Craig Stammen

Last updated

13 innings with no decision. His first major league win was June 18 versus the New York Yankees. Stammen pitched 613 innings and allowed no runs. On July 11, 2009, he pitched his first major league complete game against the Houston Astros, allowing only 2 runs on 9 hits.

Stammen continued to pitch in the starting rotation, going 4–7 with a 5.11 ERA in 19 starts, until the beginning of September when he was scratched from his scheduled September 4 start because of a sore elbow. An MRI on September 3 revealed a bone spur in the back of his right (pitching) elbow. Arthroscopic surgery was performed on September 6 and Stammen recovered in time for spring training in 2010. [1]

After recovering from a season-ending arthroscopic surgery in September 2009 and having a successful spring training, Stammen returned to the Nationals' rotation as their number 3 starter for the 2010 season. [2]

On June 7, Stammen was optioned to the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs to make room on the active roster for starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the overall #1 draft pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. [3]

On June 29, after going 2–0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts for the Chiefs (the last of which he came within one out of throwing a seven-inning no-hitter, [4] Stammen was recalled to the Nationals and returned to the starting rotation. [5] The following night he pitched 713 innings, allowing two runs on five hits, against the first place-Atlanta Braves, stopping a Nats' 5-game losing streak in a 7–2 win. [4]

On August 8, Stammen was assigned to the bullpen to make way in the starting rotation for Jason Marquis and Stephen Strasburg. [6]

After spending spring training with the Nationals, Stammen was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse for the start of the 2011 season (though remaining on the Nationals' 40-man roster).

Stammen rejoined the Nationals from June 4–14 while Doug Slaten was on the 15-day disabled list. [7] During this brief stint, he pitched 2 innings of relief in two games and was the losing pitcher in one of them.

After spending most of the summer with Syracuse, Stammen was called up again on September 6.

After a successful[ peacock prose ] spring training, Stammen made the Nationals' 2012 opening day roster, serving as a long reliever. [8] [9]

Stammen recorded his first career save on September 29, in a 10-inning victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. [10]

On May 31, 2013, Stammen came in after Stephen Strasburg left with an apparent injury after the second inning. Stammen pitched four innings of perfect baseball: no hits, no runs, no walks, with three strikeouts for the win against division-leading Atlanta Braves. [11]

On December 3, 2015, Stammen was non-tendered by the Nationals. [12]

Cleveland Indians

On February 8, 2016, Stammen signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. [13] He split the season between the rookie-level Arizona League Indians, Double-A Akron RubberDucks, and Triple-A Columbus Clippers. In 23 cumulative appearances, Stammen registered a 3.62 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 27+13 innings pitched. [14] He elected free agency following the season on November 7. [15]

San Diego Padres

On December 23, 2016, Stammen signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. [16] On March 30, 2017, Stammen was added to the Padres' 25-man active roster, where he joined the team as a reliever. [17] Stammen pitched 1.0 innings on April 3, his first major league appearance since April 14, 2015. [18] He was effective throughout the season, posting an ERA of 3.15 in 80+13 innings.

On January 7, 2018, Stammen signed a two-year contract with the Padres. [19] In 2018, he was 8–3 in a career high 73 appearances.

On June 9, 2019, facing his former team the Nationals, he gave up four consecutive home runs, to Howie Kendrick, then Trea Turner, then Adam Eaton, and then Anthony Rendon. In 2019 he led the major leagues in blown saves (9), and tied for the major league lead in holds (31). [20]

On January 17, 2020, Stammen re-signed with the Padres on a two-year, $9MM contract with a club option for the 2022 season. [21] In the pandemic shortened season, Stammen recorded a 4–2 record and a 5.63 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 4 walks in 24 innings pitched in the same number of games. [22]

In 2021, Stammen posted a 6–3 record and 3.06 ERA with 83 strikeouts and 13 walks in 88+13 innings across 67 appearances. On July 9, 2022, Stammen was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, [23] and was transferred to the 60- day injured list on August 17. [24] He was activated on September 11. [25] Stammen made 33 appearances for San Diego in 2022, logging a 1-2 record and 4.43 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 40.2 innings pitched.

On January 11, 2023, Stammen re-signed with the Padres on a minor league contract. [26] On March 10, Stammen suffered a torn capsule in his right shoulder and a strained sub scapula, with both injuries being related to the torn rotator cuff he suffered in 2022. The injury caused Stammen to contemplate retirement, as the recovery timetable was set at four-to-six months without surgery. [27] On August 4, Stammen officially announced his retirement from professional baseball. [28]

Coaching career

On January 30, 2024, Stammen re–joined the San Diego Padres organization as an assistant to the major league coaching staff and baseball operations department. [29]

Pitching style

Stammen is a sinkerballer. His sinker is thrown in the 90–93 mph range and is used especially frequently against left-handed hitters. Against right-handed batters, Stammen pairs his sinker with a slider in the mid 80s. The sinker is useful in inducing ground balls, while the slider is a good option for compiling strikeouts — it has a whiff rate of 46% for his career and is the pitch most responsible for his career strikeouts. Additionally, he has a curveball that is used frequently in two-strike counts, especially against left-handers. He also throws a four-seam fastball. [30]

Personal life

Stammen grew up and still resides in North Star, Ohio, [31] a village about 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Versailles. [32]

Stammen is a devout Roman Catholic. He spoke of his faith in this 2013 interview with the National Catholic Register. [33]

Audrey and Craig Stammen were married on January 21, 2017, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio. The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii where his new wife hit a hole-in-one on the final day of their stay. [34] Their first child, a son named Chase, was born in 2018. [35] Their second child, a daughter named Summit, was born in 2019. A second son named Ty followed in 2021, and a second daughter named Cece was born in 2023.

In 2012, Stammen took his first trip to Afghanistan to visit military personnel. Stammen's work with the United States Military is partially due to some of his college friends joining the Army and Marines. His support of the military has continued throughout his Major League Baseball career. In recognition of all his efforts to the military, he was the Major League Baseball recipient of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, in 2020. [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Strasburg</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1988)

Stephen James Strasburg is an American former professional baseball pitcher who spent his entire 13-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Washington Nationals. Strasburg was selected by Washington with the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft. He was a three-time All-Star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jhoulys Chacín</span> American-Venezuelan baseball player (born 1988)

Jhoulys Jose Chacín Molina is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher for the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He has previously played for the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenta Maeda</span> Japanese baseball player (born 1988)

Kenta Maeda is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyson Ross</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

Tyson William Ross is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Detroit Tigers. Ross was drafted by the Athletics in the 2nd round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2010 and was an MLB All-Star in 2014.

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

Thomas Andrew Pomeranz, nicknamed Big Smooth, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in MLB for the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres. Pomeranz was an MLB All-Star with the Padres in 2016, and a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2018.

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

Burch Taylor Smith is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, and Miami Marlins. He has also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Saitama Seibu Lions, and in the KBO League for the Hanwha Eagles. Smith was drafted by the Padres in the 11th round of the 2011 MLB draft and made his MLB debut for the team in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blake Snell</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1992)

Blake Ashton Snell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres.

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

Taylor Allen Rogers is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers. Rogers played college baseball at the University of Kentucky, and was selected by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He was named an All-Star in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Musgrove</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Joseph Anthony Musgrove is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luis Perdomo (baseball, born 1993)</span> Dominican baseball player

Luis David Perdomo is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers, and in NPB for the Chiba Lotte Marines.

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

Christopher John Flexen is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Colorado Rockies and in the KBO League for the Doosan Bears.

Logan Shane Allen is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians/Guardians, and Baltimore Orioles. Allen was drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of IMG Academy in the 8th round of the 2015 MLB Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Wieck</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Bradley Michael Wieck is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB)for the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Castillo (pitcher)</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1996)

José Gregorio Castillo Tovar is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres.

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

Joseph George Lucchesi is an American professional baseball pitcher in the New York Mets organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranger Suárez</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1995)

Ranger José Suárez is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Pedro Manuel Ávila is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres. He made his MLB debut in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joan Adon</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1998)

Joan Manuel Adon is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reiss Knehr</span> American baseball player (born 1996)

David Reiss Knehr is an American professional baseball pitcher in the San Diego Padres organization. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2021 for the Padres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremiah Estrada</span> American baseball player (born 1998)

Jeremiah Ramiro Estrada is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs.

References

  1. "Stammen, Balester out for season". Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
  2. Hernandez, Stammen Earn Spots in Nationals Rotation
  3. "Transactions|nationals.com". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  4. 1 2 Kilgore, Adam (June 30, 2010). "Washington Nationals halt skid against Braves thanks to Craig Stammen's strong start". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 30, 2010.)
  5. Walker to DL to make way for Stammen
  6. Ross Detwiler to disabled list, Craig Stammen to bullpen
  7. Slaten goes to DL with sore elbow
  8. Craig Stammen, Ryan Mattheus make Nationals' opening day roster
  9. What's gotten into Craig Stammen?
  10. Kilgore, Adam (September 30, 2012). "Craig Stammen's first career save comes at a huge moment for the Nationals". The Washington Post . Retrieved October 1, 2012.
  11. Comak, Amanda/ (June 1, 2013). "Craig Stammen leads Nationals over Braves after Stephen Strasburg exits with injury". The Washington Times . Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
  12. "Nationals non-tender Craig Stammen". Washington Post. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  13. "Pitcher Craig Stammen, Indians agree to minor league deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 8, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
  14. "Flyers In The Pros: Craig Stammen". daytonflyers.com. August 18, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  15. "Minor League Free Agents 2016". baseballamerica.com. November 8, 2016. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  16. Eddy, Matt (December 24, 2016). "Minor League Transactions: Dec. 10-22". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  17. Padres add Craig Stammen to roster
  18. San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - Box Score - April 3, 2017
  19. "Padres Sign Right-Hander Craig Stammen to a Two-Year Contract". MLB.com. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  20. "Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Pitchers » Standard Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". Fangraphs.com. January 1, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  21. "Padres Re-Sign Craig Stammen". January 17, 2020.
  22. "Padres roster review: Craig Stammen". January 2021.
  23. "Padres' Craig Stammen: Placed on injured list". cbssports.com. July 9, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  24. "Padres' Craig Stammen: Transferred to 60-day IL". cbssports.com. August 17, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  25. "Padres' Craig Stammen: Returns from IL". cbssports.com. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  26. "Padres' Craig Stammen: Inks MiLB deal with Friars". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  27. "Padres' Craig Stammen: Likely to retire". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  28. "Craig Stammen: Officially retires". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  29. "Former Padres reliever Craig Stammen takes on new role in player development". sandiegouniontribune.com. January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  30. "PITCHf/x Player Card: Craig Stammen". BrooksBaseball.net. Retrieved September 16, 2012.
  31. Craig Stammen Works Through Injury to Make Washington Nationals' Starting Rotation
  32. DeLorme. Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer. 7th ed. Yarmouth: DeLorme, 2004, 54. ISBN   0-89933-281-1.
  33. Beattie, Trent (February 19, 2013). "Washington Nationals' Pitcher Arms Himself With Prayer". National Catholic Register. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  34. "These Honeymooners Hitting a Hole-in-One Is the Happiest Video You'll See All Day". Time.
  35. San Diego Padres. "San Diego Padres on Twitter: "Congratulations to @cstammen35 and his wife Audrey on the birth of their baby boy this morning. Welcome to the #Padres family, Chase!"". Twitter.com. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  36. Miller, Bryce (November 19, 2020). "Column: Padres pitcher Craig Stammen honored for support of military, from Afghanistan to Petco Park". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
Craig Stammen
Craig Stammen cropped 7.10.21.jpg
Stammen with the San Diego Padres in 2021
Pitcher
Born: (1984-03-09) March 9, 1984 (age 40)
North Star, Ohio, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 21, 2009, for the Washington Nationals
Last MLB appearance
October 5, 2022, for the San Diego Padres