Michael Wuertz

Michael James Wuertz (born December 15, 1978) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. He was known for his slider, which generated the most misses per swing in 2009.[1] He is currently the pitching coach for the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League.

Michael Wuertz
Wuertz with the Chicago Cubs in 2007
Pitcher
Born: (1978-12-15) December 15, 1978
Austin, Minnesota
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 5, 2004, for the Chicago Cubs
Last MLB appearance
September 20, 2011, for the Oakland Athletics
MLB statistics
Win–loss record21–11
Earned run average3.71
Strikeouts444
Teams

Baseball career

Chicago Cubs

Wuertz was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his major league debut on April 5, 2004, against the Cincinnati Reds, throwing a perfect inning with two strikeouts. He ended the season with a record of 1-0 in 31 appearances. The following season, Wuertz opened the season in the Cubs bullpen, leading the team in appearances with 75. In 2006, Wuertz spent part of the season on the disabled list, limited to 41 appearances. In 2007, Wuertz went 2-3 with an ERA of 3.48 in 73 appearances. In 2008, his last season with the Cubs, he was limited to 45 games due to injury.

Oakland Athletics

On February 2, 2009, Wuertz was traded to the Oakland Athletics for minor leaguers Richie Robnett and Justin Sellers.[2] In his first season with Oakland, he had the best season of his career, going 6-1 with 102 strikeouts in ​78 2⁄3 innings. The following two seasons he was not able to replicate his success due to injury and inconsistency. He was released on October 25, 2011, after three seasons in Oakland.

Cincinnati Reds

Wuertz was signed by the Cincinnati Reds to a minor league deal on May 2, 2012.[3] He was released on July 5.

Miami Marlins

Wuertz was signed by the Miami Marlins to a minor league deal on January 15, 2013.[4] He was released on March 8.

Coaching career

In January 2016, he was named the pitching coach for the Inland Empire 66ers, the Los Angeles Angels Class-A affiliate in the California League.[5] In February 2018, he was named the pitching coach for the Orem Owlz, a Los Angeles Angels Rookie League affiliate in the Pioneer League.[6]

References
  1. http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/7/9/944134/the-toughest-pitches-to-hit-in
  2. "Busy Cubs trade pitchers Hill, Wuertz". espn.com. Associated Press. 2009-02-02. Retrieved 2009-02-02.
  3. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/05/reds-sign-michael-wuertz.html
  4. BHSC [@BHSCouncil] (16 January 2013). "Mike Wuertz signs minor league deal with #Marlins with invite to ML spring training @joecapMARLINS @JoeFrisaro @JCRMarlinsbeat @clarkspencer" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. "66ers Announce New Skipper, Field Staff for 2016".
  6. "Owlz Announce 2018 Coaching Staff".
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