Eric Stults, a left-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Drafted in the 15th round of the 2002 MLB Draft, Stults made his MLB debut on September 5, 2006, with the Dodgers. His early career was marked by a series of starts and relief appearances, showcasing his adaptability on the mound.
During his tenure with the Dodgers, Stults had moments of brilliance, including a complete game shutout against the Chicago White Sox on June 25, 2008. This performance highlighted his potential as a starting pitcher. However, consistency was a challenge, and he often found himself moving between the majors and minors.
In 2010, Stults ventured overseas to Japan, signing with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). This international stint was relatively brief, and he returned to the United States the following year, signing a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies in 2011. Although he did not make a significant impact with the Rockies, his career took a positive turn when he joined the San Diego Padres in 2012.
With the Padres, Stults found a more stable role in the starting rotation. The 2013 season was particularly noteworthy, as he posted a 3.93 ERA over 33 starts, solidifying his position as a reliable starter. His ability to pitch deep into games and maintain control on the mound was appreciated by the Padres' management and fans alike.
Stults continued to pitch for the Padres until 2014, after which he signed with the Atlanta Braves for the 2015 season. His time with the Braves was short-lived, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers mid-season. However, he was soon designated for assignment and subsequently released, marking the end of his MLB playing days.
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