Goltz's professional career began when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the fifth round of the 1967 MLB Draft. He spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues before making his major league debut with the Twins on July 18, 1972. Initially, Goltz was used sparingly, but he gradually earned a spot in the starting rotation.
By the mid-1970s, Goltz had become a reliable starter for the Twins. His breakout season came in 1977 when he won 20 games, finishing with a 20-11 record and a 3.36 ERA. That year, he led the American League in wins, showcasing his ability to pitch deep into games and maintain consistency throughout the season. His performance helped the Twins remain competitive in the American League West division.
Goltz continued to be a mainstay in the Twins' rotation through the late 1970s. In 1978, he posted a 15-10 record with a 2.49 ERA, further establishing himself as one of the team's top pitchers. His ability to pitch effectively in a variety of situations made him a valuable asset to the Twins.
In 1980, Goltz signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His tenure with the Dodgers, however, was marked by inconsistency and injuries. Despite these challenges, he contributed to the Dodgers' pitching staff and was part of the team that reached the World Series in 1981. Although he did not play a major role in the postseason, being part of a World Series-winning team was a highlight of his career.
After his time with the Dodgers, Goltz played briefly for the California Angels in 1983. His major league career concluded that year, marking the end of an 11-season journey in professional baseball. Over the course of his career, Goltz compiled a 113-109 win-loss record, a 3.69 ERA, and 941 strikeouts.
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