Rob Whalen
Rob Whalen | |
---|---|
Pitcher | |
Born: Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. | January 31, 1994|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
August 3, 2016, for the Atlanta Braves | |
Last MLB appearance | |
June 15, 2018, for the Seattle Mariners | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 1–3 |
Earned run average | 5.75 |
Strikeouts | 27 |
Teams | |
Robert Donald Whalen (born January 31, 1994) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and the Seattle Mariners.
Early life
Whalen's parents are from Queens, New York City, and moved to the Pocono Mountains to raise their children. After Whalen's older sisters graduated from high school, the Whalens moved to Florida, where Whalen would have a better opportunity to pursue a career in baseball.[1] He graduated from Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida.[2]
Professional career
New York Mets
The
After pitching for the
Atlanta Braves
On July 24, the Mets traded Whalen and
The Braves promoted Whalen to make his major league debut on August 3, 2016. He faced the Pittsburgh Pirates, and allowed four earned runs over five innings to earn the victory.[8] Whalen was placed on the disabled list with a diagnosis of shoulder fatigue on August 25, and did not pitch for the rest of the season.[9] In September, the Mississippi Braves named Whalen Pitcher of the Year.[10]
Seattle Mariners
On November 28, 2016, Whalen and Max Povse were traded to the Seattle Mariners organization in exchange for Alex Jackson and Tyler Pike.[11][12] Whalen was designated for assignment on September 1, 2018.
Whalen announced his retirement from professional baseball on February 25, 2019, citing his battle with depression and anxiety as the main reason for doing so.[13][14]
New York Mets (second stint)
On January 27, 2020, Whalen came out of retirement and signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization. Whalen did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[15][16] He was released by the Mets organization on May 20.[17]
Minnesota Twins
On March 5, 2021, Whalen signed with the
Washington Wild Things
On August 23, 2021, Whalen became the first former MLB player to sign with the
On February 10, 2022, Whalen re-signed with the Wild Things for the 2022 season.[22] In 16 games for Washington, he posted a 12–2 record and 3.50 ERA with 79 strikeouts across 100+1⁄3 innings pitched. On December 5, Whalen was released by the Wild Things by having his contract option declined.[23]
On December 14, 2022, Whalen signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League. [24] However, he was released prior to the season on April 10, 2023.[25]
Pitching style
Despite being an effective ground ball pitcher, Whalen stated that he would actively seek the strikeout whenever a two-strike count arose.
References
- ^ a b Rubin, Adam. "Farm Report: Rob Whalen embracing change". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
- ^ a b "Haines City's Rob Whalen Signs With Mets - Polk Preps". theledger.com. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
- ^ Keeley, Laura (May 2, 2012). "Region baseball roundup: Brandon's Toney turns up heat". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
- ^ Sherman, Joel (July 24, 2015). "Offense-needy Mets land Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson from Braves". New York Post. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
- ^ "Kinman promoted, Whalen and Cook added to Mudcats". MILB.com. July 25, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
- ^ Tait, Kyle (April 16, 2016). "Bats Explode, Whalen Cruises, M-Braves Snap Skid". MILB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
- ^ Lezotte, Dave (July 17, 2016). "RailRiders Hang On to Sweep G-Braves". MILB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
- ^ Bowman, Mark (August 3, 2016). "Whalen shows competitive edge in first win". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
- ^ Bowman, Mark (August 24, 2016). "Wisler promoted after stint in Minors". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
- ^ James, Pat (September 9, 2016). "Weigel, Peterson take home top Minors honors". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
- ^ "Mariners acquire righties Whalen, Povse from Braves". MLB.com. November 28, 2016. Archived from the original on November 29, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
- ^ Johns, Greg (December 9, 2016). "Pike player to be named in deal with Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ^ Whalen, Rob (February 25, 2019). "THANK YOU! @Mets @Braves @Marinerspic.twitter.com/Wdg0LkN6GV". @RobWhalen38. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
- ^ "Rob Whalen: Announces retirement from baseball". CBSSports.com. February 26, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Minor League Season Canceled". mlbtraderumors.com. June 30, 2020.
- ^ "Rob Whalen Signs Minor League Deal with Mets | Mets Minors". January 27, 2020.
- ^ "Mets Release 39 Minor Leaguers". metsminors.net.com. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "Two West Virginia Power Players Sign MLB Deals". May 5, 2021.
- ^ "Rob Whalen Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
- ^ "Wild Things sign former major leaguer". August 23, 2021.
- ^ "Rob Whalen - Frontier League - player".
- ^ "Former Big Leaguer Rob Whalen Returning to Washington". washingtonwildthings.com.
- ^ "2022 Transactions - Frontier League".
- ^ "LMB: Movimientos en rosters y listas de reserva - 14 de diciembre de 2022".
- ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 10 de abril de 2023". MiLB.com (in Spanish). April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
- ^ Avallone, Michael (June 19, 2016). "Whalen keeps dealing for Mississippi". MILB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
- ^ Bowman, Mark (August 9, 2016). "Whalen's increased K-rate aiding '16 success". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)