Dan Runzler
Dan Runzler | |
---|---|
![]() Runzler with the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day in 2011 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: Santa Monica, California, U.S. | March 30, 1985|
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
MLB debut | |
September 4, 2009, for the San Francisco Giants | |
Last MLB appearance | |
October 1, 2017, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 4–2 |
Earned run average | 3.89 |
Strikeouts | 82 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Daniel Joseph Runzler (born March 30, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who is the pitching coach for the Low-A San Jose Giants of the San Francisco Giants organization. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Giants from 2009 to 2012 and the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017.
Born in
Runzler returned to the United States in 2015, pitching in the minor leagues with various organizations until the Pirates added him to their roster in September 2017. He pitched in eight games for them, then spent the next two years in the minor leagues. In 2021, he accepted a job as the director of pitching development for Sirious Baseball, a youth and high school baseball training organization, and also became the pitching coach for the Milkmen.
Early years
Daniel Joseph Runzler was born on March 30, 1985, in Santa Monica, California.[1] He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in the San Fernando Valley, where he played baseball. Originally, he played first base and right field for Chaminade. Not excelling at either position, he was the only junior ballplayer at Chaminade that had not reached the varsity team. Former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Mark Gubicza took over as Chaminade's varsity coach in 2003 when Runzler was a senior, and Gubicza added Runzler to the varsity team–though as a pitcher. Runzler underwent a growth spurt in high school, rising from 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) as a freshman to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) by the time he graduated.[2]
Runzler attended the
Professional career
San Francisco Giants
Minor leagues (2007–09)
Runzler spent most of the 2007 season with the Rookie-level
In 2008, Runzler started the season with the Single-A
Runzler played for four different teams within the Giants farm system in 2009. He began the season with Augusta, where pitching coach
Major leagues (2009–12)
On September 4, 2009, Runzler made his MLB debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out center fielder Jody Gerut on three pitches.[10] With that appearance, Runzler became the first player in Giants' history to play minor league baseball at four levels and appear in the major leagues in the same season.[2] Runzler appeared in 11 games with San Francisco in 2009, striking out 11 batters in eight innings with an ERA of 1.04.[2] He did not allow a run until his final outing of the year, on October 2, when Henry Blanco of the San Diego Padres hit a solo home run against him.[9]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Dan_Runzler_%285144112724%29.jpg/300px-Dan_Runzler_%285144112724%29.jpg)
Ranked the fifth-best prospect in the Giants organization by Baseball America in 2010, Runzler made the
Runzler began the 2011 season with the Giants but struggled, posting a 6.41 ERA in his first 18 games. On May 28, he was optioned to Fresno to make room for Casilla, who was activated from the disabled list.[16][17] While he was in Fresno, the Giants used him as a starting pitcher, though sportswriter Andrew Baggarly thought the move was a temporary one meant to get him more time on the mound.[18] On August 16, Runzler was recalled when Sergio Romo was placed on the disabled list.[19] Runzler was called on to make a spot start on August 21 after Jonathan Sánchez was injured.[20] He gave up four runs in only 1+2⁄3 innings against the Houston Astros, but the Giants ultimately won 6–4 in 11 innings.[21] Afterwards, Eric Surkamp was called up to join the rotation.[22] Both pitchers were sent to Fresno on August 28 to make room for Romo and Andrés Torres to return from the disabled list,[23] but they were recalled on September 6 after rosters had expanded.[2][16][24] In 17 games (10 starts) for Fresno, Runzler had a 2–3 record, a 3.98 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 32 walks, and 47 walks in 52 innings.[8] He did not allow a run in 11 September appearances with San Francisco, lowing his ERA by 1.51.[16] Runzler exited the final game of the season on September 28 with what was later diagnosed as a torn latissimus dorsi muscle.[2][25] In 31 games, he had a 1–2 record, a 6.26 ERA, 25 strikeouts, 16 walks, and 29 hits allowed in 27+1⁄3 innings pitched.[1]
After aggravating his lat muscle injury during the first week of spring training in 2012, Runzler began the season on the disabled list.
Minor leagues (2013–14)
An unlikely candidate to make the Giants roster in 2013, as San Francisco had three other left-handed relievers, Runzler was optioned to Fresno on March 24.[30] In 51 games for the Grizzlies, he had a 3–7 record, a 5.68 ERA, 50 strikeouts, 37 walks, and 58 hits allowed in 52+1⁄3 innings.[8] He was designated for assignment on September 3 and outrighted to the Grizzlies three days later.[2][31]
Runzler was invited to spring training in 2014 but returned to Fresno to start the season.[2] In 39 games, he had a 1–5 record, a 3.30 ERA, 53 strikeouts, 36 walks, and 38 hits allowed in 46+1⁄3 innings.[8] He was released on July 30 so he could play for a team in Japan.[32]
Orix Buffaloes
The same day as his release, Runzler signed with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.[32] Runzler did not appear with Orix's main club, but did appear in six games in the Japan Western League. He registered a 4.50 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched.[8]
Journeyman (2014–2016)
On December 16, 2014, Runzler signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[2] In 39 games for the PCL's Reno Aces in 2015, he had an 0–1 record, a 5.26 ERA, 40 strikeouts, 28 walks, and 48 hits allowed in 37+2⁄3 innings.[8] He was released on July 30.[2]
Runzler signed a minor league contract with the
Pittsburgh Pirates
Runzler signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 1, 2016.[33] He spent most of the year with the IL's Indianapolis Indians. In 40 games, he had a 1–4 record, a 3.05 ERA, 36 strikeouts, 22 walks, and 43 hits allowed in 41+1⁄3 innings.[8] On September 10, the Pirates purchased his contract, returning him to the major leagues for the first time since 2012.[35] He did not allow a run in his first six outings, then gave up two runs in 2⁄3 of an inning against the Washington Nationals on September 29.[36] In Pittsburgh's last game of the year, on October 1, Runzler got two outs in the ninth and would have finished the inning, but an error by José Osuna allowed Wilmer Difo to reach, and Runzler gave up two runs before George Kontos entered to get the last out. Pittsburgh still won 11–8.[37] In eight games for Pittsburgh, Runzler had no record, a 4.50 ERA, four strikeouts, two walks, and seven hits allowed in four innings pitched.[1] He became a free agent on November 6.[1]
Journeyman (2018–2020)
On February 5, 2018, Runzler signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.[38] However, he was released on March 11.[39] He spent the 2018 season with the Skeeters again. In 53 games, he had a 4–2 record, a 2.81 ERA, 58 strikeouts, 27 walks, and 46 hits allowed in 48 innings.[8]
Runzler signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox on February 1, 2019.[40] He was assigned to the Pawtucket Red Sox of the International League on April 3.[41] In 22 games, he had a 1–1 record, a 5.40 ERA, 22 strikeouts, 15 walks, and 26 hits allowed in 26+2⁄3 innings pitched.[8] He was released on July 15.[1] Seven days later, Runzler signed with the Skeeters for a third stint.[2] In 16 games, he had a 1–0 record, a 1.15 ERA, 17 strikeouts, three walks, and 17 hits allowed in 15+2⁄3 innings pitched.[8] He became a free agent following the season.[2]
On February 18, 2020, Runzler signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.[2] However, the entire 2020 Mexican League season was cancelled because of the impact of COVID-19.[42] On March 5, 2021, Runzler was released by the Sultanes.[2]
Coaching career
After the Sultanes released him, Runzler took a job with Sirious Baseball, a youth and high school baseball training organization in
On March 3, 2022, Runzler was hired as the pitching coach for the San Jose Giants, the Low-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, for the 2022 season.[45]
Career statistics and pitching style
Runzler pitched in the major leagues for parts of five seasons: four with the Giants (2009–12) and one with the Pirates (2017). In 97 games, he had a 4–2 record, a 3.89 ERA, 82 strikeouts, 46 walks, and 72 hits allowed in 76+1⁄3 innings pitched. The Giants experimented with using him as a starter in 2011, but only one of his MLB appearances was a start.[1][18] The Giants won the World Series in two out of his four seasons with them, though he was not a part of the postseason roster either time.[1]
Runzler's pitching repertoire consisted of a
Personal life
On November 19, 2011, Runzler married Michelle Phalen, a sports reporter for
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Dan Runzler Stats". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Dan Runzler Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved August 28, 2021. (Note: May need to click "View More Bio Info+" for some information.)
- ^ a b Manuel, John (May 27, 2007). "2007 MLB Draft: California Prospect Rankings". Baseball America. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
- ^ "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ "2006 Cotuit Kettleers". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Kerr, Megan (August 1, 2006). "Smoak Solo Shot Enough to Help Cotuit to 2-1 Win Over A's". Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Huskers Reach Regional Title Game with 11-1 Win". Nebraska Cornhuskers. June 3, 2007. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Dan Runzler Minor, Fall, Japanese, & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Winston, Lisa (December 30, 2009). "Runzler easy Reliever of the Year pick: After injury, left-hander limited opponents to .116 average". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2011.
- ^ "Giants pick up rare Miller Park win after Molina pounces on Brewers in 8th". ESPN. September 5, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- ^ "Bullpen loses Lincecum's effort but Rowand, Huff put away Marlins in 12 innings". ESPN. May 4, 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
- ^ a b "Dan Runzler 2010 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Runzler Injures Knee Swinging Bat". Fox Sports. July 8, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ Baggarly, Andy (October 7, 2010). "Updated:Giants release Division Series roster — and Jose Guillen isn't on it". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ Haft, Chris (October 2, 2010). "Giants win the Series! Giants win the Series!". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Dan Runzler 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ Baggarly, Andrew (May 28, 2011). "Giants lineup for Saturday". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ a b Baggarly, Andrew (July 23, 2011). "Postgame Notes: Brian Wilson's five-pitch save ends a playoff-charged night, SF fans toy with Plush, Runzler drawing attention". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Banged-Up Giants Put OF Beltran, RHP Romo On DL". CBS SF Bay Area. August 16, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ Baggarly, Andrew (August 23, 2011). "Updated: Carlos Beltran activated (with comments), Schierholtz has a fractured foot, J. Sanchez won't make his next start, Romo-Wilson-Panda updates". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Pablo Sandoval's two-run homer lifts slumping Giants in 11". ESPN. August 21, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ Steward, Carl (August 26, 2011). "It's official: Surkamp coming up to start Saturday, plus pre-game medical reports". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Jonathan Sanchez not improving". ESPN. August 28, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Eric Surkamp 2011 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Kevin Kouzmanoff leads Rockies past Giants". ESPN. September 28, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Giants Release Fontenot, Place Sanchez On DL". CBS 13 Sacramento. March 30, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ Steward, Carl (September 4, 2012). "Tuesday's lineup: Vogey vs. Kennedy, more reinforcements in Otero, Runzler, Burriss". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ "Giants Announce Roster For 2012 World Series". MLB.com. October 24, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ "2012 World Series Game 4, Giants at Tigers, October 28". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
- ^ Schulman, Henry (March 24, 2013). "Dan Runzler takes demotion hard". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Pavlovic, Alex (September 3, 2013). "Runzler, Tanaka designated for assignment". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c Gleeman, Aaron (July 31, 2014). "Dan Runzler leaves the Giants to go to Japan". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Pirates sign two minor league free agents". The Bradenton Herald. November 30, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
- ^ Polishuk, Mark (December 24, 2014). "Minor Moves: Mijares, Bowden, Runzler". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 25, 2014.
- ^ "Pirates' Dan Runzler: Headed to majors". CBS Sports. September 10, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ "Dan Runzler 2017 Pitching Gamelogs". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals Box Score, October 1, 2017". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ "Rays' Dan Runzler: Signs minor-league deal with Rays". CBSSports.com. February 5, 2018. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
- ^ Byrne, Connor (March 11, 2018). "Minor MLB Transactions: 3/11/18". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ Todd, Jeff (February 1, 2019). "Red Sox To Sign Dan Runzler". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
- ^ "Dan Runzler Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Todd, Jeff (July 1, 2020). "Mexican League Cancels 2020 Season". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ a b "Dan Runzler". Sirious Baseball. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
- ^ @MKEMilkmen (April 9, 2021). "Introducing our new Pitching Coach" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Munter, Roger (March 3, 2022). "Giants Announce Their New Development Staff".
- ^ "Dan Runzler - Stats". Fangraphs. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ Wardell, Peter. "San Francisco Giants: Who Will Make the 25-Man Roster?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
- ^ Star, Charlie (June 11, 2017). "Major League Baseball's most alluring wives and girlfriends". Kiwi Report. Retrieved September 4, 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Michelle Phalen: Bio, Age, Dan Runzler Wife". Unfolded Magazine. February 23, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Sirious Baseball official website