Wade Davis (baseball)
Wade Davis | |
---|---|
Pitcher | |
Born: Lake Wales, Florida, U.S. | September 7, 1985|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
September 6, 2009, for the Tampa Bay Rays | |
Last MLB appearance | |
September 11, 2021, for the Kansas City Royals | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 63–55 |
Earned run average | 3.94 |
Strikeouts | 929 |
Saves | 141 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Wade Allen Davis (born September 7, 1985) is an American former
Early life
Born and raised in the small town of Lake Wales, Florida, Davis attended Lake Wales High School. After high school, Davis originally committed to attend the University of Florida, but later turned down the offer to play professional baseball.[1]
Professional career
Tampa Bay Rays
Draft and minors
The
2009
Davis made his major league debut on September 6, 2009, against the
2010
Davis was the July 2010 AL Rookie Pitcher of the Month, after posting a 4–0 record with a 3.03 ERA in five starts.[5]
He was named a starting pitcher on Baseball America's 2010 All-Rookie Team.
2011–2012
After two years in the Rays' starting rotation, Davis spent 2012 coming out of the Rays' bullpen and had a strong season.
Kansas City Royals
On December 9, 2012, Davis was traded to the Kansas City Royals (along with James Shields and Elliot Johnson) in exchange for Wil Myers, Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery and Patrick Leonard.[9]
2013
Davis spent most of 2013 in the Royals' rotation and compiled a 6–10 record through the end of August. He moved to the bullpen for September 2013 and remained in the bullpen through 2014.
2014
In 2014, Davis posted one of the most dominant seasons ever by a reliever. From June 25 to September 16, Davis did not give up an earned run. On September 15, his ERA was an astonishing 0.69. On September 22, 2014, Davis struck out
2015
In 2015, Davis continued his dominance in the bullpen, pitching almost exclusively in the 8th inning, much like 2014. On June 28, Davis' homerless streak almost ended, giving up a double off the top of the wall at
In the 2015 MLB postseason, Davis went 1-0 and earned four saves in four opportunities. He struck out 18 batters while allowing no earned runs over 10+2⁄3 innings pitched. This performance earned him the 2015 Babe Ruth Award, recognizing Davis as the most valuable player in the MLB postseason.
2016
On July 5, Davis was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a right forearm strain.[13] On November 4, 2016, the Royals picked up Davis's option for the 2017 season.[14]
Chicago Cubs
On December 7, 2016, the Royals traded Davis to the Chicago Cubs for Jorge Soler.[15] Davis was selected as the only Cub representative to the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He gave up a game-winning tenth inning home run to Robinson Canó.[16]
On August 29, 2017, Davis set the Chicago Cubs franchise record with his 27th consecutive save.[17]
In Game 5 of the 2017 National League Division Series, he tied a Division Series record with 3 saves which tied Aroldis Chapman. But he tied a record by getting one in each of his 3 opportunities; matching Dennis Eckersley's feat in the 1996 National League Division Series.
Colorado Rockies
Davis signed a three-year, $52 million contract with the Colorado Rockies on December 29, 2017.[18]
2018
In his first season in Colorado, Davis led the NL in saves with 43. He ended the season with a 4.13 ERA, his highest ERA since 2013. He struck out 78 batters in 65+1⁄3 innings.
2019
He was placed on the disabled list on May 22, 2019, with a left oblique injury.[19] He was removed from the closer role on August 2. At the end of the season, Davis put out the worst season of his career, posting a 8.65 ERA in 50 games. In 42+1⁄3 innings, he struck out 42 batters while inducing 29 walks.
On December 21, 2019, he was named as one of the two closers for All-Decade second team of 2010's with Kenley Jansen.[20]
2020
Davis began the shortened season as the Rockies closer but after blowing saves within a week he was removed from the role. On September 19, 2020, Davis was designated for assignment by the Rockies. He had allowed 10 runs in under 5 innings.[21] Davis was released by the Rockies on September 21.[22]
Kansas City Royals (second stint)
On January 20, 2021, Davis signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals organization.[23] On March 28, 2021, Davis was selected to the 40-man roster.[24] Davis pitched in 40 games for the Royals in 2021, going 0–3 with a 6.75 ERA and 38 strikeouts. He became a free agent following the season.
On November 24, 2021, Davis announced his retirement.[25]
Pitch selection
As a starter, Davis threw five pitches (four-seam
Personal life
Davis is the second-cousin of former Major League Baseball player Jody Davis.[27] Wade Davis married long-time girlfriend, Katelyn Casey, in November 2009 in her hometown of Marlboro, New York. The couple has two children and three dogs.
The couple run a non-profit organization called "Full Kount", which benefits children age 18 and younger who use sports as a positive influence in their lives.
References
- ^ "Royals star reliever Wade Davis carries memory of stepbrother on the mound | The Kansas City Star". kansascity.com. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ISBN 9780470558409. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg are game's top prospects - MLB - SI.com". Sports Illustrated. March 3, 2010. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
- ^ "Wade Davis » PitchFx » Overview | FanGraphs Baseball". fangraphs.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ Bill Chastain (August 4, 2010). "Rays' Soriano, Davis earn monthly honors". mlb.com. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
- ^ Eddy, Matt (October 19, 2010). "Future Big League Stars Highlight All-Rookie Team". Baseball America. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
- St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the originalon October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
- ^ Kelly Thesier (November 15, 2010). "Valencia finishes third in AL ROY balloting". mlb.com. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
- ^ "Rays acquire prospect Wil Myers for James Shields, Wade Davis". tampabay.rays.mlb.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "Wade Davis allows first homer since 2013, a streak covering 125 2/3 innings | Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports Canada". ca.sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
- ^ "Royals add Wade Davis as new closer". Major League Baseball. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- ^ Baer, Bill (October 24, 2015). "Video: Wade Davis gets the final out, sending the Royals back to the World Series". HardballTalk. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- ^ Kruth, Cash. "Wade Davis placed on DL with forearm strain". MLB. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
- ^ "Royals exercise options on closer Wade Davis, SS Alcides Escobar". ESPN.com. November 4, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ "Royals trade Davis to Cubs for Soler". SI.com.
- ^ Frisaro, Joe. "Don't ya know! Cano powers AL in extras". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- ^ Rogers, Jesse. "Davis sets Cubs mark with 27th straight save". ESPN.com.
- ^ Harding, Thomas (December 29, 2017). "Davis signs three-year deal with Rox". mlb.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
- ^ "Rockies' Wade Davis: Lands on IL with oblique strain". CBSSports.com.
- ^ The MLB All-Decade Team (Best players of the 2010s) | Best of the Decade, retrieved December 21, 2019
- ^ "Rockies Designate Wade Davis For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors.
- ^ "Rockies Place Nolan Arenado On IL, Release Wade Davis". MLB Trade Rumors.
- ^ "Royals Sign Wade Davis To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors.
- ^ "Royals Select Wade Davis' Contract".
- ^ "Wade Davis, 2015 WS champ with KC, retires". MLB.com. November 24, 2021. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
- ^ "Wade Davis PitchFX at FanGraphs.com". fangraphs.com. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
- ^ Tony Fabrizio (September 22, 2009). "Davis gives fans something to 'look' forward to". Tampa Bay Online. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet