Jeremy Shane Guthrie (born April 8, 1979) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, and Washington Nationals. Prior to playing professionally, he attended Stanford University.

Jeremy Guthrie
Guthrie with the Kansas City Royals
Pitcher
Born: (1979-04-08) April 8, 1979 (age 45)
Roseburg, Oregon, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 28, 2004, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
April 8, 2017, for the Washington Nationals
MLB statistics
Win–loss record91–109
Earned run average4.42
Strikeouts1,046
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Guthrie was selected by the Indians in the first-round of the 2002 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2004, but continued to stay in the Indians' minor-league system. In 2007, he was claimed off waivers by the Orioles, where he had a 3.70 ERA and went 7–5 across 32 starts. In 2009, he pitched for Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

In 2012, he was traded twice, landing on the Royals in July. He proved to be the best pitcher for the Royals in the second half of the season, posting a 3.16 ERA and a 5–3 record. In 2014, he made his only appearance in the postseason, including two starts in the 2014 World Series against the San Francisco Giants, going 1–1. After becoming a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, he signed multiple minor-league contracts before being released each time. In 2017, he signed with the Nationals and appeared in one game before being released.

Early life and education

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Guthrie was born in Roseburg, Oregon[1] and grew up in Ashland, Oregon. As a youth, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.[2] Guthrie attended Ashland High School, where he excelled in basketball, football, baseball, as well as the classroom, where he was class valedictorian. After high school, he attended Brigham Young University before transferring to Stanford University, where he was a starting pitcher on their baseball team. At Stanford, Guthrie studied sociology; he continues to pursue his degree in the offseason.

Baseball career

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Brigham Young University

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Guthrie played his freshman season at Brigham Young University before leaving to serve an LDS mission.

Stanford

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Guthrie was the ace of the Stanford University staff and formed a battery with Ryan Garko. He pitched in the regionals that season against MAAC champion Marist College in the first game and won 5–3. Stanford reached the 2001 College World Series final in Omaha, but lost 12–1 in the Championship to the Miami Hurricanes.[3][4]

Cleveland Indians

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Guthrie was the first-round selection (22nd overall) of the Cleveland Indians in the 2002 MLB draft.[5] He signed with the Indians on October 3, 2002.[6] His four-year, $4 million contract included a $3 million signing bonus.[7]

Guthrie made his MLB debut in 2004, pitching in six games for the Indians.[8][9] In 2005, Guthrie spent the majority of the season in the minors. He appeared in one game for the Indians, pitching six innings while allowing four runs.[8][10]

Guthrie spent most of the 2006 season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, but was twice called up to the MLB to join the Cleveland Indians as a relief pitcher. He wore jersey number 57 for both the Bisons and the Indians. After being removed from the 40-man roster following the signing of Trot Nixon and with no remaining Minor League options, he was designated for assignment on January 19, 2007.[7]

 
Guthrie during his tenure with the Baltimore Orioles in 2011

Baltimore Orioles

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Guthrie was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on January 29, 2007.[7] Upon joining the team, he requested and was granted permission to wear uniform number 46 from then-executive vice president of baseball operations Mike Flanagan, who had worn it during his playing career with the ballclub.[11] After starting the year in the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen and then moving into the starting rotation, Guthrie enjoyed a breakout year in 2007, becoming one of the best and most consistent pitchers in the American League. Through June 21 that year, he ranked second in ERA and allowed more than two earned runs in just one out of 10 starts.[12] He was also first in the AL in WHIP.

Through the end of July 2007, Guthrie had a 7–3 record in 17 starts to go with a sparkling 2.89 ERA and a 1.027 WHIP (second only to two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana) albeit only in 124.7 innings of work. Guthrie's rise to unexpected success in the first half of the season led to consideration for the American League's Rookie of the Year Award. He finished the year 7–5 with a 3.70 ERA in 32 games (26 starts).[8]

In August 2008, Guthrie recorded his first career complete game, defeating the Seattle Mariners 3–1.[13] Throughout the 2008 season, Guthrie emerged as the staff ace of the Baltimore Orioles. Guthrie finished the season with a 3.63 ERA, going 10–12 in 30 starts for the Orioles.[8]

Guthrie pitched for Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Guthrie pitched on Opening Day for the Orioles against the New York Yankees, with 48,607 people in attendance at Camden Yards.[14] Guthrie pitched six innings and gave up three runs in that game.[14] The 2009 season wasn't Guthrie's best, as his ERA ballooned to 5.04 while leading the league in losses with 17.[8]

Guthrie rebounded in 2010, winning a career-high 11 games despite losing 14 and lowering his ERA to 3.83 in 32 starts.[8] In 2011, he pitched for over 200 innings for the third straight season in 2011 while also leading the league in losses for the second time in his career with 17.[8]

Colorado Rockies

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Guthrie pitching for the Colorado Rockies in 2012

On February 6, 2012, Guthrie was traded to the Colorado Rockies for pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel.[15]

Guthrie battled through inconsistency and a mental lapse while pitching in Coors Field, registering an ERA over 8 at home for the Rockies. In 19 games (15 starts), Guthrie had an ERA of 6.35. His record was 3–9 in his short stay with Colorado.[8]

Kansas City Royals

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On July 20, 2012, Guthrie was traded to the Kansas City Royals for left-handed starter Jonathan Sánchez. He proved to be the Royals' best pitcher in the second half of the season, posting a record of 5–3 with a 3.16 ERA in 14 starts.[16] On November 20, Guthrie inked a three-year, $25 million deal with the Royals through 2015. Guthrie earned $5 million in 2013, $11 million in 2014, and $9 million in the contract's final year.[16]

Guthrie logged the most innings of his career during the 2013 season with 211+23. He finished with a 15–12 record and a 4.04 ERA in 33 starts.[8] During the 2014 season Guthrie posted a 4.13 ERA over 202.2 innings and finished the regular season with a record of 13–11.[8] He also appeared in the postseason for the first time in his career. In Game 3 of the ALCS against his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, he allowed one run over five innings and got a no decision in the Royals victory.[17] He made two starts in the 2014 World Series against the San Francisco Giants, going 1–1.[18]

On May 25, 2015, Guthrie had the worst start of his career, and one of the worst starts in MLB history, against the New York Yankees. Guthrie gave up nine hits, 11 earned runs, and three walks. Thirteen of the 16 batters he faced reached base, and he recorded just three outs before being pulled. Guthrie was the first pitcher since Jae Kuk Ryu in 2006 to give up four home runs while pitching fewer than two innings.[19] On August 22, the Royals demoted Guthrie to the bullpen to make room in the rotation for Kris Medlen.[20] Guthrie finished 8–8 with an ERA of 5.95 in 30 games (24 starts). He walked 44 batters and struck out just 84 in 148+13 innings pitched.[8] He became a free agent following the season.

Texas Rangers

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On February 20, 2016, Guthrie signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.[21] He was released on March 28.[22]

San Diego Padres

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On April 1, 2016, Guthrie signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[23] He was released on June 3, 2016.[24]

Miami Marlins

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On June 25, 2016, Guthrie signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[25] After he struggled at the AAA level and the Marlins acquired starting pitching depth, the Marlins released Guthrie from his minor league deal on July 30, 2016.[26]

Washington Nationals

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On February 3, 2017, Guthrie signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals and received an invitation to spring training.[27] Although he began the 2017 season in the minor leagues despite an impressive showing in spring camp, he was called up on April 8, 2017, to start against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.[28] Making his first start with the Nationals on his 38th birthday, Guthrie struggled immensely as he was removed from the game after getting only two outs in the first inning. He allowed 10 runs, and the Nationals lost 17–3.[29][30][31][32] As in 2015, he had one of the worst starts in MLB history. After his outing, his ERA for the year was 135.00. The next day, the Nationals designated Guthrie for assignment and called up Matt Albers.[33][34][35] He elected free agency on April 12.

Acereros de Monclova

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On May 18, 2017, Guthrie signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican Baseball League. He was released on June 2, 2017. In 8 games 7.2 innings of relief he went 0-0 with an 8.22 ERA and 3 strikeouts. He announced his retirement from MLB on July 31, 2017.[36]

Eastern Reyes del Tigre

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In July 2020, Guthrie came out of retirement to pitch for the Eastern Reyes del Tigre of the Constellation Energy League (a makeshift 4-team independent league created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic).[37]

Personal life

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Guthrie is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and he served for two years as a missionary for the church in Spain.[38][39] He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Jenny and they are the parents of three children.[39][40][41]

As announced by the LDS Church on February 1, 2018, Guthrie began a three-year assignment as president of its Texas Houston South Mission in July 2018.[42]

Guthrie was born to a Japanese American mother from Hawaii.[43] He is a yonsei or fourth generation Japanese American, but does not speak Japanese.

References

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  1. ^ Padilla, Doug (October 1, 2015). "Jeremy Guthrie: Mass shooting in hometown 'an unimaginable loss'". ESPN. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  2. ^ Williams IV, John-John (July 17, 2010). "Celebrating 100 years of the Boy Scouts". The Baltimore Sun. p. 2. Archived from the original on January 6, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  3. ^ Madden, W.C. & Stewart, Patrick J. (2004). The College World Series:A Baseball History, 1947–2003. McFarland & Co. pp. 41–43. ISBN 9780786418428. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
  4. ^ "Stanford vs Miami (Fla.) (Jun 16, 2001)". College World Series. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  5. ^ "2002 Major League Baseball draft, Rounds 1–10 – Pro Sports Transactions". Pro Sports Transactions. November 20, 2002. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  6. ^ "Indians finally sign top draft pick, Stanford pitcher Guthrie". ESPN. Associated Press. October 3, 2002. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  7. ^ a b c Castrovince, Anthony (January 29, 2007). "Indians lose Guthrie to O's via waivers". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Jeremy Guthrie Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  9. ^ "JEREMY GUTHRIE 2005 GAME BY GAME PITCHING LOGS". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on November 12, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  10. ^ "JEREMY GUTHRIE 2005 GAME BY GAME PITCHING LOGS". Baseball Almanac. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  11. ^ Schelling, Jordan (August 25, 2011). "Guthrie delivers as O's win with heavy hearts". RhinoRant.com. MLB.com. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  12. ^ Fordin, Spencer (June 21, 2007). "Quick start, Guthrie snap nine-game skid". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  13. ^ "Baltimore Orioles at Seattle Mariners August 2, 2008 Box Score". Baseball-Reference.com. August 2, 2008. Archived from the original on October 2, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  14. ^ a b "New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles April 6 2009 Box Score". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  15. ^ Gilbert, Steve (February 6, 2012). "Rox acquire Guthrie in trade with Orioles". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  16. ^ a b Kaegel, Dick (November 20, 2012). "Guthrie happy to stay in KC, inks three-year deal". Kansas City Royals. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
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  18. ^ "2014 World Series". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  19. ^ "Kansas City Royals at New York Yankees May 25 2015 Box Score". Baseball-Reference.com. May 25, 2015. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  20. ^ Rieper, Max (August 21, 2015). "Kris Medlen to enter rotation in place of Jeremy Guthrie". Royals Review. SB Nation. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  21. ^ "Jeremy Guthrie signs with Texas Rangers". ESPN. Associated Press. February 21, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  22. ^ Sullivan, T.R. (March 28, 2016). "Rangers release veteran pitcher Guthrie". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  23. ^ Wilmoth, Charlie (April 2, 2016). "Padres Sign Jeremy Guthrie To Minor-League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  24. ^ Todd, Jeff (June 2, 2016). "Jeremy Guthrie Released By Padres After Exercising Opt-Out". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  25. ^ Kruth, Cash (June 27, 2016). "Marlins sign veteran Guthrie". MLB.com. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  26. ^ Todd, Jeff (August 1, 2016). "Minor MLB Transactions: 8/1/16". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  27. ^ Adler, David (February 3, 2017). "Nats sign Guthrie to Minors deal with spring invite". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  28. ^ Zuckerman, Mark (April 8, 2017). "Game 5 lineups: Nats at Phillies". MASN. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  29. ^ Pants, Nick (April 8, 2017). "Jeremy Guthrie's birthday start against the Phillies was an absolute tragedy". SB Nation. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  30. ^ Axisa, Mike (April 8, 2017). "Phillies welcome Jeremy Guthrie back to the big leagues with a 12-run first inning". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  31. ^ Span, Emma (April 8, 2017). "Jeremy Guthrie's return to majors quickly turns to disaster as Phillies drub Nationals". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  32. ^ Reddington, Patrick (April 8, 2017). "Jeremy Guthrie's return to majors goes pear-shaped: Washington Nationals drop 17–3 decision to Philadelphia Phillies". Federal Baseball. SB Nation. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  33. ^ Janes, Chelsea (April 9, 2017). "Nationals designate Jeremy Guthrie after he allowed 10 runs in two-thirds of an inning". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  34. ^ Polishuk, Mark (April 9, 2017). "Nationals Designate Jeremy Guthrie For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  35. ^ "Nationals designate Jeremy Guthrie for assignment". ESPN. April 9, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  36. ^ Todd, Jeff (July 31, 2017). "Jeremy Guthrie Announces Retirement". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  37. ^ Roesch, Lou (July 8, 2020). "Constellation Energy League lighting a new path". LJR Sports Media. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  38. ^ Toone, Trent (April 27, 2011). "Mormons in professional baseball". Deseret News. Mormon Times. Archived from the original on April 30, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  39. ^ a b Martin, Ross (November 4, 2014). "Royals' Guthrie speaks at Platte City LDS church days after World Series loss". The Platte County Citizen. Archived from the original on October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  40. ^ Connolly, Dan (July 20, 2010). "Notebook; Around the horn". The Baltimore Sun. p. 5 Sports.
  41. ^ Kerzel, Pete (March 31, 2017). "Roster spot within his grasp, Guthrie is at peace with whatever happens". MASN. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  42. ^ "2018 LDS Mission Presidents". Deseret News. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  43. ^ DiComo, Anthony (November 15, 2014). "Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie reconnects with family, heritage in Japan". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
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