Rob Whalen

Robert D. Whalen (born January 31, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the New York Mets system. He played for the Atlanta Braves and the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Rob Whalen
New York Mets
Pitcher
Born: (1994-01-31) January 31, 1994
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 3, 2016, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
Win–loss record1–3
Earned run average5.75
Strikeouts27
Teams

Early life

Whalen's parents are from Queens, New York City, and moved to the Pocono Mountains to raise their children. After Whalen's older sisters graduated from high school, the Whalens moved to Florida, where Whalen would have a better opportunity to pursue a career in baseball.[1] He graduated from Haines City High School in Haines City, Florida.[2]

Professional career

New York Mets

The New York Mets selected Whalen in the 12th round of the 2012 MLB Draft.[2] Whalen had committed to attend Florida Atlantic University to play college baseball for the Florida Atlantic Owls.[3]

After pitching for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the Class A South Atlantic League during the 2014 season, Whalen pitched in the Arizona Fall League, where he worked on the development of his changeup. The Mets assigned him to the St. Lucie Mets of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League to begin the 2015 season.[1]

Atlanta Braves

On July 24, the Mets traded Whalen and John Gant to the Atlanta Braves for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson.[4] The Braves assigned Whalen to their A Advanced affiliate, the Carolina Mudcats of the Carolina League.[5] In 2016, Whalen began the season with the Mississippi Braves of the Class AA Southern League,[6] and was promoted to the Gwinnett Braves of the Class AAA International League in July.[7]

The Braves promoted Whalen to make his major league debut on August 3, 2016. He faced the Pittsburgh Pirates, and allowed four earned runs over five innings to earn the victory.[8] Whalen was placed on the disabled list with a diagnosis of shoulder fatigue on August 25, and did not pitch for the rest of the season.[9] In September, the Mississippi Braves named Whalen Pitcher of the Year.[10]

Seattle Mariners

On November 28, 2016, Whalen and Max Povse were traded to the Seattle Mariners organization in exchange for Alex Jackson and Tyler Pike.[11][12] Whalen was designated for assignment on September 1, 2018.

Temporary retirement from baseball

Whalen announced his retirement from professional baseball on February 25, 2019, citing his battle with depression and anxiety as the main reason for doing so.[13][14]

New York Mets (second stint)

Whalen announced on January 27, 2020, that he signed a minor league contract with an invite to spring training with the Mets.

Pitching style

Despite being an effective ground ball pitcher, Whalen stated that he would actively seek the strikeout whenever a two-strike count arose.[15] By not focusing on the strikeout, at the suggestion of Mississippi Braves pitching coach Dennis Lewallyn, Whalen's strikeouts per nine innings actually rose throughout the 2016 season, and led to his promotion to the major leagues.[16]

References
  1. Rubin, Adam. "Farm Report: Rob Whalen embracing change". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  2. "Haines City's Rob Whalen Signs With Mets - Polk Preps". theledger.com. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  3. Keeley, Laura (May 2, 2012). "Region baseball roundup: Brandon's Toney turns up heat". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  4. Sherman, Joel (July 24, 2015). "Offense-needy Mets land Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson from Braves". New York Post. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  5. "Kinman promoted, Whalen and Cook added to Mudcats". MILB.com. July 25, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  6. Tait, Kyle (April 16, 2016). "Bats Explode, Whalen Cruises, M-Braves Snap Skid". MILB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  7. Lezotte, Dave (July 17, 2016). "RailRiders Hang On to Sweep G-Braves". MILB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  8. Bowman, Mark (August 3, 2016). "Whalen shows competitive edge in first win". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  9. Bowman, Mark (August 24, 2016). "Wisler promoted after stint in Minors". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  10. James, Pat (September 9, 2016). "Weigel, Peterson take home top Minors honors". Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  11. "Mariners acquire righties Whalen, Povse from Braves". MLB.com. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  12. Johns, Greg (December 9, 2016). "Pike player to be named in deal with Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  13. Whalen, Rob (February 25, 2019). "THANK YOU! @Mets @Braves @Marinerspic.twitter.com/Wdg0LkN6GV". @RobWhalen38. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  14. "Rob Whalen: Announces retirement from baseball". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  15. Avallone, Michael (June 19, 2016). "Whalen keeps dealing for Mississippi". MILB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  16. Bowman, Mark (August 9, 2016). "Whalen's increased K-rate aiding '16 success". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
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