Luke Gregerson

Last updated

Luke Gregerson
Luke Gregerson in 2017.jpg
Gregerson with the Astros in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1984-05-14) May 14, 1984 (age 40)
Park Ridge, Illinois, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 6, 2009, for the San Diego Padres
Last MLB appearance
May 16, 2019, for the St. Louis Cardinals
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States.svg  United States
World Baseball Classic
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2017 Los Angeles Team

Lucas John Gregerson (born May 14, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals. He set the major league record for holds in a single season with 40, until Joel Peralta of the Tampa Bay Rays broke the record with 41 holds in 2013. He attended J. Sterling Morton High School West in Berwyn, Illinois, and Saint Xavier University.

Contents

Professional career

Minor leagues

Gregerson was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 28th round of the 2006 MLB draft out of Saint Xavier University. He spent his first professional season between the rookie-level Johnson City Cardinals and the short-season State College Spikes in 2006. He went 0–1 with a 3.86 ERA in 15 games with Johnson City and 6–1 with a 1.72 ERA in 12 games with State College.

In 2007, Gregerson split the season between the Advanced-A Palm Beach Cardinals and the Double-A Springfield Cardinals. With Palm Beach he went 3–4 with a 1.97 ERA in 53 games and with Springfield he was perfect in his only inning of work.

Gregerson spent the entire 2008 season with Double-A Springfield of the Texas League. He went 7–6 with a 3.35 ERA, 10 saves in 751⁄3 innings pitched in 57 games.

San Diego Padres

Before the 2009 season, Gregerson was traded to the San Diego Padres along with Mark Worrell for Khalil Greene. [1]

Gregerson spent the entire season with the Padres, going 2–4 with a 3.24 ERA with one save in seven save opportunities in 72 games and striking out 93 in 75 innings. On June 16, Gregerson was placed on the 15-day disabled list for tendinitis in his right shoulder [2] and missed about a month of the season. On September 24, 2009, he picked up his first MLB save against the Colorado Rockies. [3]

In 2010, Gregerson solidified his role as the regular seventh-inning relief man for the Padres, appearing before Mike Adams and Heath Bell in close games. He temporarily moved to the eighth inning in late July and early August while Adams was on the disabled list. On September 23, 2010, Gregerson worked a perfect seventh to set the major league record for holds in a single season with 37. [4] He extended the record to 40 by the end of the season. [5] Gregerson finished the season with a 3.22 ERA and 89 strikeouts against 18 walks in 781⁄3 innings.

Gregerson again began 2011 as the Padres regular seventh-inning man. He was 2–1 with a 2.63 ERA on June 7 when he was sidelined for a month with a strained right oblique. [6] On July 9, 2011, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gregerson entered the game in the ninth inning after Aaron Harang, Josh Spence, Chad Qualls, and Mike Adams combined to pitch eight innings without allowing a hit. Gregerson retired the first two hitters before a double by Juan Uribe on a one ball and two strike count broke up the no hitter. Dioner Navarro then hit a single off Gregerson to score the winning run for the Dodgers. This was the closest the Padres have come to pitching a no-hitter since Steve Arlin in 1972. [7] When Mike Adams was traded to the Texas Rangers at the end of July, Gregerson temporarily moved into the eighth-inning role of set-up man for Bell, but in September he returned to the seventh-inning slot as Qualls took on set-up man duties. Gregerson finished the season with 16 holds and a 2.75 ERA, but there was some concern that his strikeouts dropped to 34 over 552⁄3 innings. [8]

Gregerson had an excellent 2012 with the Padres, including a 23 scoreless inning streak in July and August. [9] He began the year as the seventh-inning man, and then moved to the eighth-inning when Andrew Cashner was converted to starter. He moved into the closer's role in August when Huston Street was injured, picking up nine saves. Gregerson finished the season with a 2.39 ERA and 72 strikeouts versus 21 walks in 712⁄3 innings.

Gregerson retained the eighth-inning role in the Padres' 2013 season, appearing there in 49 games. [10] He also served as closer for a short stretch in early June when Street was on the disabled list. Gregerson finished the season with a 2.71 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 661⁄3 innings.

Oakland Athletics

On December 3, 2013, Gregerson was traded to the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Seth Smith. [11] Gregerson would start his first season with the A's as the teams set up man. However, after multiple poor April outings by A's closer Jim Johnson, Gregerson would begin sharing the A's closing duties with fellow pitcher Sean Doolittle. On April 16, Gregerson blew the save in a two-inning outing against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Angels would go on to win 5–4. Gregerson would redeem himself on April 20, pitching a hitless inning and earning his third save of the season in a 4–1 win against the Houston Astros. On April 22, Gregerson blew another save and took the loss in a 5–4 defeat to the Texas Rangers, further clouding the future of the A's closer role. He became a free agent following the season.

Houston Astros

On December 12, 2014, Gregerson signed a three-year, $18.5 million contract with the Houston Astros. [12] The Astros announced Gregerson's signing at the same time as the signing of one of Gregerson's former Padres and Athletics teammates, relief pitcher Pat Neshek. Incentives could boost Gregerson's earnings to $21 million over the three years of the contract. [13] Gregerson had a 3.10 ERA in 2015 and a 3.28 in 2016. Gregerson and teammate Alex Bregman both won the WBC participating with team USA is 2017. Several months later, Gregerson won the 2017 World Series, marking the first time the Astros won the series. [14] He became a free agent following the season.

St. Louis Cardinals

On December 13, 2017, Gregerson signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The contract includes a vesting option for the 2020 season. [15] He began the season on the DL due to a pulled hamstring. [16] He was activated off the disabled list but after struggling through 12 appearances, he landed back on the disabled list with right shoulder and elbow soreness. On June 12, 2018, Gregerson underwent surgery on his right knee for a torn meniscus, putting his setback even further. [17] In 2018, Gregerson made 17 relief appearances for St. Louis, compiling a 7.11 ERA. [18]

Gregerson began 2019 on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder impingement. [19] He was designated for assignment on May 17, 2019. He was released on May 20.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Smith (pitcher, born 1955)</span> American baseball player

David Stanley Smith was an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher, primarily for the Houston Astros, for whom he pitched from 1980 to 1990. He also pitched for the Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Todd Worrell</span> American baseball player (born 1959)

Todd Roland Worrell is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played all or part of eleven seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, serving as those teams' closer for most of his seasons from 1985 through 1997. During his playing career, Worrell was a three-time National League (NL) All-Star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong-Chih Kuo</span> Taiwanese baseball player (born 1981)

Hong-Chih Kuo is a Taiwanese retired professional baseball pitcher who last pitched for the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He had previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions in CPBL. When Kuo made his debut in 2005, he became the fourth MLB player from Taiwan.

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

Jonathan Roy Broxton is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edward Mujica</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1984)

Edward José Mujica is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, Florida/Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Sambito</span> American baseball player (born 1952)

Joseph Charles Sambito is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Houston Astros, New York Mets (1985) and Boston Red Sox (1986–1987). He batted and threw left-handed.

<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">Clayton Kershaw</span> American baseball player (born 1988)

Clayton Edward Kershaw is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). A left-handed starting pitcher, Kershaw has spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers since debuting in 2008. He is a ten-time All-Star, three-time National League (NL) Cy Young Award winner, the 2014 NL Most Valuable Player, and a World Series champion in 2020. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

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

Sergio Francisco Romo is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. A right-hander who served as a closer during his career, his main pitch was his slider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Fields (pitcher)</span> American baseball player (born 1985)

Joshua David Fields is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

David Stefan "Bud" Norris is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenley Jansen</span> Curaçaoan baseball player (born 1987)

Kenley Geronimo Jansen is a Curaçaoan professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.

<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">Trevor Rosenthal</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Trevor Jordan Rosenthal is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres. A power pitcher, Rosenthal is known for a fastball that is difficult for hitters to pick up and reaches velocities at or over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). He throws and bats right-handed, stands 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall, and weighs 230 pounds (100 kg).

<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">Josh Hader</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1994)

Joshua Ronald Hader is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. Hader is a five-time All-Star and three-time winner of the National League Reliever of the Year Award.

<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">Phil Maton</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Phillip Louis Maton III is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 St. Louis Cardinals season</span> Major League Baseball season

The 2018 St. Louis Cardinals season was the 137th for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB), a franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. It was the 127th season for the Cardinals in the National League, and their 13th at Busch Stadium III.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Houston Astros season</span> Major League Baseball team season

The 2018 Houston Astros season was the 57th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in Houston, Texas, their 54th as the Astros, sixth in both the American League and American League West, and 19th at Minute Maid Park. The Astros were the defending World Series champions, after winning the 2017 World Series four games to three over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Houston began the season March 29 against the Texas Rangers and finished the season on September 30 against the Baltimore Orioles, capping off an unprecedented second consecutive 100-win season.

References

  1. ↑ Padres agree to deal with Hill, acquire Gregerson
  2. ↑ Brittain, Amy (June 16, 2009). "Padres reshuffle as Gregerson hits DL". MLB.com.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  3. ↑ Gregerson punctuates series victory
  4. ↑ Padres back in first after Stauffer stifles Dodgers
  5. ↑ Norcross, Don (May 12, 2011). "Gregerson's ride is as retro as he is". San Diego Union-Tribune . Archived from the original on September 2, 2011.
  6. ↑ Brock, Corey (July 4, 2011). "Gregerson set for return to action". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  7. ↑ Padres fall one out shy of first no-hitter, still lose 1–0 [ permanent dead link ]
  8. ↑ Logan, Myron (February 6, 2012). "What to expect from Luke Gregerson". Friar Forecast. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  9. ↑ Powers, Jim (August 20, 2012). "Gregerson credits slider for stingy stretch". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
  10. ↑ D'Amato, Bernie (November 3, 2013). "2013 Padres Season Review: Luke Gregerson". Friars On Base. SI.com. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  11. ↑ Adams, Steve (December 3, 2013). "Padres, A's Swap Luke Gregerson For Seth Smith". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Astros sign free agent relievers Gregerson, Neshek". Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  13. ↑ McTaggart, Brian. "Astros agree to deals with Gregerson, Neshek". MLB.com . Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  14. ↑ McTaggart, Brian; Gurnick, Ken. "Houston Astros win 2017 World Series". MLB. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  15. ↑ Langosch, Jennifer (December 13, 2017). "Cards, Gregerson agree to 2-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Cardinals closer candidate Luke Gregerson to start season on DL". St. Louis Post-Dispatch . March 24, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Luke Gregerson to have knee surgery". MLB. Retrieved June 12, 2018.
  18. ↑ "St. Louis Cardinals 2018 player grades: Bullpen".
  19. ↑ "Cardinals entering the season banged up".
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.