David Riske, a right-handed relief pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his time with the Cleveland Indians. Born on October 23, 1976, in Renton, Washington, Riske attended Lindbergh High School before playing college baseball at Green River Community College. His professional journey began when the Cleveland Indians selected him in the 56th round of the 1996 MLB Draft.
Riske made his major league debut with the Indians on August 14, 1999. Over the next several years, he became a reliable arm in the bullpen, known for his ability to handle late-inning pressure. His fastball and slider combination proved effective against hitters, and he gradually earned more responsibility in the Indians' relief corps. By the early 2000s, Riske had established himself as a consistent presence in the Cleveland bullpen, often serving as a setup man.
During his tenure with the Indians, Riske's performance was marked by a solid ERA and a knack for striking out batters. In 2003, he posted a 2.29 ERA over 74 appearances, one of the best seasons of his career. His ability to maintain composure in high-leverage situations made him a valuable asset to the team. Riske's time with the Indians lasted until 2005, when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox as part of a deal involving outfielder Coco Crisp.
Riske's stint with the Red Sox was brief, as he was traded mid-season to the Chicago White Sox in 2006. With the White Sox, he continued to perform effectively out of the bullpen, maintaining a low ERA and providing veteran leadership. His tenure in Chicago was short-lived, however, as he signed with the Kansas City Royals for the 2007 season.
In Kansas City, Riske enjoyed another strong season, appearing in 65 games and recording a 2.45 ERA. His performance with the Royals caught the attention of the Milwaukee Brewers, who signed him to a three-year contract in December 2007. Riske's time with the Brewers was marred by injuries, limiting his effectiveness and availability. He underwent elbow surgery in 2009, which significantly impacted his playing time.
Despite these setbacks, Riske continued to work towards a return to form. He pitched for the Brewers until 2010, when he was released mid-season. Following his release, Riske signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, though he did not make a significant impact at the major league level with the team.
Throughout his career, David Riske was known for his steady presence in the bullpen and his ability to adapt to various roles as needed.
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