Jason Hammel, a right-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills across several teams. Born on September 2, 1982, in Greenville, South Carolina, Hammel's journey to the majors began when he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 10th round of the 2002 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Devil Rays on April 11, 2006, against the Baltimore Orioles.
Hammel's early years with Tampa Bay were a period of adjustment as he transitioned from the minors to the majors. He spent parts of three seasons with the Devil Rays, primarily as a starting pitcher, but also made appearances out of the bullpen. In 2009, Hammel was traded to the Colorado Rockies, where he found more stability in the starting rotation. During his time with the Rockies, he developed a reputation for his durability and ability to eat innings, which was valuable for a team playing in the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
In 2012, Hammel signed with the Baltimore Orioles, where he enjoyed one of his best seasons. That year, he posted a 3.43 ERA over 20 starts, helping the Orioles reach the postseason for the first time in 15 years. Hammel's performance in Baltimore was marked by improved control and an effective slider, which became a key part of his pitching arsenal.
Hammel's career took another turn in 2014 when he signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. His initial stint with the Cubs was short-lived, as he was traded mid-season to the Oakland Athletics as part of a deal that brought Jeff Samardzija to Oakland. However, Hammel returned to the Cubs as a free agent in 2015, where he played a crucial role in the team's rotation.
During his second tenure with the Cubs, Hammel was part of the 2016 World Series-winning team. Although he did not pitch in the postseason, his regular-season contributions were vital in helping the Cubs secure the National League Central Division title. Hammel finished the 2016 season with a 15-10 record and a 3.83 ERA over 30 starts.
Following his success with the Cubs, Hammel signed a two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals in 2017. His time with the Royals was marked by mixed results, as he struggled to find consistency on the mound. Despite these challenges, Hammel continued to be a reliable presence in the rotation, providing veteran leadership to a young pitching staff.
Hammel announced his retirement from professional baseball in March 2019, after a brief stint with the Texas Rangers during spring training.
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