Chris Volstad, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Florida Marlins. Drafted in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, Volstad quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut on July 6, 2008. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, his height and pitching style made him a distinctive presence on the mound.
Volstad's rookie season with the Marlins was promising. He pitched in 15 games, starting 14 of them, and finished the season with a 6-4 record and a 2.88 ERA. His performance helped solidify his spot in the Marlins' starting rotation for the following seasons. Over the next few years, Volstad remained a regular starter for the Marlins, though his performance fluctuated. In 2009, he pitched in 29 games, posting a 9-13 record with a 5.21 ERA. The following year, he improved slightly, ending the 2010 season with an 8-9 record and a 4.58 ERA.
In 2011, Volstad continued to be a part of the Marlins' rotation, but his struggles on the mound persisted. He finished the season with a 5-13 record and a 4.89 ERA. Following the 2011 season, Volstad was traded to the Chicago Cubs as part of a deal that sent Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins. His time with the Cubs in 2012 was challenging, as he posted a 3-12 record with a 6.31 ERA in 21 starts.
After his stint with the Cubs, Volstad's career took him to several teams. In 2013, he signed with the Colorado Rockies but was designated for assignment after a brief period. He then joined the Los Angeles Angels, where he spent some time in their minor league system. In 2014, Volstad signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he did not make an appearance for their major league team.
Volstad's journey continued as he signed with the Chicago White Sox in 2015. He spent most of his time with their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, but did make a few appearances for the White Sox in 2017 and 2018. During these years, he transitioned into a relief pitcher role, which allowed him to extend his career in the majors.
Throughout his career, Volstad was known for his sinkerball, which he used to induce ground balls.
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