Lucas Sims

Last updated

116+23 innings. In 2013, Sims was considered the Braves best prospect according to MLB.com. [6]

In 2014 he was 8–11 with a 4.20 ERA for the High–A Lynchburg Hillcats. [7] He had fallen to third on the same list by the start of the 2015 season, [8] and was placed seventh on the year-end list. [9] Between three teams, he was 7–6 with a 4.37 ERA. The Braves sent Sims to the Arizona Fall League in 2015. He opened the AFL season for the Peoria Javelinas, [10] and also started the Fall Stars Game. [11]

Sims started 2016 as the Braves # 13 prospect according to Baseball America, and was invited to spring training for the first time. [12] [13] He began the season with the Mississippi Braves, [14] and was promoted to Gwinnett on April 23. [15] He struggled in the International League and returned to Mississippi on June 17. [16] Sims finished 2016 with a 7–11 record and a 4.40 ERA; his 92 walks were the fourth-highest total in the minor leagues, and more than the total of any major leaguer. [17] [18] [19] The Braves added him to their 40-man roster after the season. [20]

Sims faced the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 1, 2017, in his major league debut. He pitched six innings, yielding three earned runs and recording three strikeouts. [21] The debuts of Sims and Ozzie Albies marked the first time since 1968 that the Atlanta Braves started two players making their first major league appearance on the same day. [22] He finished the season 3–6, with a 5.62 ERA. In December 2017, Braves manager Brian Snitker said that he might look at Max Fried, Sims, or another pitcher as the team's fifth starter in 2018. [23] Sims spent time with the major league team in spring training, but began the 2018 season in Gwinnett. [24]

Cincinnati Reds

On July 30, 2018, the Braves traded Sims, Matt Wisler, and Preston Tucker to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Adam Duvall. [25] [26] He made three appearances for Cincinnati in 2018, spending the majority of his time with the Triple-A Louisville Bats.

Sims started his first game as a Red on May 28, 2019, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. [27] In 2019, he made 24 appearances for Cincinnati, posting a 2–1 record and 4.60 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched. In 2020, Sims went 3–0 with a 2.45 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 25+23 innings over 20 games in relief. In 2021, he went 5–3 with a 4.40 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 47 innings.

Sims earned some notoriety for his actions during a home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in April 2021. The umpires let the game continue despite rain which would normally be enough to cause a delay. Sims couldn't get a proper grip on the wet ball, and finally forced the issue, asking home plate umpire Jerry Meals for a new baseball, and then another, and another, and another, saying each was too wet to use. Meals finally gave in and called a rain delay. [28]

In 2022, Sims appeared in 9 games for the Reds, struggling to a 9.45 ERA with 5 strikeouts in 6+23 innings pitched. [29] He was originally placed on the injured list with a back injury on May 12, 2022, [30] then transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 17. [31] On July 2, Sims underwent season-ending surgery to address a herniated disc in his back. [29] [32] He returned from the injury in April 2023. [33] In 67 appearances out of the bullpen, Sims compiled a 7–3 record and 3.10 ERA with 72 strikeouts across 61 innings pitched. [34]

Sims made 43 appearances for Cincinnati, recording a 3.57 ERA with 40 strikeouts over 35+13 innings of work. [35]

Boston Red Sox

On July 30, 2024, the Reds traded Sims to the Boston Red Sox, in exchange for minor league pitcher Ovis Portes. [36]

Personal

Sims and his wife, Dani, married in 2017. [37]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donnie Veal</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Donald Tyrone Veal is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Veal played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, and Atlanta Braves. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2nd round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft and is currently a minor league pitching coach for the White Sox.

<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">Casey Kelly</span> American baseball player (born 1989)

Casey Patrick Kelly is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco Giants. He has also played in the KBO League for the LG Twins. He was a first-round draft choice, 30th overall, in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedro Beato</span> Dominican baseball pitcher (born 1986)

Pedro Beato is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J. J. Hoover</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

James Alan Hoover Jr. is an American former professional baseball pitcher and pitching coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Milwaukee Brewers.

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

Lucas Lester Luetge is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.

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

Robert Alexander Wood is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants.

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

Michael Gary Foltynewicz, nicknamed "Folty", is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Texas Rangers.

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

Matthew Robert Wisler is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres out of high school in the seventh round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays.

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

Jason Brewster Hursh is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyrell Jenkins</span> American baseball player

Tyrell Deon Jenkins is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mauricio Cabrera</span> Dominican baseball pitcher (born 1993)

Mauricio Adolfo Cabrera Valdez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Lexington Legends of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Soroka</span> Canadian baseball pitcher (born 1997)

Michael John Graydon Soroka is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). A native of Calgary, Soroka graduated from Bishop Carroll High School. He was drafted 28th overall by the Atlanta Braves in 2015, and he spent portions of four seasons in the minor leagues before being called up to the Braves.

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

James Ryan Weber is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. 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">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">Reynaldo López</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1994)

Reynaldo Starling López Kely is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2016, and has also played for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Cleveland Guardians.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. J. Minter</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Alex Jordan Minter is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball at Texas A&M University. Minter was drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2017.

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

Jackson Tanner Stephens is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds. He was drafted by the Reds in the 18th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft and made his MLB debut with them in 2017.

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

Kyle Hardy Wright is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves. He played college baseball at Vanderbilt University. He was selected by the Braves with the fifth overall selection of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, and made his MLB debut in 2018.

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

Joseph Tucker Davidson is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Davidson played college baseball at Midland College. He was drafted by the Braves in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2020.

References

  1. "Braves stick with local strategy for first pick". MLB.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  2. Carroll Rogers (June 4, 2012). "Brookwood's Sims "ecstatic" to be drafted by Braves in first round – updated". Blogs.ajc.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  3. Carroll Rogers (June 7, 2012). "Braves sign Sims to $1.65 million bonus | Atlanta Braves". Blogs.ajc.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  4. "Bullpen work aiding Braves prospect Sims". Mlb.mlb.com. April 17, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  5. "Braves prospect Sims matures quickly". Gwinnettdailypost.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  6. "2013 Prospect Watch Atlanta Braves". MLB.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  7. Lucas Sims Stats | Baseball-Reference.com
  8. Wild, Danny (May 15, 2015). "Six Mudcats on DL following bus accident". MILB.com. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  9. Bowman, Mark (September 1, 2015). "Sims among Braves prospects headed to Fall League". MLB.com. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  10. Mayo, Jonathan (October 27, 2015). "Braves in AFL: Sims grows following difficult season". MLB.com. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  11. Pleskoff, Bernie (November 23, 2015). "Scouting profile: Lucas Sims" . Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  12. Lucas Sims Stats, Fantasy & News | MLB.com
  13. Bowman, Mark (February 12, 2016). "Braves have spring in their step on Truck Day". MLB.com. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  14. "Hot starts among Braves' farmhands". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  15. Bowman, Mark (April 23, 2016). "Braves add lefty Marksberry to 'pen, option Kelly". MLB.com. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  16. "Ellis promoted to Gwinnett, Sims back to Mississippi". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  17. Baseball America 2017 Prospect Handbook Digital Edition: Rankings and ... - Google Books
  18. "Lucas Sims Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball" . Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  19. What will the Atlanta Braves rotation look like on opening day? - Talking Chop
  20. "Braves add 3 prospects to 40-man roster" . Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  21. Thompson, Jaylon; Sachs, Aimee (August 2, 2017). "Sims' solid debut, Camargo's HR can't stop LA". MLB.com. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  22. Burns, Gabriel (August 2, 2017). "Five years later, Lucas Sims debuts with his hometown Braves". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 3, 2017.
  23. "Order the Braves’ 2018 starting rotation," Atlanta Journal Constitution.
  24. Bowman, Mark (March 24, 2018). "Braves option Sims, Blair, Wisler to Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  25. Burns, Gabriel (July 30, 2018). "Braves acquire Adam Duvall for trio of players". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  26. Kelly, Matt (July 30, 2018). "Braves acquire former All-Star Duvall from Reds". MLB.com. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  27. "Cincinnati Reds will call up Lucas Sims to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday".
  28. https://www.audacy.com/sports/mlb/reds-lucas-sims-explains-stalling-for-delay-safety-issues [ bare URL ]
  29. 1 2 Nightengale, Bobby (July 1, 2022). "Cincinnati Reds reliever Lucas Sims to miss remainder of 2022 season due to back injury". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  30. "Overton gets 1st win, Reds beat Pirates 4-0 for 1st shutout". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  31. Nightengale, Bobby (June 17, 2022). "Max Schrock returns to Cincinnati Reds, Tony Santillan placed on injured list". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  32. Sheldon, Mark (February 18, 2023). "Sims on recovery: 'Back to feeling like a ballplayer'". MLB.com. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  33. Goldsmith, Charlie (April 17, 2023). "Lucas Sims set to return Wednesday to the Reds bullpen". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  34. "Lucas Sims - Stats - Pitching". fangraphs.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  35. "Red Sox acquire veteran relieve Lucas Sims from Reds". espn.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  36. "Red Sox acquire reliever Lucas Sims from Reds for prospect". NYTimes.com.
  37. "Lucas Sims on Instagram: "To my better half, happy 3rd anniversary. Can't believe it's been 3 years already! Life is the best with you by my side. I love you!!! ❤️ 📸 @melissaschollaert"".
Lucas Sims
Lucas Sims - Gwinnett Braves (cropped).jpg
Sims with the Gwinnett Braves in 2016
Boston Red Sox – No. 39
Pitcher
Born: (1994-05-10) May 10, 1994 (age 30)
Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 1, 2017, for the Atlanta Braves