Jake Diekman

Last updated

41+2⁄3 innings.

Oakland Athletics

On July 27, 2019, the Royals traded Diekman to the Oakland Athletics for Ismael Aquino and Dairon Blanco. [28] On September 6, Diekman pitched in a suspended game between the Athletics and Detroit Tigers that originally started on May 19, allowing a double in a scoreless inning. This appearance was recorded on the original game date of May 19, when Diekman threw an inning of relief for the Royals against the Los Angeles Angels. Diekman thus accomplished the rare feat of having pitched for two different teams on the same day, statistically. For the 2019 season, he tied for the major league lead in holds (31). [29] In 28 games for the A's, Diekman struck out 21 in 20+1⁄3 innings.

Diekman became a free agent following the 2019 season after the Athletics declined his contract option. On December 3, 2019, Diekman re-signed with Oakland on a two-year contract. [30] In the 2020 shortened season, Diekman only allowed 2 runs in 21+1⁄3 innings.

Boston Red Sox

On March 16, 2022, Diekman signed a two-year contract with a club option for 2024 with the Boston Red Sox. [31] In 44 relief appearances through the end of July, he compiled a 5–1 record and a 4.23 ERA while striking out 51 batters in 38+1⁄3 innings. [32] [33]

Chicago White Sox

On August 1, 2022, Diekman was traded to the Chicago White Sox for catcher Reese McGuire and Taylor Broadway. [34] In 26 relief appearances through the end of the season, Diekman compiled an 0–3 record with a 6.52 ERA while striking out 28 batters in 19+1⁄3 innings. [33]

In 2023, Diekman made 13 appearances for the White Sox, struggling immensely to a 7.94 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 11+1⁄3 innings pitched. On May 2, 2023, Diekman was designated for assignment by Chicago. [35] He was released by the team on May 6. [36]

Tampa Bay Rays

On May 10, 2023, Diekman signed a one-year, major league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. [37] In 50 relief appearances for the Rays, he recorded a 2.18 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 45+1⁄3 innings of work. He became a free agent following the season.

New York Mets

On February 6, 2024, Diekman signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the New York Mets. [38] [39] The deal included a vesting option for the 2025 season. [39]

Pitching style

"Diekman's rise in the Phillies system commenced once he adjusted his mechanics to throw side-arm. His 96.3-m.p.h. average fastball velocity this season ranks among the fastest of all relievers. His 27 strikeouts were fourth entering the weekend. His skill-set - a funky lefthanded delivery with dominant stuff - could create a lengthy career."

"Phillies' Diekman Holds Memory of His Mother Close", by Matt Gelb, The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 11, 2014 [2]

A lefty specialist, Diekman throws a fastball in the mid-90s, a slider at 78–81, and an occasional changeup to right-handed hitters. [40] [41] His fastball is among the fastest of left-handed relievers in the major leagues. [2] Like most left-handed pitchers, particularly those who throw out of an arm angle similar to Diekman's, he is tough on left-handed hitters. In 2013, he held lefties to just a .368 OPS, though allowed a .765 OPS to right-handed hitters. Despite suggestions he remain a lefty specialist, [42] he emerged in 2014 as a favorite middle reliever for manager Ryne Sandberg against both righties and lefties. [43] In 2020, Diekman credited Rob Friedman with helping improve his slider grip through Twitter, increasing the horizontal break on his slider substantially. [44]

Personal life

Diekman's mother died at age 57 just months before the Phillies drafted him. Diekman describes his father as his "best friend", and one who has helped him cope with his mother's death. [2] His mother, Billie, was Diekman's "biggest fan" and had to order her husband, Paul, to stop pacing and watch Diekman pitch. Diekman has sought therapy to cope with the loss of his mother, and meditates and thinks about her during "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to each game. [2]

"(After his mother's death) Diekman started to appreciate the little things. The game slowed down when he had fun. He invoked his mother's spirit rather than avoiding it. 'The drive and determination she had for all the projects she did, how hard she worked, the dedication she had for her job,' Diekman said. 'It really paid off. It really came to me. I thought, 'If I have a job, I want to put in the time and dedication like she did.' ' That is how Billie Diekman's legacy perseveres. It is why a young man from tiny Wymore, Neb., will cherish Sunday's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a baseball stadium..."

— Excerpt from "Phillies' Diekman Holds Memory of His Mother Close", by Matt Gelb, The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 11, 2014 [2]

Away from baseball, Diekman holds an associate's degree in business administration from Cloud County Community College. He enjoys listening to music, working out, playing golf, and long walks on the beach. He resides in Beatrice, Nebraska, during the offseason. [4] Because of his struggles with ulcerative colitis, he started a non-profit association called Gut It Out to benefit others who struggle with the disease. [45]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Madson</span> American baseball player (born 1980)

Ryan Michael Madson is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Madson won World Series championships with the Phillies in 2008 and the Royals in 2015. He is second all-time in postseason pitching appearances; only Mariano Rivera has pitched in more postseason games.

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

Daniel Paul Bard is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Boston Red Sox from 2009 to 2013. In 2011, Bard set a Red Sox team record with 25 consecutive scoreless appearances. His highest velocity pitch was 102 miles per hour (164 km/h). In subsequent years, Bard experienced a loss of control over his pitches, derailing his playing career. After pitching in only two major league games in 2013, he played for several minor league teams before retiring in 2017 to become a player mentor. In 2020, Bard returned as a player after regaining his control, earned a spot on the Rockies' MLB roster, and went on to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award as their closing pitcher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Neshek</span> American baseball player (born 1980)

Patrick John Neshek is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies. The Twins selected him in the sixth round of the 2002 MLB draft, out of Butler University. Neshek made his MLB debut for the Twins in 2006, and played for them until 2010. He was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2014, and his second in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glen Perkins</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Glen Weston Perkins is an American former professional baseball pitcher and a television analyst. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins.

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

David Alan Robertson, nicknamed "D-Rob", is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Miami Marlins.

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

David Jose Hernandez is an American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cincinnati Reds. He attended Cosumnes River College.

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

Richard Heath Hembree, nicknamed Heater, is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and 220 pounds (100 kg), Hembree throws and bats right-handed. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2013 and has also played for the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Tampa Bay Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Kelly (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Joseph William Kelly Jr. is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox. He played college baseball for the UC Riverside Highlanders. He has served as both a starter and a reliever. The Cardinals drafted Kelly in the third round of the 2009 MLB draft. Listed at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) and 190 pounds (86 kg), Kelly throws and bats right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Light</span> American baseball player

Patrick James Light is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.

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

Adam Christopher Morgan is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs.

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

Joely Rodríguez Sánchez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets. He has also played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons.

Mario Eduardo Lemus Hollands is an American former professional baseball left-handed relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014.

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

Kenneth Robert Giles is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners.

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

Vincent John Velasquez is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Martin (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1986)

Christopher Riley Martin is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Pivetta</span> Canadian baseball pitcher (born 1993)

Nicholas John Carlo Pivetta is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Washington Nationals selected Pivetta in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2015 season, and made his MLB debut with them in 2017 and played with them through 2020. Listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and 220 pounds (100 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.

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

Samuel Timothy Coonrod is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets.

<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).

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

Spencer Lee Howard is an American professional baseball pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connor Brogdon</span> American baseball player (born 1995)

Connor Michael Brogdon is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies.

References

  1. 1 2 Christopherson, Brian (June 2, 2012). "A pitcher's journey: From Wymore to The Show". Lincoln Journal Star . Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gelb, Matt (May 10, 2014). "Phillies' Diekman holds memory of his mother close". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Philadelphia Media Network. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Jake Diekman Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights". MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball. Minor League Baseball. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 Clark, Bonnie, ed. (March 2014). 2014 Philadelphia Phillies Media Guide. Philadelphia, PA: The Phillies. pp. 82–83.
  5. ↑ Gelb, Matt (February 23, 2011). "How Phils spell relief: C-o-n-v-e-r-t a s-t-a-r-t-e-r". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  6. ↑ Hagen, Paul (May 11, 2012). "Diekman key cog in bullpen shakeup". phillies.com: News. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  7. ↑ Zolecki, Todd (November 18, 2011). "Philadelphia Phillies add four players to 40-man roster". phillies.com: News. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  8. ↑ Gelb, Matt (March 27, 2012). "Dubee in love with Diekman". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  9. ↑ Treyhorn, Dash (February 25, 2013). "What to Expect: Jake Diekman". NBC 10 Philadelphia. NBCUniversal Media. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  10. ↑ Cole, Henry (October 30, 2012). "2012 Phillies Exit Interview: Jake Diekman". The Good Phight. Vox Media. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  11. ↑ Riccaboni, Ian (September 30, 2013). "Phillies Player Review: Jake Diekman". Phillies Nation. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  12. ↑ Hall, Jordan (March 29, 2014). "Phillies announce 25-man opening day roster". CSNPhilly.com. Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
  13. ↑ Gelb, Matt (April 6, 2014). "Jake Diekman's importance in Phillies bullpen grows". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  14. ↑ Gelb, Matt (July 5, 2014). "Phillies Notes: Diekman can't hold Marlins righties". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  15. ↑ Baumann, Michael (September 2, 2014). "The Phillies' combined no-hitter, and finding fun during the dark days". Grantland.com . ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  16. ↑ Montemurro, Meghan (August 13, 2014). "Phillies bullpen could be solid for many seasons". The News Journal . Wilmington, Delaware . Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  17. ↑ Nisula, Jonathan (September 11, 2014). "The Phillies bullpen is really good". Analysis - Phillies Nation. Phillies Nation. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  18. ↑ Baer, Bill (September 9, 2014). "What got into the Phillies' bullpen?". Crashburn Alley. SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  19. ↑ Zolecki, Todd (July 8, 2014). "Giles, Diekman give Phillies late-game bullpen depth". phillies.com: News. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  20. ↑ Dembowitz, Adam (October 6, 2014). "2014 Phillies Report Card: Jake Diekman". Crashburn Alley. SweetSpot Network, an ESPN affiliate. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  21. ↑ Zolecki, Todd (July 31, 2015). "Hamels' trade to Texas is complete". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 3, 2015. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  22. ↑ Badler, Ben (July 31, 2015). "Trade Central: Phillies Get Impact Talent, Depth In Hamels Deal". Baseball America. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Rangers agree with Diekman at $1,255,000, add Steve Johnson". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Jake Diekman Stats | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Rangers' Jake Diekman to miss first half of 2017 after surgery to remove colon". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
  26. ↑ Drake, Tyler (July 31, 2018). "D-backs acquire LHP Jake Diekman, designate De La Rosa for assignment". Arizona Sports. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Diekman signs 1-year deal with Royals". MLB.com. MLB. February 13, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  28. ↑ Gallegos, Martin (July 27, 2019). "Jake Diekman trade Athletics". MLB.com. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  29. ↑ "Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Pitchers » Standard Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". Fangraphs.com. January 1, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  30. ↑ Thomas Harrigan (December 3, 2019). "A's, Diekman agree to 2-year deal". MLB.com . Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Red Sox agree to two-year contract with LHP Jake Diekman". MLB.com. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  32. ↑ Speier, Alex (August 1, 2022). "Christian Vázquez, Jake Diekman dealt as Red Sox make trio of Monday moves" . The Boston Globe . Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  33. 1 2 "Jake Diekman Stats". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  34. ↑ Stebbins, Tim (August 1, 2022). "White Sox add bullpen help, acquire Diekman from Red Sox" . Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  35. ↑ "White Sox's Jake Diekman: Designated for assignment". cbssports.com. May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Jake Diekman: Released by White Sox". cbssports.com. May 6, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  37. ↑ McDonald, Darragh (May 10, 2023). "Rays Sign Jake Diekman To Major League Deal". mlbtraderumors. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Mets To Sign Jake Diekman". MLB Trade Rumors. February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  39. 1 2 Wells, Adam. "MLB Rumors: Mets, Jake Diekman Agree to 1-Year, $4M Contract in Free Agency". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  40. ↑ "Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool - Player Card: Jacob Diekman". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  41. ↑ "Jake Diekman >> Statistics >> Pitching". FanGraphs Baseball. FanGraphs. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  42. ↑ Treyhorn, Dash (October 11, 2013). "Jake Diekman's impressive season". NBC10 Philadelphia. NBCUniversal Media. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
  43. ↑ Gelb, Matt (April 6, 2014). "Jake Diekman's importance in Phillies bullpen grows". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  44. ↑ "Pitcher got a nasty new slider ... from Twitter". MLB.com. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  45. ↑ "Rangers' Jake Diekman launches foundation". Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
Jake Diekman
Jake Diekman on June 9, 2012.jpg
Diekman with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012
New York Mets – No. 30
Pitcher
Born: (1987-01-21) January 21, 1987 (age 37)
Wymore, Nebraska, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
MLB debut
May 15, 2012, for the Philadelphia Phillies
Preceded by No-hit game
September 1, 2014
(with Hamels, Giles, & Papelbon)		Succeeded by
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.