John Means (baseball)

Last updated

23 innings, Means was moved into the Orioles' starting rotation. [13]

Means pitching for the Orioles in 2019 John Means.jpg
Means pitching for the Orioles in 2019

On June 28, 2019, Means was selected to his first All-Star Game, his 2.50 ERA ranking second among American League pitchers for the first half of the season. [1] Starting 27 of 31 pitching appearances, he completed his rookie campaign at 12–11 with a 3.60 ERA. [14] He finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting. [15] In the 2020 season, which was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Means pitched to a 4.53 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a 2–4 record over 43+23 innings pitched in 10 games pitched, all starts. [16]

The Orioles selected Means as their Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2021 season. [17] On May 5, 2021, he threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners, striking out 12 batters while facing the minimum of 27 batters. His only baserunner, Sam Haggerty, reached on a dropped third strike in the third inning and was subsequently caught trying to steal second base. It was the first no-hitter for the Orioles since 1991 and the first solo no-hitter since Jim Palmer no-hit the Oakland Athletics on August 13, 1969. [18] It was also the first no-hitter in MLB history where the only baserunner reached base on an uncaught third strike. [19] On May 10, Means was named the AL Player of the Week for week of May 3 to May 9. [20] [21] On June 6, Means went onto the 10-day injured list with a strained shoulder. [22] Means was activated on July 20, after missing over a month of action. [23]

Means was named the Opening Day starter for the 2022 season, [24] [25] [26] and pitched on April 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays. On April 13, Means pitched four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers before his removal from the game. [27] He was diagnosed with elbow strain two days later and placed on the 10-day injured list. [28] [29] [30] Means was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 17. [31] [32] Doctors determined that Means needed Tommy John surgery, which prematurely ended his 2022 season. [33] [34] He underwent surgery on May 11, 2022. On May 21, Means agreed to a two-year, $5.925 million contract with the Orioles to avoid arbitration. [35]

Means spent the majority of the 2023 season rehabilitating from surgery. The Orioles activated him from the injured list on September 12, 2023, and he pitched the first five innings in a 52 home loss to the St. Louis Cardinals later that same night. [36] [37] Means earned his first win in two years two starts later in a 21 away victory over the Cleveland Guardians on September 23 in which he pitched 8+13 innings including the first 7+23 without allowing a hit. [38]

After missing brief time in 2024 due to injury, Means returned to make 4 starts and compile a 2.61 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 20+23 innings pitched. On May 31, 2024, it was announced that Means would be undergoing season-ending surgery to repair damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. [39] On June 3, Means underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time, effectively ending his season. [40]

Personal life

Means' father Alan worked with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for more than 30 years. Alan was the Local 41 (Kansas City, Missouri) Secretary/Treasurer just before his death from pancreatic cancer at age 57 on August 5, 2020. [41] His younger brother Jake played college baseball at Indiana State University before being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round (475th overall) of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft. [42]

Means is married to former professional soccer player Caroline Stanley. [1] [43] They had their first child, a son, in 2020. [44]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gregg Olson</span> American baseball player (born 1966)

Greggory William Olson is an American former professional baseball player, coach, scout and television sports commentator. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher from 1988 through 2001, most prominently as a member of the Baltimore Orioles where he established himself as one of the premier relief pitchers in the American League (AL). Olson was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1989, his first full season in the major leagues and, the following season was named to his only American League All-Star team. He set an Orioles team record of 41 consecutive scoreless innings and, he holds the team record for career saves.

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

Jacob Joseph Arrieta is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres.

Below are select minor league players and the rosters of the minor league affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles:

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

Zackary Grant Britton, known professionally as Zach Britton until February 2019, is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

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

Alexander Miller Cobb is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Guardians. Cobb was selected by the Rays in the fourth round of the 2006 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2011.

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

Dylan Matthew Bundy is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins.

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

Nathan Edward Eovaldi is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. Eovaldi made his MLB debut in 2011. He was a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2018 and the Rangers in 2023 and has been selected as an All-Star in 2021 and 2023.

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

Wade Allen Miley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs.

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

Hunter Luke Harvey is an American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travis Lakins Sr.</span> American baseball player (born 1994)

Travis Clay Lakins Sr. is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. Listed at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) and 180 pounds (82 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.

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

Dayton Lane Hall is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles.

Drew Thomas Rasmussen is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers, for whom he made his MLB debut in 2020.

Zacary William Lowther is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles.

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

Garrett Getts Whitlock is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). Listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and 190 pounds (86 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.

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

Cole Young Sulser is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets. He made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nestor Cortés Jr.</span> Cuban-American baseball player (born 1994)

Nestor Cortés Jr., nicknamed "Nasty Nestor" and "the Hialeah Kid", is a Cuban-American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth Johnson (baseball)</span> American baseball player

Seth William Johnson is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB).

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

Luis Ángel Gil is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). Gil signed with the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent in 2015, and he made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Yankees.

Kyle Edward Bradish is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2022.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ruiz, Nathan (July 8, 2019). "'This is still your path': Orioles' John Means skyrockets from edge of retirement to All-Star". The Baltimore Sun . pp. Sports 1 and 5. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  2. "Pitcher Means selected in Major League Baseball draft – Gardner News". July 13, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  3. 1 2 "Once overlooked, Tides lefty John Means edging close to majors | Norfolk Tides". pilotonline.com. August 8, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  4. "John Means signs letter to play baseball at West Virginia University – Gardner News". August 28, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  5. "#25 John Means". pointstreak.com. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  6. TOD PALMERThe Kansas City Star (June 7, 2014). "| The Kansas City Star". Kansascity.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  7. Matt Hauswirth (May 27, 2015). "John Means Among Several 'Eers Excelling in the Minors". Wvillustrated.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  8. "Shorebirds' pitcher proving to be diamond in rough". Delmarvanow.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  9. "Five questions with John Means, Keys left-handed pitcher | Sports". fredericknewspost.com. September 7, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  10. "Orioles minor league report: Bowie's John Means off to another strong start". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  11. Kubatko, Roch (September 24, 2018). "Orioles summon John Means to Boston – School of Roch". Masnsports.com. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  12. Kubatko, Roch (March 28, 2019). "Jackson, Martin and Means on first opening day experiences – School of Roch". Masnsports.com. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  13. "Orioles rookie John Means' breakout April continues in 4–3 victory over White Sox". Baltimore Sun. April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
  14. Trezza, Joe. "Means puts pin in impressive rookie campaign," MLB.com, Saturday, September 28, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019
  15. "Orioles' John Means finishes second in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Astros' Yordan Álvarez". The Baltimore Sun . November 11, 2019. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  16. "John Means Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  17. Ruiz, Nathan (March 19, 2021). "Orioles name All-Star left-hander John Means as Opening Day starter". baltimoresun.com.
  18. Callihan, Schuyler (May 5, 2021). "BREAKING: WVU Alum John Means Throws No-Hitter vs Seattle Mariners – Sports Illustrated West Virginia Mountaineers News, Analysis and More". Si.com. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  19. Trezza, Joe (May 5, 2021). "27 up, 27 down but NOT perfect? Here's how". MLB.com. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  20. "John Means, Wade Miley named Players of the Week presented by Chevrolet". MLB.com. May 10, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  21. Sepe-Chepuru, Shanthi (May 10, 2021). "Means, Miley earn Player of the Week honors". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  22. "Orioles ace John Means placed on 10-day Injured List with shoulder strain | RSN". Nbcsports.com. June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  23. Ruiz, Nathan (July 20, 2021). "John Means struggles in return from injured list as Orioles lose to Rays 9–3". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  24. Callihan, Schuyler (April 3, 2022). "John Means Named Opening Day Starter for Baltimore Orioles". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  25. Silver, Zachary (March 31, 2022). "O's go to Means as Opening Day starter". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  26. Ruiz, Nathan (March 31, 2022). "John Means to start Orioles' opener for second straight season". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  27. Silver, Zachary (April 13, 2022). "Means exits start vs. Crew with left forearm tightness". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  28. "Baltimore Orioles put left-hander John Means on IL, more tests on elbow expected". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  29. Ruiz, Nathan (April 15, 2022). "Orioles put left-hander John Means on 10-day injured list with left elbow strain". Baltimore Sun.
  30. Trezza, Joe; Silver, Zachary (April 16, 2022). "Means (elbow) could miss rest of 2022". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  31. "Baltimore Orioles transfer John Means to 60-day injured list with sprained elbow". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  32. Kostka, Andy (April 17, 2022). "Orioles place John Means on 60-day injured list as they seek second opinion". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  33. Ruiz, Nathan (April 23, 2022). "Orioles ace Means to have Tommy John surgery, miss remainder of 2022 season: 'It's obviously a blow'". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  34. Silver, Zachary; Evans, Luca (April 23, 2022). "O's ace Means to have Tommy John surgery". MLB.com. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  35. "Orioles' John Means: Avoids arbitration". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  36. "Orioles Activate John Means". mlbtraderumors.com. September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  37. Rill, Jake. "Means' return encouraging as O's fall to Cards," MLB.com, Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  38. Rill, Jake. "Means flirts with no-no as O's reduce AL East magic number to 5," MLB.com, Saturday, September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  39. "John Means, Tyler Wells To Undergo UCL Surgery". mlbtraderumors.com. May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  40. "Norby in Orioles' lineup for series opener in Toronto (With note on Means' surgery)". June 3, 2024.
  41. "Death Notice – Alan Means," International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 41 (Kansas City, Missouri), Friday, August 07, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  42. Jake Means (profile) – Indiana State University Athletics. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  43. "Caroline and John Means's Wedding Website". The Knot. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  44. "Orioles pitcher John Means found his best form to end 2020, so the only change is his mustache". February 18, 2021.
John Means
John Means (46762721914) (cropped).jpg
Means with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1993-04-24) April 24, 1993 (age 31)
Olathe, Kansas, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
MLB debut
September 26, 2018, for the Baltimore Orioles
Awards and achievements
Preceded by No-hitter pitcher
May 5, 2021
Succeeded by