losing pitcher. Eovaldi allowed three hits and one earned run, while throwing 36 more pitches than starter Rick Porcello. Eovaldi's 97 pitches set the record for the most in a World Series game by a reliever, and he became the first reliever to throw 6+ innings in a World Series game since Rick Rhoden did so in 1977.[32] In the 13th inning, Boston had taken the lead but an error by Ian Kinsler allowed Los Angeles to tie the score, for which Kinsler later apologized to Eovaldi. Eovaldi received a standing ovation in Boston's clubhouse after the game.[33][34] The Red Sox went on to win the next two games, winning the World Series in five games.[35] After the World Series, Eovaldi filed for free agency. On December 6, 2018, Eovaldi signed a four-year, $68 million contract to return to the Red Sox.[36]

2019[]

Eovaldi started the 2019 season with a 6.00 ERA in four starts, all no decisions, before being placed on the injured list on April 20 due to a "loose body" (typically bone fragments) in his pitching (right) elbow.[37] The Red Sox subsequently announced that Eovaldi would have surgery on April 23, and expected him to be out from four to six weeks.[38] On June 25, Eovaldi was moved to the 60-day injured list.[39] In early July, it was reported that the Red Sox would use Eovaldi in a closer role upon his return.[40] He was sent on a rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox on July 18, and was activated two days later.[41] Eovaldi made four relief appearances with Boston in late July, allowing five earned runs in 3+23 innings pitched. The Red Sox subsequently listed Brandon Workman as the closer on the team's depth chart.[42][43] In mid-August, it was announced that Eovaldi would return to being a starter for the remainder of the season.[44] Overall for the 2019 season, Eovaldi made 23 appearances (12 starts), recording a 5.99 ERA and 2–1 record with 70 strikeouts in 67+23 innings.

2020[]

For the 2020 season, Eovaldi was named Boston's Opening Day starter (delayed into July due to the COVID-19 pandemic) by manager Ron Roenicke.[45] Eovaldi got the win in that game, pitching six innings while allowing five hits and one run, while striking out four batters, as the Red Sox defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 13–2.[46] On August 29, Eovaldi was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 26, due to a right calf strain;[47] he returned to the active roster on September 12.[48] Overall with the 2020 Red Sox, Eovaldi appeared in nine games (all starts), compiling a 4–2 record with 3.72 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 48+13 innings pitched.[10]

2021[]

Eovaldi was Boston's Opening Day starter for the second year in a row,[49] taking the loss as the Red Sox fell to the Orioles, 3–0.[50] On July 4, he was named to the American League roster for the MLB All-Star Game.[51] He finished the 2021 season with an 11–9 record, a 3.75 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 182+13 innings. He gave up the fewest walks per nine innings of any major league pitcher, at 1.73.[52] His 54 doubles allowed also led the major leagues.[53]

Eovaldi was the winning pitcher in the AL Wild Card Game, striking out eight batters and giving up four hits and one run in 5+13 innings over the Yankees.[54] He made one start in the Division Series, a no decision against Tampa Bay, and three appearances (two starts) in the League Championship Series, going 1–2 against Houston as the Red Sox were defeated in six games.[10] Eovaldi finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting after the season.[55]

Personal life[]

Eovaldi and his wife, Rebekah, have one son and one daughter and reside in Houston.[56]

References[]

  1. ^ "Tommy John surgery is rising among young pitchers". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c "Dodgers to promote Eovaldi for Saturday start". MLB.com. August 5, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  3. ^ "Several area baseball players earn all-state honors". The Daily Sentinel. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  4. ^ Wild, Danny (August 31, 2011). "Goldschmidt among Southern Stars". milb.com. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  5. ^ "Dodgers call up Nathan Eovaldi; expected to start Saturday [Updated]". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  6. ^ Gurnick, Ken (August 7, 2011). "Confident Eovaldi wins debut for Dodgers". MLB.com. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  7. ^ Stephen, Eric (August 22, 2011). "Dodgers Handed Opportunities In 9th, Take Advantage To Beat Cardinals". truebluela.com. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  8. ^ "Dodgers Notebook: August 18, 2011". MLB.com. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  9. ^ "Dodgers like glimpse of future as Nathan Eovaldi shines". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  10. ^ a b c d "Nathan Eovaldi Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  11. ^ Gurnick, Ken (July 25, 2012). "Source: Dodgers acquire Hanley from Marlins". MLB.com. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  12. ^ McCarron, Anthony (December 20, 2014). "New Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi hopes to follow footsteps of hometown hero Nolan Ryan". New York Daily News. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  13. ^ "New York Yankees trade Martin Prado to Miami Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi – ESPN New York". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  14. ^ Feinsand, Mark. "Eovaldi makes first Yankees start, Red Sox win 6–5 in 19 innings". New York Daily News. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  15. ^ King III, George A. (July 26, 2015). "Perfecting one pitch has taken Nathan Eovaldi to 'another level'". New York Post. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  16. ^ Kuty, Brendan (September 8, 2015). "No guarantees Yankees' Nathan Eovaldi returns in 2015, Brian Cashman says". NJ.com. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  17. ^ Hatch, Ryan (September 8, 2015). "Yankees' Nathan Eovaldi on elbow injury: 'Worst timing possible'". NJ.com. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  18. ^ Sherman, Joel (October 7, 2015). "Yankees answer lingering questions on Nova, Eovaldi". New York Post. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  19. ^ Axisa, Mike (August 16, 2016). "Nathan Eovaldi to have surgery for torn flexor tendon and partially torn UCL". River Ave Blues. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  20. ^ Hatch, Ryan. "Yankees' Nathan Eovaldi undergoes 2nd Tommy John surgery". nj.com. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  21. ^ Popper, Daniel (August 17, 2016). "Nathan Eovaldi expected to miss all of 2017 as Yankees righthander has torn flexor tendon, partially torn UCL". New York Daily News. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  22. ^ Hoch, Bryan (November 23, 2016). "Eovaldi among three pitchers released by Yanks". MLB.com. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  23. ^ Chastain, Bill (February 14, 2017). "Eovaldi joins Rays at spring camp". MLB.com. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  24. ^ "Rays finalize $2M, 1-year deal with injured Nathan Eovaldi". Arizona Daily Sun. February 14, 2017. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  25. ^ "Rays exercise option on RHP Eovaldi for next season". USA Today. AP. November 6, 2017.
  26. ^ "Rays' Nathan Eovaldi to have another elbow surgery, out indefinitely". ESPN. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  27. ^ "Nathan Eovaldi Traded to Red Sox, Rays Acquire Jalen Beeks". Bleacher Report. July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  28. ^ "Twins vs. Red Sox - Box Score". ESPN. July 29, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2018.
  29. ^ Fitzpatrick, Mike (October 8, 2018). "Eovaldi Goes Seven Strong, Holt Hits For Cycle As Red Sox Blow Out Yankees 16-1 In ALDS Game 3". CBS Boston. Associated Press. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  30. ^ Schoenfield, David (October 16, 2018). "Brasier, Eovaldi rise to moment for Red Sox in Game 3". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  31. ^ "World Series 2018: Red Sox's Nathan Eovaldi has a game for the ages, even as losing pitcher". Sporting News. October 27, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  32. ^ Silverman, Michael (October 27, 2018). "Nathan Eovaldi's legend grows after 'amazing' effort". Boston Herald. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  33. ^ Browne, Ian (May 24, 2018). "Nathan Eovaldi a Red Sox hero in Game 3". MLB.com. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  34. ^ "Rick Porcello Cried After Watching Nathan Eovaldi's Performance in World Series | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights". Bleacher Report. October 27, 2018. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  35. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (May 24, 2018). "Red Sox win 2018 World Series title". MLB.com. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  36. ^ Browne, Ian (December 6, 2018). "Eovaldi, Red Sox agree to 4-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  37. ^ Abraham, Peter (April 20, 2019). "Red Sox place Nathan Eovaldi on injured list with 'loose body' in his elbow". The Boston Globe. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  38. ^ Powtak, Ken (April 22, 2019). "Eovaldi to have elbow surgery, expected out 4-6 weeks". Boston.com. AP. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  39. ^ "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. June 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  40. ^ "Nathan Eovaldi To Be Red Sox Closer, Report Says". CBS Sports. July 2, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  41. ^ "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. July 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  42. ^ "Boston Red Sox Depth Chart". MLB.com. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  43. ^ Browne, Ian (August 4, 2019). "Red Sox 'comfortable' using Workman as closer". MLB.com. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  44. ^ Byrne, Connor (August 13, 2019). "Nathan Eovaldi Returning To Boston's Rotation". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  45. ^ Mastrodonato, Jason (July 18, 2020). "Red Sox name Nathan Eovaldi opening day starter, rule out Eduardo Rodriguez". Boston Herald. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  46. ^ "Orioles vs. Red Sox". ESPN.com. July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  47. ^ "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. August 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  48. ^ "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. September 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  49. ^ Goss, Nick (March 26, 2021). "Eovaldi to replace E-Rod as Red Sox Opening Day starter". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  50. ^ "Orioles 3, Red Sox 0 (Final Score)". MLB.com. April 2, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  51. ^ "All-Star Game rosters: Who's going to Coors?". MLB.com. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  52. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2021 » Pitchers » Dashboard | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com.
  53. ^ "2021 Major League Baseball Batting Against". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  54. ^ "2021 American League Wild Card (ALWC) Game 1, Yankees at Red Sox, October 5". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  55. ^ Mizgala, Brendan. "Red Sox: Nathan Eovaldi's Cy Young finish caps off career season". BoSox Injection. Fansided. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  56. ^ "Nathan Eovaldi is so worry-free, even his wife wonders how he's so laid-back". masslive. March 27, 2019.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""