Brian Schlitter, a right-handed pitcher, made his presence known in Major League Baseball primarily as a relief pitcher. Born on December 21, 1985, in Oak Park, Illinois, Schlitter's journey to the majors began after he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 16th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. His early career saw him navigating through the minor leagues, honing his skills and preparing for the challenges of the big leagues.
Schlitter's MLB debut came with the Chicago Cubs on June 28, 2010. During his initial stint with the Cubs, he appeared in seven games. However, his time in the majors was interrupted by injuries, which led to him spending significant time in the minor leagues. Despite these setbacks, Schlitter continued to work on his game, demonstrating a strong fastball and a slider that kept hitters on their toes.
In 2011, Schlitter was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees, but his time with the organization was short-lived. He was soon returned to the Phillies, the team that originally drafted him. However, it was with the Chicago Cubs that Schlitter found more stability. He rejoined the Cubs organization and spent the next few years bouncing between the majors and minors, refining his pitching technique and gaining valuable experience.
The 2014 season marked Schlitter's most active year in the majors. He pitched in 61 games for the Cubs, posting a 2-3 record with a 4.15 ERA. His role as a middle reliever was crucial in providing depth to the Cubs' bullpen. Schlitter's ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver consistent performances made him a reliable option for the team during this period.
After his tenure with the Cubs, Schlitter signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2016. Although he did not make an appearance for the Rockies in the majors, he continued to play in their minor league system, further extending his professional career. Schlitter's perseverance and dedication to the sport were evident as he continued to pursue opportunities to play at the highest level.
In 2018, Schlitter signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He spent the season with their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Dodgers, where he continued to showcase his pitching abilities. His performance earned him another shot at the majors, and in 2019, he made a brief return to the big leagues with the Oakland Athletics. Schlitter appeared in six games for the Athletics, adding to his MLB experience.
Throughout his career, Schlitter's journey was characterized by his determination to overcome obstacles and his commitment to improving his craft.
⚾