Dan Wheeler's journey through Major League Baseball is a testament to the career of a reliable relief pitcher. Born on December 10, 1977, in Providence, Rhode Island, Wheeler attended Pilgrim High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, before playing college baseball at Central Arizona College. His professional career began when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 34th round of the 1996 MLB Draft.
Wheeler made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on September 1, 1999. Over the next few years, he would move between the major and minor leagues, honing his skills as a right-handed pitcher. His early years in the majors were marked by brief stints with the Devil Rays, where he began to establish himself as a dependable bullpen option.
In 2001, Wheeler was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he continued to develop his craft. However, it was his time with the New York Mets, starting in 2003, that provided him with more consistent opportunities to showcase his abilities. During his tenure with the Mets, Wheeler began to gain recognition for his effectiveness in relief roles, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Wheeler's career took a significant turn when he joined the Houston Astros in 2004. It was with the Astros that he found a more stable role, becoming an integral part of their bullpen. His performance during the 2005 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played a crucial role in helping the Astros reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Wheeler's ability to deliver in clutch moments during the postseason solidified his reputation as a reliable reliever.
After several productive seasons with the Astros, Wheeler was traded back to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007. His second stint with the Rays saw him continue to perform effectively, contributing to the team's bullpen depth. Wheeler's experience and consistency were valuable assets to the Rays, particularly during their successful 2008 season, which culminated in an appearance in the World Series.
In 2011, Wheeler signed with the Boston Red Sox, bringing his veteran presence to yet another major league bullpen. Although his time with the Red Sox was relatively short, he continued to demonstrate his ability to handle late-inning situations and provide stability in relief.
Wheeler's final MLB season came in 2012 with the Cleveland Indians. After a brief period with the team, he was released, marking the end of his professional playing career. Over the course of his career, Wheeler appeared in over 590 games, primarily as a relief pitcher, and recorded more than 40 saves.
Throughout his career, Dan Wheeler was known for his durability and effectiveness as a reliever.
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