Pat Light
| Pat Light | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Light pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2016 | |
| Relief pitcher | |
| Born: March 29, 1991 Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 26, 2016, for the Boston Red Sox | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 30, 2016, for the Minnesota Twins | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 0–1 |
| Earned run average | 11.34 |
| Strikeouts | 16 |
| Teams | |
Patrick James Light (born March 29, 1991) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
Amateur career
While pitching at high school, Light posted a 20–0 record with a 1.52 earned run average for the Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey, en route to set the best season pitching record in Shore Conference history.
The
Professional career
Boston Red Sox
The
Light returned to Greenville in 2014 and earned a promotion to the High-A Salem Red Sox during the midseason. He went 8–6 with a 4.83 ERA in 25 starts between Greenville and Salem, striking out 76 batters while walking 37 in 132+1⁄3 innings.[3]
After making 49 starts over his first three seasons, Light was told he would be changing roles and throwing out of the bullpen when he reported to Double-A Portland Sea Dogs to open the 2015 season. With the Red Sox relief pitchers finishing last in fastball average velocity in 2014, and giving another hard-throwing prospect Matt Barnes a chance as a reliever, the organization decided to increase velocity out of the bullpen more than it had before.[4]
Light delivered a solid start to his 2015 season after being moved to the bullpen. He regularly reached 94–96 mph with his heavy fastball, reportedly touched 100 mph at times, and reintroduced a splitter, which he had used successfully before being drafted in 2012.[3] As a result, Light went 1–1 with a 2.43 ERA and three saves in 21 games at Double-A Portland, allowing 11 walks and striking out 32 in 29+2⁄3 innings, while holding opponents to a .168 batting average. He then earned a promotion to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox in the month of June. Light was 3–5 with five saves and a 3.88 ERA in the two stints, totaling 62+2⁄3 innings pitched to go with 67 strikeouts and 37 walks.[3]
Light opened 2016 at Pawtucket. He was promoted to the Boston Red Sox on April 24.
Minnesota Twins
On August 1, 2016, the Red Sox traded Light to the Minnesota Twins for Fernando Abad.[6] Light was designated for assignment by the Twins on February 6, 2017.[7]
Pittsburgh Pirates
On February 9, 2017, Light was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations or a player to be named later.[8] The Pirates designated Light for assignment on June 10, 2017.[9]
Seattle Mariners
On June 17, 2017, Light was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners. He was released on April 19, 2018.[10]
Player profile
Light had a 90–95 mph (145–153 km/h) heavy fastball which could top out at 97 mph (156 km/h). He also had an 85–87 mph (137–140 km/h) slider, with a 79–81 mph (127–130 km/h) changeup as a work-in-progress. He was projected as a reliever, with potential as a setup man or closer.[3]
References
- ^ "Baseball America – In The Dugout: Monmouth RHP Pat Light". BaseballAmerica.com. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
- ^ "#45 Pat Light - Profile". pointstreak.com. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Sox-Prospects.com – Pat Light page".
- ^ Depth watch: Why Red Sox are trying out Matt Barnes in bullpen. WEEI.com. Accessed May 27, 2015.
- ^ Red Sox recall right-hander Pat Light and his 100 mph fastball from Triple-A Pawtucket. WEEI.com. Accessed April 24, 2016.
- ^ "Red Sox acquire Abad from Twins". August 2016.
- ^ Polishuk, Mark (February 6, 2017). "Twins Claim Ehire Adrianza, Designate Pat Light". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
- ^ Berry, Adam (February 9, 2017). "Pirates trade for righty reliever Light". MLB.com. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
- ^ Wilmoth, Charlie (June 10, 2017). "Pirates Designate Pat Light For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
- ^ Adams, Steve (April 19, 2018). "Minor MLB Transactions: 4/19/18". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)