Brian Duensing

Last updated

Brian Duensing
Brian Duensing 2017.jpg
Duensing pitching for the Chicago Cubs in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1983-02-22) February 22, 1983 (age 41)
Marysville, Kansas, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 10, 2009, for the Minnesota Twins
Last MLB appearance
September 24, 2018, for the Chicago Cubs
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Baseball World Cup
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2007 Tianmu Team
Olympic Games
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2008 Beijing Team

Brian Matthew Duensing (born February 22, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs.

Contents

Amateur career

High school

Duensing went to Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned second-team All-State honors in both his junior and senior years. His senior year he batted .429, and went 2–2 with a 3.78 earned run average on the mound. His combined record in two seasons of American Legion ball was 16–3 with 141 strikeouts. He had a 0.74 ERA, and a .522 batting average his second season.

College

Duensing was a college teammate of New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain and Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon at the University of Nebraska.

YearERAWLGIPERBBK
20024.73621878.0412560
20032.4230422.16624
20053.00802384.0282852
Total3.6617245184.17559136

In 2002 as a freshman, Duensing went 6–2 with a 4.73 ERA and 60 strikeouts (versus 25 walks) in 78 innings over 18 appearances (12 starts). He replaced Shane Komine in the starting rotation in Big 12 play while Komine was injured. He won 6 games in a row before losing to Richmond in the Super Regional. He helped the Huskers reach the 2002 College World Series throwing 11.2 consecutive scoreless innings in the NCAA Regional and Super Regional until allowing three runs in the 9th inning. He was an honorable-mention freshman all-American and was on the Big 12 all-freshman team.

His 2003 season was cut short by of an elbow injury that required surgery. He had gone 3–0 over four starts with a 2.42 ERA and 24 strikeouts versus six walks. After sitting 2004 out as a medical redshirt having Tommy John surgery, Duensing had a breakout season going 8–0 in 2005 with a 2.60 ERA in 21 appearances. He threw 15 consecutive shutout innings in the Big 12 baseball tournament and helped the Huskers reach the 2005 College World Series 50 miles away. [1]

Professional career

Duensing during his tenure with the Rochester Red Wings, Triple A affiliates of the Minnesota Twins, in 2008 BrianDuensing.jpg
Duensing during his tenure with the Rochester Red Wings, Triple A affiliates of the Minnesota Twins, in 2008

Minor League

Duensing was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 3rd round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft. After he was drafted, he played for the rookie team Elizabethton Twins, going 4–3 with a 2.32 ERA and striking out 55. In 2006, he went 5–10 in 28 games with a 3.49 ERA with 3 teams, the AA New Britain Rock Cats, A Fort Myers Miracle and A Beloit Snappers. In 2007, he played part of the season with the Rock Cats going 4–1. He was then promoted to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, where he went 11–5 with 3 complete games, 3.24 ERA and 86 strikeouts for the rest of the season. [2]

USA Baseball Olympic Team

Duensing was 5–11 with a 4.32 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 23 starts with the Red Wings in 2008 before ending his season in order to represent the United States at the 2008 Olympics. [3] He posted Brian's Baseball Blog from Beijing to give fans personal insight to the games from a player's perspective. [4]

In his only appearance, on August 16, Duensing pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win for team USA against Canada. He gave up only one hit while striking out three.

Minnesota Twins

An injury to Twins pitcher Scott Baker opened a spot for Duensing on the Twins' 2009 opening day roster. [5] He made his major league debut on April 10, giving up a two-run home run to Carlos Quentin for his only earned runs in three innings pitched in the Twins' 12–5 victory over the Chicago White Sox. [6] He was returned to Rochester on the 14th when Baker returned from the disabled list. [7] While he was back in triple-A he went 4–6 with a 4.66 ERA in 13 starts at Rochester. The Twins recalled Duensing up on July 2, sending down Sean Henn to Rochester. [8] The next day he made his second appearance of the season, relieving 32⁄3 innings, allowing one run on one hit while walking one and striking out two against the Detroit Tigers. [9] On July 29, Duensing made his first major league start, against the Chicago White Sox, filling in for Francisco Liriano, who was scratched with inflammation in his left forearm. He went 5 innings, giving up 2 runs, which were both home runs, on 3 hits in a no decision. [10] Duensing got his first major league win on August 22 against the Kansas City Royals. [11] He won his following start going a career best 7 innings striking out 8 batters. [12] Duensing started for the Twins in game 1 of the 2009 ALDS against CC Sabathia and the New York Yankees.

On July 21, 2010, Duensing was inserted into the starting rotation in place of Nick Blackburn. Blackburn was sent to the bullpen. On August 14, 2010, Duensing pitched his first career shutout vs. Trevor Cahill and the Oakland Athletics. After the Twins clinched the division title on September 20, 2010, Duensing was announced the third starter in the Twins' postseason rotation. Duensing had an impressive 2010 season, pitching to a record of 10–3 with a 2.62 ERA. He was given the third starting spot in the Twins' playoff rotation, but pitched poorly, going just 3.1 innings while giving up 5 runs.

Duensing pitching for the Minnesota Twins in 2013 Brian Duensing on April 5, 2013.jpg
Duensing pitching for the Minnesota Twins in 2013

Duensing was given the third spot in the starting rotation for the 2011 season. While his season did have some bright moments, including his July shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays, Duensing's pitching did not live up to the potential that he had shown in the later parts of 2010. He missed some starts with oblique strain, and ended the year with a 9–14 record and a 5.23 ERA.

Duensing split the 2012 season between the bullpen and the rotation, making 11 starts and 44 appearances out of the bullpen. He finished with an ERA of 5.12 and a 4–12 record.

In 2013, Duensing pitched exclusively out of the bullpen the whole year and had a 3.98 ERA in 73 games. He also notched his first career save during the season, finishing also with a 6–2 record. On August 9, 2013, Duensing won both games of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox. [13] Duensing continued to pitch exclusively out of the bullpen in 2014 for the Twins, posting a 3–3 record, with a 3.31 ERA in 62 games.

On January 24, 2015, the Twins and Duensing agreed to a $2.7 million contract for 2015. [14] That season, Duensing posted a 4–1 record and 4.25 ERA in 55 appearances out of the bullpen. He became a free agent following the season.

Kansas City Royals

On February 18, 2016, the Kansas City Royals signed Duensing to a minor league contract. He was released on March 28, [15] and signed to re-signed to a minor league deal on April 1. [16] He opted out on May 17, 2016.

Baltimore Orioles

On May 23, 2016, Duensing signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization. [17] He was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides upon signing. On June 2, Duensing was selected to the active roster. Duensing was placed on the injured list on June 22 with left elbow inflammation, and rehabbed the injury with the Double-A Bowie Baysox and the rookie-level GCL Orioles before being activated on September 5. [18] In 14 big league games with Baltimore, Duensing recorded a 4.05 ERA with 10 strikeouts. He became a free agent following the season.

Chicago Cubs

On December 2, 2016, Duensing signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. [19] In his 2017 campaign, he went 1–1 with a 2.74 ERA.

On January 17, 2018, Duensing re-signed with the Cubs on a two-year, $7 million contract. [20] Duensing pitched to a career worst 7.65 ERA in 37+2⁄3 innings.

On March 24, 2019, Duensing was designated for assignment by Chicago. [21] He was outrighted to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on March 28. [22] He was released by the Cubs on June 20 after posting a 6.92 ERA in 12 appearances with Iowa. [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlos Silva (baseball)</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1979)

Carlos Silva is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies (2002–2003), Minnesota Twins (2004–2007), Seattle Mariners (2008–2009), and Chicago Cubs (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freddy García</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1976)

Freddy Antonio García is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher. He is best known for his many seasons with seven Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises, including the Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. Garcia has also pitched in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), Mexican League, and Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rich Hill (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1980)

Richard Joseph Hill, nicknamed "Dick Mountain", is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres. He has played during each MLB season from 2005 through 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Baker (right-handed pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

Timothy Scott Baker is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher. He stands 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and weighs 215 pounds (98 kg). He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He bats and throws right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Piñeiro</span> Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1978)

Joel Alberto Piñeiro is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He officially retired after appearing on the 2017 World Baseball Classic roster for Puerto Rico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moe Drabowsky</span> American baseball player (1935–2006)

Myron Walter Drabowsky was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago White Sox. A noted practical joker, Drabowsky engaged in such antics as leaving snakes in teammates' lockers or phoning the opposing team's bullpen to tell a pitcher to warm up. He batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wesley Wright</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Dequam LaWesley Wright 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Blackburn</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Robert Nicholas Blackburn is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins from 2007 to 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Matusz</span> American baseball player (1987–2025)

Brian Robert Matusz was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago Cubs from 2009 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samuel Deduno</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1983)

Samuel Deduno Lake is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carlos Torres (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Carlos Ephriam Torres is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, and Detroit Tigers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fernando Abad</span> Dominican baseball pitcher (born 1985)

Fernando Antonio Abad is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Colorado Rockies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neil Ramírez</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Neil Andrew Ramírez is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, and Toronto Blue Jays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carson Fulmer</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Carson Springer Fulmer is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Angels. He played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores. He was drafted by the White Sox in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, and he made his MLB debut in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drew Rucinski</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Drew James Rucinski is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, and Oakland Athletics and in the KBO League for the NC Dinos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Duffey</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Tyler Blinn Duffey is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Ureña</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1991)

José Miguel Ureña Rodríguez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hunter Cervenka</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Colby Hunter Cervenka is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Walden</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Marcus Walter Walden is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox. He made his MLB debut during 2018 after a decade of minor and independent league baseball. He both throws and bats right-handed, and is listed at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) and 195 pounds (88 kg).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Wells</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Tyler Austin Wells is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2021.

References

  1. ↑ "Brian Duensing Bio". Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved June 12, 2007.
  2. ↑ "Rochester Red Wings". MiLB.com.
  3. ↑ "Official Site of Minor League Baseball" . Retrieved August 7, 2008.
  4. ↑ "Brian's Baseball Blog from Beijing". August 4, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2008.
  5. ↑ "Injuries created opportunities for Twins". Archived from the original on April 9, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
  6. ↑ "Game Wrap". Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Baker set to make '09 debut". Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
  8. ↑ "Twins recall Duensing to replace Henn". Archived from the original on July 4, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
  9. ↑ "Duensing back to showcase wares". Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved July 4, 2009.
  10. ↑ "Twins complete sweep of White Sox". Archived from the original on August 2, 2009. Retrieved July 30, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Guerrier closes Duensing's first victory".
  12. ↑ "Duensing outduels Rangers in opener".
  13. ↑ Parent, John (August 10, 2013). "Brian Duensing Earns Two Wins in Twins Doubleheader Sweep of White Sox".
  14. ↑ "Twins' Brian Duensing agrees to $2.7 million contract; Twins payroll over $100 million". St. Paul Pioneer Press . January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  15. ↑ Todd, Jeff (March 28, 2016). "Royals Release Brian Duensing, Peter Moylan, Clint Barmes". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  16. ↑ Wilmoth, Charlie (April 1, 2016). "Royals Re-Sign Duensing, Barmes, Snider To Minor-League Deals". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  17. ↑ Adams, Steve (May 23, 2016). "Orioles, Brian Duensing Agree To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Brian Duensing Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com .
  19. ↑ Todd, Jeff (December 2, 2016). "Cubs Sign Brian Duensing". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
  20. ↑ Kuc, Chris. "Cubs officially sign left-hander Brian Duensing to 2-year contract". Chicago Tribune .
  21. ↑ "Cubs Sign Tim Collins, Designate Brian Duensing". March 24, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Outrighted: Duensing, Wilkerson, Okert". March 28, 2019.
  23. ↑ Lowe, Kegan (June 26, 2019). "Minor League Transactions: Jun 11 - Jun 20". Baseball America. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.