Aaron Laffey

Aaron Steven Laffey (born April 15, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2007 and also played in MLB with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Colorado Rockies.

Aaron Laffey
Laffey with the Toronto Blue Jays
Pitcher
Born: (1985-04-15) April 15, 1985
Cumberland, Maryland
Batted: Left Threw: Left
MLB debut
August 4, 2007, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
July 31, 2015, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
Win–loss record26–29
Earned run average4.44
Strikeouts245
Teams

Professional career

Cleveland Indians

Laffey had been committed to Virginia Tech before signing with the Cleveland Indians out of high school. In Laffey's first pro season in 2003, he was with the Burlington Indians of the Rookie level and went 3–1 in 9 games (4 starts) while striking out 46 in 34 innings pitched. In 2004, while with the Single-A Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Laffey went 3–1 with a 1.24 ERA in 8 starts which earned him a promotion to the Single-A Lake County Captains 3–7 with a 6.53 ERA in 19 games. He started the 2005 season with Lake County and went 7–7 with a 3.22 ERA in 142.1 innings pitched and was called up to the Double-A Akron Aeros for one game in which he picked up the victory by going 5 innings and allowed 2 runs while striking out 6. Laffey started the 2006 year with the Singel-A Advanced Kinston Indians which he was 4–1 with a 2.18 ERA in 10 games (4 starts). His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Akron where he went 8–3 with a 3.53 ERA in 19 games, all starts. In 2007, he pitched 6 games with Akron going 4–1 with a 2.31 ERA in 6 starts. He was promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons and went 7–3 with a 3.28 ERA before his call up to the majors.

Laffey pitching for the Cleveland Indians in 2009

On August 4, 2007, Laffey made his MLB debut against the Minnesota Twins; he went 5.1 innings allowing 6 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts while losing the game.[1] In his second start on August 9, against the Chicago White Sox, Laffey picked up his first MLB victory. He went ​5 2⁄3 innings allowed 6 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, and struck out 4 in the Indians 7–5 victory. On August 10, a day after Laffey's first MLB victory, he was demoted to Triple-A Buffalo. On August 25, Laffey was recalled to pitch against the Kansas City Royals. Laffey won again, going 6 innings, allowing 8 hits, only 2 runs, walked only 1, and struck out 4. Laffey went into spring training in 2008, competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, however Cliff Lee won the job and Laffey was sent back to Buffalo, but was brought back up following an injury to Jake Westbrook. Laffey was named American League Rookie of the Month for the month of May. Laffey had a 3–2 record and an 0.79 ERA for the month. Opponents batted .220 against him in May over a 34 inning span.

Seattle Mariners

On March 2, 2011, Laffey was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for prospect Matt Lawson.[2][3] He was designated for assignment on August 17, after recording a 4.01 ERA in ​42 2⁄3 innings, spanning 36 appearances.[4]

New York Yankees
Laffey during his tenure with the New York Yankees in 2011

Laffey was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees on August 19, 2011.[5] Laffey made his debut the next night against the Minnesota Twins. He was designated for assignment the next day to clear a roster spot for Alex Rodriguez,[6][7] though he was placed on optional waivers.[8] Laffey cleared waivers and was sent to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.[9] He was called back up to the majors when the rosters expanded in September, and pitched regularly as a reliever through the final weeks of the season, compiling a 2–1 record for the Yankees.

Kansas City Royals

Laffey was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals on October 11, 2011.[10] He was non-tendered by the Royals on December 12, 2011.[11]

Toronto Blue Jays

On December 30, 2011, Laffey signed a split contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[12] After failing to make the team out of spring training, Laffey had his contract purchased by Toronto on April 8, 2012.[13] However, Laffey was sent back down to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s on April 14 without having pitched for the Jays.[14]

After pitching for six weeks in Las Vegas (compiling a 2–5 record, and a 4.88 ERA in 9 starts) Laffey was again called up to the majors on May 28,[15] but was again sent back down just three days later without having thrown a pitch for the Blue Jays.[16] Laffey made two more starts for Las Vegas (in which he went 1–0) before being called up to the Jays for the third time on June 11. He finally pitched his first game as a Blue Jay on June 13, giving up 2 runs in three innings of relief work against the Washington Nationals.

On October 4, 2012, Laffey was outrighted to the Blue Jays Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons.[17]

New York Mets

On December 27, 2012, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets, that included an invitation to Major League spring training.[18][19]

Laffey made his first start for the Mets on April 7 going four and a third innings giving up three earned runs, striking out five, and walking one in a 4–3 victory over the Miami Marlins. Laffey received a no-decision for the game. Laffey was designated for assignment on April 21, 2013.[20] He had pitched four games for the Mets, earning no decisions and finishing with a 7.20 ERA.[21]

Return to the Toronto Blue Jays

On April 23, 2013, the Blue Jays announced that they had claimed Laffey on waivers.[22] He made his first start for the 2013 Blue Jays on April 26 against the New York Yankees, filling in for Josh Johnson, who was scratched due to a sore right triceps.[23] Laffey pitched ​2 2⁄3 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 2 hits and walking 5 batters. He was designated for assignment following the game.[24] The Blue Jays announced on April 29 that Laffey had refused an assignment to the Buffalo Bisons, and had become a free agent.[25]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On April 30, 2013, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[26] He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on May 2. In 11 starts for the Isotopes, he was 4–3 with a 5.61 ERA. He was released on July 1, 2013.[27]

Milwaukee Brewers

He signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11, 2013.[28][29]

Baltimore Orioles

On January 23, 2014, he signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.[30] He was released on March 24.[31][32]

Washington Nationals

Laffey signed a minor league contract with Washington Nationals on March 30, 2014, and spent the entire season with the Class AAA Syracuse Chiefs, compiling a 12–6 record.[33]

Colorado Rockies

Laffey signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies on November 22, 2014.[27] He was promoted to the major leagues in 2015, and was designated for assignment on July 11, 2015.[34]

Later career

On April 3, 2017, Laffey signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. On May 15, 2017, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.[21] On February 21, 2018, Laffey signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.[35] He was released on April 6, 2018. On April 11, 2018, Laffey signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[36]

On May 22, 2018, Laffey's contract was purchased by the New York Mets.[37] On June 6, 2018, following a start for the Las Vegas 51s where he allowed 14 runs (12 earned), Laffey announced his retirement.[38]

Personal life

Aaron Laffey married Jackie Laffey on December 1, 2007, after a three-year engagement.[39][40] They have two sons and a daughter together, Braeden Parker (June 27, 2010),[41][42] Ashton Ryker (November 10, 2011) and Peyton Grace (February 27, 2015).[43]

Scouting

His secondary pitches include an above-average slider and changeup. He primarily throws an 87-88 mph sinker which classifies him as a ground-ball pitcher.[44]

References
  1. "Twin pen cuts down Indians". Daily News. Associated Press. August 5, 2007. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  2. "Indians trade Aaron Laffey to Mariners". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 2, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  3. Stone, Larry (March 2, 2011). "Mariners acquire lefthanded pitcher Aaron Laffey from Indians". Seattle Times. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  4. Hernderson, Brady (August 11, 2011). "Mariners get RHP Chance Ruffin in trade with Tigers". KIRO. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  5. Carig, Marc (August 19, 2011). "Yankees add Aaron Laffey as Freddy Garcia goes on DL". The Star Ledger. NJ.clom. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  6. "Laffey odd man out on A-Rod's return". MLB.com. August 21, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  7. "Laffey designated for assignment". Yankees.lhblogs.com. August 22, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  8. Hannah Foslien/Getty Images (August 22, 2011). "Yankees designate Aaron Laffey for assignment". NJ.com. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  9. Martin, Kimberley A. (August 23, 2011). "Laffey, Molina sent to Triple-A". Newsday. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  10. "Royals claim pitcher Aaron Laffey on outright waivers from the Yankees". MLB.com. October 11, 2011. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  11. Kagael, Dick (December 12, 2011). "Royals offer contracts to 31, but not Laffey". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  12. Nowak, Joey (December 30, 2011). "Blue Jays ink Laffey to Minor League contract". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  13. "Jays option RHP Carreno to Triple-A, will recall LHP Laffey". The Sports Network. April 8, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  14. "Laffey optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas". MLB.com. April 14, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  15. "Blue Jays promote Laffey from Triple-A". MLB.com. May 28, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  16. "Blue Jays option Laffey to Triple-A Las Vegas". MLB.com. May 31, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  17. "Blue Jays Outright Three". MLB.com. October 4, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  18. "Mets' sign Laffey". Chicago Tribune. Reuters. December 27, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  19. DiComo, Anthony (December 27, 2012). "Mets sign left-hander Laffey to Minor League deal". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  20. "Mets make moves to pitching staff". April 21, 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2013.
  21. "Aaron Laffey Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  22. "Blue Jays claim Laffey". April 23, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  23. Chisholm, Gregor (April 26, 2013). "JJ to miss start with triceps tightness; Laffey to sub". MLB.com. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
  24. "Jays designate Laffey for assignment after rough outing". TSN.ca. April 26, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
  25. "Blue Jays' Aaron Laffey elects free agency". CBC News. April 29, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  26. Gurnick, Ken (April 30, 2013). "Dodgers ink Laffey to Minor League deal". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  27. Herron, Gary (June 17, 2015). "They want to be Rockies, but any MLB team will do". Rio Rancho Observer. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  28. Haudicourt, Tom (July 11, 2013). "Caleb Gindl called up; Aaron Laffey signs minor-league deal". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  29. Emerick, Tyler (July 12, 2013). "Braun placed on bereavement list; Davis recalled". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  30. Encina, Eduardo A. (January 23, 2014). "Orioles sign Cumberland native Aaron Laffey to minor league deal". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  31. Melewski, Steve (March 25, 2014). "Orioles release Connor Narron, Aaron Laffey and three others from minor league camp". MASN. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  32. Eddy, Matt (April 6, 2014). "Minor League Transactions: March 28-April 3". Baseball America. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  33. Simon, Andrew (March 30, 2014). "Nationals add Poveda, Laffey to Minor League system". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  34. "Rockies recall reliever Rex Brothers from minors". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  35. "Young, Nuevo Acerero" (in Spanish). Puro Béisbol. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  36. "Somerset Patriots Re-Sign MLB LHP Aaron Laffey". Somerset Patriots. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  37. "Aaron Laffey's Contract Purchased by the Mets". Somerset Patriots. May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  38. "Aaron Laffey hit hard, retires as 51s lose to New Orleans". Las Vegas Review Journal. June 7, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  39. "Metropolitan Salon Opens". Cumberland Times News. January 12, 2008. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  40. Kroli, John (October 20, 2007). "Life with the Indians: A wives' tale". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  41. Hoynes, Paul (June 29, 2010). "Father's Day offers a chance to celebrate for a grieving John McDonald: Indians Insider". Northeast Ohio Media Group. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  42. Rosenstein, Greg (June 29, 2010). "Indians looking to wrap things up against Jays". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  43. Smith, Mark (April 12, 2015). "Turnaround wasn't from the mound". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  44. "Player Card: Aaron Laffey". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
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