Steve Geltz
Steven Geltz (born November 1, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Tampa Bay Rays.[1]
| Steven Geltz | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: November 1, 1987 Wilson, New York, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 16, 2012, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 27, 2016, for the Tampa Bay Rays | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 2–9 |
| Earned run average | 4.23 |
| Strikeouts | 99 |
| Teams | |
Amateur career edit
Geltz was born in Newfane, New York to Roxanne, a registered nurse, and John, an electrician.[2] Geltz was raised in Ransomville, New York, a small town with merely 1,400 inhabitants. Geltz attended Wilson High School in Wilson, New York. Only 5'9" as a senior in high school, Geltz was overlooked by most college baseball programs and all Major League Baseball clubs despite his talents as a pitcher, and attended nearby University at Buffalo.[3]
Professional career edit
Los Angeles Angels edit
Geltz signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as an undrafted free agent in 2008 out of the University at Buffalo and was assigned to the Orem Owlz.[4]
Geltz was called up to the majors for the first time on August 10, 2012.[5]
Tampa Bay Rays edit
Before the 2013 season, the Angels traded Geltz to the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Dane De La Rosa.[6] Geltz spent all of 2013 in the International League with the Durham Bulls.
In May 2014, Geltz received a 50-game suspension without pay after testing positive for a drug of abuse for the second time in his career in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.[7] The positive test was a result of recreational marijuana use during the offseason.[8]
Geltz pitched his first full Major League season in 2015. On April 14, Geltz faced four Toronto Blue Jays batters and got four outs for his first Major League win.[9] On April 22 against the Boston Red Sox, Geltz picked up his first save in the Major Leagues.[10] Geltz set a Rays franchise record later in the season by retiring 32 batters in a row. He lost the streak on June 24 by allowing an extra-inning single to Ezequiel Carrera.[11]
Milwaukee Brewers edit
Geltz was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers on November 28, 2016.[12] He was outrighted to the minors on December 3 and elected to become a free agent the following day.[13]
Los Angeles Dodgers edit
On January 3, 2017, Geltz signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers to begin the season.[14] In 23 games, he was 2–2 with a 2.67 ERA.[15] He elected free agency following the season on November 6.[16]
Philadelphia Phillies edit
On January 2, 2018, Geltz signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.[citation needed] Before the 2018 season, he was suspended 100 games for his third positive test for a drug of abuse.[17] Geltz was released by the organization on August 15, 2018.[18]
References edit
- ^ Todd, Jeff (December 3, 2016). "Minor MLB Transactions: 12/3/16". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
- ^ Topkin, Marc (February 27, 2016). "Rays reliever Steve Geltz has overcome long odds". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
- ^ Kinas, Patrick. "Steve Geltz: Ransomville's Righty Bucks Long Odds to MLB". dnaofsports.com. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ "Steve Geltz Signs Minor League Deal With Anaheim Angels". SUNY Buffalo Athletics. June 24, 2008. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ "Geltz gets call from Minors; Carpenter sent down". Los Angeles Angels. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Todd, Jeff (March 27, 2013). "Rays Trade De La Rosa To Angels For Geltz". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ^ Wild, Danny (May 5, 2014). "Durham's Geltz suspended 50 games". MiLB.com. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
- ^ Harrington, Mike (July 12, 2014). "Inside Baseball: Unwanted break gives Geltz new outlook". Buffalo News. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
- ^ "Geltz gets first win against Blue Jays". Niagara Gazette. Associated Press. April 15, 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ^ Malinowski, Ian (April 23, 2015). "Kevin Cash's progressive bullpen usage". DRaysBay. SB Nation. Retrieved 8 March 2016.
- ^ Mooney, Roger (June 25, 2015). "Rays Notes: Karns changes things up". Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
- ^ "Brewers claim reliever Steve Geltz from Rays".
- ^ Todd, Jeff (December 3, 2016). "Minor MLB Transactions: 12/3/16". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
- ^ Oklahoma City Dodgers (April 5, 2017). "OKC Dodgers Release 2017 Opening Day Roster". milb.com. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
- ^ "2017 Oklahoma City Dodgers Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
- ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2017". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ "Rays prospect Ciuffo among four suspended".
- ^ "Steve Geltz Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
External links edit
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)