Brian Duensing, a left-handed pitcher, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago Cubs. Born on February 22, 1983, in Marysville, Kansas, Duensing attended the University of Nebraska, where he played college baseball for the Cornhuskers. His performance in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Minnesota Twins in the third round of the 2005 MLB Draft.
Duensing made his MLB debut with the Twins on April 10, 2009. Initially utilized as a reliever, he soon demonstrated his ability to handle starting duties as well. Throughout his tenure with the Twins, Duensing oscillated between the bullpen and the starting rotation, adapting to the team's needs. His versatility on the mound was a valuable asset for Minnesota, particularly during the 2009 and 2010 seasons when he played a significant role in their pitching staff.
In 2009, Duensing appeared in 24 games, starting nine of them. He posted a commendable 5-2 record with a 3.64 ERA, helping the Twins secure a spot in the postseason. The following year, he continued to be an integral part of the team, making 53 appearances, including 13 starts, and achieving a 10-3 record with a 2.62 ERA. His performance in 2010 was instrumental in the Twins clinching the American League Central Division title.
Over the next few years, Duensing remained a steady presence in the Twins' pitching lineup. He transitioned to a full-time reliever role in 2013, where he found a niche as a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. His ability to handle both left-handed and right-handed hitters made him a valuable asset in late-inning situations.
After seven seasons with the Twins, Duensing became a free agent and signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals in 2016. However, his time with the Royals was short-lived, as he was released before the start of the season. He then signed with the Baltimore Orioles, where he made 14 appearances during the 2016 season.
In December 2016, Duensing signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. His tenure with the Cubs marked a resurgence in his career. During the 2017 season, he appeared in 68 games, posting a 2.74 ERA and proving to be a dependable option in the Cubs' bullpen. His performance earned him a two-year contract extension with the team.
Duensing's final MLB season came in 2018 with the Cubs. He appeared in 48 games, but struggled with consistency, finishing the season with a 7.65 ERA. Following the 2018 season, Duensing became a free agent and did not return to the major leagues.
Throughout his MLB career, Brian Duensing was known for his adaptability on the mound and his ability to fill various roles as needed.
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