Jason Marquis, a right-handed pitcher, spent his Major League Baseball career with several teams, showcasing his skills on the mound over a span of 15 seasons. Born on August 21, 1978, in Manhasset, New York, Marquis grew up in Staten Island and attended Tottenville High School, where he excelled in baseball. His talent was evident early on, leading to his selection by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 1996 MLB Draft.
Marquis made his MLB debut with the Braves on June 6, 2000. During his time with Atlanta, he was part of a strong pitching staff and gained valuable experience. Although he had limited opportunities to start, he contributed as both a starter and a reliever. His tenure with the Braves lasted until 2003, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a deal that included J.D. Drew.
With the Cardinals, Marquis found more consistent opportunities in the starting rotation. The 2004 season was particularly noteworthy, as he posted a 15-7 record with a 3.71 ERA, helping the team reach the World Series. Although the Cardinals were ultimately defeated by the Boston Red Sox, Marquis's performance that season solidified his role as a reliable starting pitcher.
Marquis continued to pitch for the Cardinals until 2006, after which he signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent. His time with the Cubs saw mixed results, but he managed to maintain a spot in the rotation. In 2008, he helped the Cubs secure a playoff berth, though they were eliminated in the National League Division Series.
In 2009, Marquis joined the Colorado Rockies, where he enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. He earned his first and only All-Star selection that year, finishing the season with a 15-13 record and a 4.04 ERA. His performance was instrumental in the Rockies' push to the postseason, although they were knocked out in the Division Series by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Following his stint with the Rockies, Marquis signed with the Washington Nationals in 2010. However, his time in Washington was marred by injuries, limiting his effectiveness. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011, but his season was cut short due to a fractured fibula.
Marquis continued to persevere, signing with the Minnesota Twins in 2012. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Twins was brief, and he was released mid-season. He then signed with the San Diego Padres, where he experienced a resurgence. In 2013, Marquis posted a 9-5 record with a 4.05 ERA before an elbow injury ended his season prematurely.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Marquis missed the entire 2014 season. He made a comeback attempt with the Cincinnati Reds in 2015, but struggled to regain his previous form. After being designated for assignment in June, Marquis's time in the major leagues came to an end.
Throughout his career, Jason Marquis was known for his sinkerball, which induced ground balls and helped him navigate through challenging lineups. He finished his MLB career with a record of 124-118 and an ERA of 4.61.
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