Boxberger began the 2011 season with the Mudcats,but was promoted to the Louisville Bats of the Class AAAInternational League. He finished the 2011 season with a 2.03 ERA and 11 saves in 55 games combined.[7] He had the best strikeout ratio and lowest batting average against among all qualified Southern League relievers.[8] Boxberger was the top Double-A closer in the minor leagues in 2011.[9]
Boxberger was returned to Tucson on June 26 after five relief appearances. He was called up to the majors again on July 30 when Joe Thatcher was placed on the disabled list[12] and was optioned back to Triple-A on August 22 after eight appearances to make room on the roster for starter Andrew Werner.[13] Boxberger joined the Padres again September 4 and remained with the club through the end of the season. In his time with Tucson,Boxberger posted a 2.70 ERA and 12.9 strike-outs per 9 innings over 37 games in relief.[14] His totals for the 2012 season in 24 games with the Major League club were a 2.60 ERA and 33 strike-outs versus 18 walks in 272⁄3 innings.
Boxberger started the 2013 season with Tucson.[15] He was recalled by the Padres on May 2, and optioned back to Tucson on May 11. The Padres recalled him again on June 2.[16]
Tampa Bay Rays
On January 22, 2014, the Padres traded Boxberger, Logan Forsythe, Matt Lollis, Matt Andriese, and Maxx Tissenbaum to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Alex Torres and Jesse Hahn.[17] During spring training, the Rays optioned Boxberger to the Durham Bulls of the International League.[18] On May 8, 2014, Boxberger entered a game against the Baltimore Orioles in the top of the sixth inning with the bases loaded and no outs. He proceeded to strike out the first three batters he faced on nine total pitches, thus becoming the second Rays pitcher ever to pitch an immaculate inning and the first major-league pitcher known to accomplish the feat with the bases loaded.[19] In 63 games, Boxberger finished with a 2.37 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. He also saved 2 games.
With Jake McGee on the disabled list (DL) at the start of the 2015 season, Boxberger served as the Rays' closer.[20] He successfully converted his first ten save opportunities, and remained the closer after McGee's return.[21] Boxberger was selected for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game.[22] Boxberger finished the season with a 3.71 ERA in 69 appearances, converting 41 of 47 save opportunities to lead the American League.[23]
In his first spring training appearance of 2016, Boxberger tore his adductor brevis muscle, requiring surgery.[24] He began the season on the DL, returning to the Rays on May 30.[25] In his first appearance of the 2016 season, Boxberger strained his left oblique muscle and went back on the DL, not returning until July. He made 27 appearances in 2016.[26]
In the 2017 season, Boxberger was activated off the DL on June 20 after lat muscle and forearm injuries. He was given a setup role behind Álex Colomé.[27] For the second straight season, he endured an injury plagued season, appearing in only 30 games.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On November 30, 2017, the Rays traded Boxberger to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Curtis Taylor.[28] Boxberger won the closer competition in the 2018 spring training and served as the Diamondbacks closer. On September 10, he was removed as closer after a rough patch to begin the month.[29] He had 32 saves at the time of his removal. He finished 3–7 with an ERA of 4.39 in 53+1⁄3 innings.
During MLB Players' Weekend from 2017 through 2019, players were allowed to use nicknames temporarily on the back of their jerseys for select games. In August 2018, Boxberger became the first major leaguer to represent his name in emojis on the back of his uniform. Boxberger used two consecutive emojis of a box and a burger ("📦🍔") as a homophone for his last name,[30][31] an idea he said that his wife had helped create.[32]
On November 30, 2018, the Diamondbacks non-tendered Boxberger and he became a free agent.[33]
Kansas City Royals
On February 7, 2019, the Kansas City Royals signed Boxberger to a one-year contract for $2.2 million, with $1 million in performance bonuses. [34] Boxberger was designated for assignment on June 26 and released on July 3.
Washington Nationals
Boxberger signed a minor-league deal with the Washington Nationals on July 12, 2019. He was assigned to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators.[35] Boxberger was released on August 4, after pitching to a 1.04 ERA over eight games in the minors.[36]
Cincinnati Reds
On August 5, 2019, the Cincinnati Reds signed Boxberger to a minor league deal and optioned him to the Triple-A Louisville Bats. Boxberger was released by the Reds organization on August 23.
Miami Marlins
On February 14, 2020, the Miami Marlins signed Boxberger to a minor league deal with a major league spring training invite. On July 23, Boxberger was selected to the active roster. Boxberger pitched to a 3.00 ERA over 18 innings during the regular season and also pitched 3+1⁄2 scoreless innings in the playoffs.[37]
Milwaukee Brewers
On February 14, 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Boxberger to a minor league contract that included an invitation to major league spring training.[38] On March 26, 2021, Boxberger was released by the Brewers but re-signed with the team on a new minor league contract on March 28.[39] On April 6, 2021, Boxberger was selected to the 40-man roster.[40] In 2021, Boxberger recorded a 3.34 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 64+2⁄3 innings.
On March 13, 2022, Boxberger re-signed with the team on a one-year contract.[41] On November 10, the Brewers declined Boxberger's $3 million option for the 2023 season, making him a free agent.[42]
Chicago Cubs
On December 15, 2022, the Chicago Cubs signed Boxberger to a one-year contract.[43] He began the 2023 season out of Chicago's bullpen, recording a 5.52 ERA across 17 appearances before he was placed on the injured list with a strained right forearm on May 15.[44] He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 4.[45] On September 8, Boxberger was activated from the injured list.[46] He became a free agent following the season.
Pitching style
Early in his major league career, Boxberger was considered a good fit for a late-inning role, either as a setup pitcher or closer.[7] He had a four-seam fastball that ranges from 92–96 miles per hour (148–154km/h), a changeup, a slider he throws at 88 miles per hour (142km/h), and a 12-6 curveball he can throw from 78–81 miles per hour (126–130km/h).[47]
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