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Todd Wellemeyer | |
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![]() Wellemeyer with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. | August 30, 1978|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
May 15, 2003, for the Chicago Cubs | |
Last MLB appearance | |
August 8, 2010, for the San Francisco Giants | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 32–34 |
Earned run average | 4.83 |
Strikeouts | 459 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Todd Allen Wellemeyer (born August 30,1978) is an American former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played in the Major Leagues across eight years,for five teams,working as both a starting and relief pitcher.
While attending Bellarmine University,he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and became the first Chicago Cub to earn a save in his Major League debut,earning it by striking out three batters in order against Milwaukee in the 17th inning. [1]
Wellemeyer also picked up the win in the longest scoreless game ever played in Wrigley Field history. He struck out 4 in only 2 innings in a 1-0 marathon 16-inning game.
Wellemeyer was traded in the offseason and appeared in 18 games before being traded to the Kansas City Royals.
Wellemeyer appeared in 28 games and had a 3.63 ERA for the Royals.
In 2007,through 10 games Wellemeyer had a 10.34 ERA and was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.
After being traded by the Royals,Wellemeyer had a 3–2 record with a 3.11 ERA in 20 games (11 starts).
His best season came in 2008 with the St. Louis Cardinals,when he went 13–9 with a team best (among qualified starters) 3.71 ERA. During the 2008 season he also won Pitcher of the Month honors for May,when he went 4–0 with a 2.19 ERA. He finished 2008 ranked 18th in the NL in Wins,and 16th in the NL in ERA (3.71). [2]
In 2009,Wellemeyer had his worst full season in the Majors,posting an ERA over 5.50 and had a 7–10 record.
Wellemeyer was born on the same day as fellow pitcher Cliff Lee. He also shares a birthday with former St. Louis Cardinals teammate Adam Wainwright.
On February 10,2010,Wellemeyer signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, [3] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on April 4,he was named as the fifth starter.
Until his injury on June 10,2010,Wellemeyer had nine starts posting a 3–5 record with an ERA of 5.52. The injury opened the door for Madison Bumgarner. Wellemeyer pitched his final game with the Giants on August 8 against the Braves. He was designated for assignment on August 9. He was released on August 17.
On January 25,2011,Wellemeyer signed a non-guaranteed one-year contract to return to the Chicago Cubs. [4] [5]
Wellemeyer retired on May 7,2011. [6]
Since retirement Wellemeyer has opened a number of restaurants including the El Taco Luchador chain of taco restaurants. Taco Luchador is a privately held company. [7] [8]