Brad Boxberger's journey in Major League Baseball is characterized by his role as a reliable relief pitcher. Born on May 27, 1988, in Fullerton, California, Boxberger attended the University of Southern California, where he honed his skills on the mound. His collegiate performance caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
Boxberger's professional career began in the minor leagues, where he developed his pitching repertoire. He made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres on June 10, 2012, after being traded from the Reds. During his time with the Padres, Boxberger demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations, often being called upon in late-inning scenarios. His tenure with the Padres was relatively short, as he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014.
It was with the Rays that Boxberger truly found his stride. In the 2014 season, he became a crucial part of the Rays' bullpen, appearing in 63 games and posting a 2.37 ERA. His performance earned him a spot in the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, a testament to his effectiveness as a closer. That year, he led the American League with 41 saves, showcasing his ability to finish games and secure victories for his team.
Despite his success, Boxberger's career was not without challenges. Injuries plagued him in the following seasons, limiting his appearances and effectiveness on the mound. In 2016 and 2017, he struggled with various ailments, including a strained oblique and a flexor strain, which impacted his performance and availability.
In 2018, Boxberger signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he served as the team's closer. He recorded 32 saves that season, but his ERA rose to 4.39, indicating some inconsistency in his outings. The following year, he joined the Kansas City Royals, but his time there was brief, as he was released mid-season.
Boxberger's career continued with the Miami Marlins in 2020, where he provided veteran leadership and stability to the bullpen during the pandemic-shortened season. He posted a 3.00 ERA over 23 appearances, helping the Marlins reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
In 2021, Boxberger signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he became an integral part of their bullpen. He appeared in 71 games, recording a 3.34 ERA and helping the Brewers secure a postseason berth. His experience and ability to perform in high-leverage situations proved valuable to the team's success.
Throughout his career, Boxberger was known for his fastball-changeup combination, which kept hitters off balance.
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