Spooneybarger made his major league debut with the Braves on September 5,2001. He finished his rookie campaign with a 2.25 ERA across 4 contests. He spent most of the 2002 season in the majors recording a 2.63 ERA with 33 strikeouts and 1 save in 51+1⁄3 innings pitched across 51 games for the Braves.[3]
Florida Marlins
On November 18, 2002, Spooneybarger was traded to the Florida Marlins along with minor league pitcher Ryan Baker for Mike Hampton.[4][5]
He started 2003 with the Marlins, appearing in 33 games before going on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis;[6] the team went on to win the 2003 World Series.[7] Before beginning a rehabilitation assignment, he was forced to have Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2004 season.
On July 20, 2005, while rehabilitating with the High–A Jupiter Hammerheads, he left the game due to pain and later learned he would have to undergo Tommy John surgery for a second time.[8] On October 3, 2005, Marlins released Spooneybarger, and he would be out of professional baseball for the next two years.[9]
Baltimore Orioles
On April 25, 2008, Spooneybarger signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization.[10] In 6 games for the Low–A Aberdeen IronBirds, he posted a 3.68 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 7+1⁄3 innings pitched.[11] Spooneybarger elected free agency following the season on November 3.[12]
Personal life
Spooneybarger plays in a rock band called Madder Ink with former Marlins teammate A. J. Burnett. The group is so named because Burnett and Spooneybarger both sport many tattoos.[13]
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