Alex Cobb, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Rays in the fourth round of the 2006 MLB Draft, Cobb worked his way through the minor leagues, honing his skills and preparing for the challenges of the major leagues. His debut came on May 1, 2011, against the Los Angeles Angels, marking the start of his journey in the big leagues.
Cobb quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Rays. In 2012, he secured a spot in the starting rotation and finished the season with an 11-9 record and a 4.03 ERA over 23 starts. His performance continued to improve in 2013, a year in which he posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 22 starts. Despite missing some time due to a concussion caused by a line drive to the head, Cobb's resilience and skill on the mound were evident.
The 2014 season was another strong year for Cobb. He recorded a 10-9 record with a 2.87 ERA, further solidifying his role as a dependable pitcher for the Rays. However, the following years brought challenges. In 2015, Cobb underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire season and part of 2016. His return to the mound in 2016 was brief, but by 2017, he was back in the rotation, finishing the season with a 12-10 record and a 3.66 ERA.
Cobb's tenure with the Rays concluded after the 2017 season, and he entered free agency. In March 2018, he signed a four-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles. His time with the Orioles was marked by ups and downs. The 2018 season saw him struggle with consistency, ending with a 5-15 record and a 4.90 ERA. Injuries plagued Cobb in 2019, limiting him to just three starts.
The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, provided Cobb an opportunity to bounce back. He made 10 starts, posting a 4.30 ERA. In February 2021, Cobb was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he aimed to revitalize his career. During his stint with the Angels, he showed flashes of his earlier form, finishing the season with an 8-3 record and a 3.76 ERA over 18 starts.
Throughout his career, Cobb was known for his effective use of the split-finger fastball, a pitch that often baffled hitters and contributed to his success on the mound.
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