Corey Kluber, known for his stoic demeanor and precise pitching, became a central figure in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on April 10, 1986, in Birmingham, Alabama, Kluber attended Stetson University, where he honed his skills on the mound. His journey to the majors began when the San Diego Padres selected him in the fourth round of the 2007 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Cleveland Indians that Kluber truly found his stride.
Kluber's major league debut came on September 1, 2011, with the Indians. Initially, he struggled to find his footing, but by 2013, he had secured a spot in the starting rotation. That year, he posted an 11-5 record with a 3.85 ERA, signaling his potential as a top-tier pitcher. The following season, Kluber's performance elevated him to elite status. In 2014, he achieved a 18-9 record with a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts, earning him the American League Cy Young Award. His ability to mix pitches and maintain control over the game made him a formidable opponent for batters.
The 2015 season saw Kluber continue to excel, although his win-loss record did not reflect his dominance on the mound. Despite a 9-16 record, he maintained a 3.49 ERA and struck out 245 batters. His perseverance paid off in 2016 when he helped lead the Indians to the World Series. Kluber's postseason performance was remarkable, as he won four games and maintained a 1.83 ERA. Although the Indians fell to the Chicago Cubs in a thrilling seven-game series, Kluber's efforts were widely recognized.
In 2017, Kluber once again demonstrated his prowess, finishing the season with an 18-4 record and a 2.25 ERA. His outstanding performance earned him a second Cy Young Award, solidifying his reputation as one of the best pitchers in the league. The 2018 season was another strong year for Kluber, as he achieved a 20-7 record with a 2.89 ERA, further cementing his status as a dominant force on the mound.
However, Kluber's career faced challenges in the following years. In 2019, he suffered a fractured forearm after being hit by a line drive, which limited his playing time. The injury was a significant setback, and he managed only seven starts that season. In December 2019, the Indians traded Kluber to the Texas Rangers, but his time with the team was short-lived. During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Kluber pitched just one inning before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
In 2021, Kluber signed with the New York Yankees, seeking to revive his career. On May 19, 2021, he threw a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers, showcasing flashes of his former brilliance. Despite this achievement, injuries continued to plague him, and he was limited to 16 starts that season.
Throughout his career, Corey Kluber was known for his calm presence on the mound and his ability to deliver under pressure.
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