Colby Lewis, a right-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey when he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the supplemental first round of the 1999 MLB Draft. His professional debut came in 2002 with the Rangers, where he began to establish himself as a starting pitcher. Lewis's early years in the majors were marked by a mix of promise and challenges, as he navigated the ups and downs typical of a young pitcher finding his footing.
In his initial seasons with the Rangers, Lewis showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency and injuries. His 2003 season was a highlight, as he managed to secure 10 wins, but his performance was marred by a high earned run average (ERA). The following years saw Lewis bouncing between the majors and minors, as well as dealing with injuries that hampered his progress. In 2004, he underwent shoulder surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2005 season.
After his recovery, Lewis's career took an international turn. In 2008, he signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan. This move proved to be a turning point, as he found considerable success overseas. During his two seasons in Japan, Lewis honed his skills and posted impressive statistics, including leading the league in strikeouts in 2008. His performance in Japan revitalized his career and caught the attention of MLB teams once again.
In 2010, Lewis returned to the Texas Rangers, bringing with him the experience and confidence gained from his time in Japan. His second stint with the Rangers was markedly different from his first. Lewis became a reliable and effective starter, playing a crucial role in the team's rotation. That year, he helped lead the Rangers to their first-ever World Series appearance. His postseason performance was particularly noteworthy, as he delivered strong outings that were instrumental in the Rangers' playoff success.
Lewis continued to be a mainstay in the Rangers' rotation over the next several seasons. In 2011, he once again played a vital role in the team's journey to the World Series, although they fell short of winning the championship. His ability to perform under pressure in the postseason earned him respect and recognition.
Injuries, however, remained a part of Lewis's career narrative. He missed the entire 2013 season due to elbow and hip surgeries. Despite these setbacks, he made a remarkable comeback in 2014, returning to the Rangers' rotation and demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Lewis's career with the Rangers extended until 2016, during which he provided veteran leadership and stability to the pitching staff. His tenure with the team was characterized by his ability to overcome adversity and contribute to the Rangers' successes during a competitive era for the franchise.
Throughout his MLB career, Colby Lewis was known for his tenacity on the mound and his ability to adapt and evolve as a pitcher.
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