Chris Narveson embarked on his professional baseball journey as a left-handed pitcher, making his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Born on December 20, 1981, in Englewood, Colorado, Narveson was drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2000 MLB Draft. His early career was marked by a series of minor league assignments, where he honed his skills and worked his way up through the ranks.
Narveson's MLB debut came on September 8, 2006, with the Cardinals. During his time with St. Louis, he appeared in a handful of games, primarily as a relief pitcher. However, his tenure with the Cardinals was short-lived, and he was soon on the move, seeking opportunities to establish himself in the major leagues.
In 2008, Narveson found a new home with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he would spend the majority of his MLB career. It was with the Brewers that he transitioned from a reliever to a starting pitcher, a role in which he found more stability. Narveson's time with Milwaukee saw him become a regular part of the team's starting rotation, particularly during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
The 2010 season was a turning point for Narveson, as he made 28 starts and pitched over 167 innings. He recorded a 12-9 win-loss record with a 4.99 ERA, demonstrating his ability to handle the demands of a starting pitcher. The following year, in 2011, Narveson continued to be a reliable presence on the mound for the Brewers, contributing to the team's successful campaign that led them to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Unfortunately, Narveson's career faced challenges due to injuries. In 2012, he underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff, which significantly limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he remained determined to return to the mound and continued to work towards regaining his form.
After his stint with the Brewers, Narveson explored opportunities outside of MLB. He signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan for the 2014 season. This move allowed him to continue his professional career while experiencing a different baseball culture. Narveson's time in Japan was a valuable experience, and he performed well during his tenure with the Swallows.
Returning to the United States, Narveson signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins in 2015. He made a brief return to MLB with the Marlins, appearing in a few games during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Although his time with the Marlins was limited, it marked the final chapter of his MLB career.
Throughout his career, Narveson was known for his left-handed pitching and his ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff. His journey through professional baseball was characterized by perseverance and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, whether in MLB or abroad.
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