Sutton made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on April 14, 1966. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as a reliable starting pitcher, finishing with a 12-12 record and a 2.99 ERA. Over the years, Sutton became known for his durability and ability to consistently deliver quality starts. He was a key component of the Dodgers' pitching rotation, which included other greats like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale.
Throughout his career, Sutton was known for his exceptional control and ability to pitch deep into games. He was not a power pitcher but relied on his command and a variety of pitches to keep hitters off balance. This approach allowed him to maintain a high level of performance over an extended period. Sutton's best season came in 1976 when he posted a 21-10 record with a 3.06 ERA, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game and finishing third in the Cy Young Award voting.
Sutton's tenure with the Dodgers lasted until 1980, during which he became the franchise's all-time leader in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched. In 1981, he signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent. His time with the Astros was short-lived, as he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1982. Sutton played a crucial role in helping the Brewers reach the World Series that year, although they ultimately fell to the St. Louis Cardinals.
After his stint with the Brewers, Sutton continued to pitch effectively for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics and the California Angels. He returned to the Dodgers in 1988, where he finished his career. Over 23 seasons, Sutton accumulated 324 wins, 3,574 strikeouts, and a 3.26 ERA. His longevity and consistency on the mound were hallmarks of his career, allowing him to achieve milestones that few pitchers have reached.
Sutton's achievements were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
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