Jeremy Bonderman, a right-handed pitcher, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Detroit Tigers. Born on October 28, 1982, in Kennewick, Washington, Bonderman was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2001 MLB Draft. However, he never played for the Athletics, as he was traded to the Tigers in a deal that involved several players, including Carlos Peña and Ted Lilly.
Bonderman's rookie season in 2003 was challenging, as he finished with a 6-19 record and a 5.56 ERA. Despite the tough start, he showed potential with his fastball and slider, which were his primary pitches. Over the next few years, Bonderman worked on refining his skills and became an integral part of the Tigers' starting rotation.
The 2006 season was a turning point for Bonderman and the Tigers. He posted a 14-8 record with a 4.08 ERA and 202 strikeouts, helping lead the team to its first playoff appearance since 1987. In the postseason, Bonderman played a crucial role in the Tigers' success. He pitched brilliantly in the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the New York Yankees, securing a victory in Game 4 that clinched the series for Detroit. The Tigers advanced to the World Series, where they faced the St. Louis Cardinals, but ultimately fell short.
Bonderman's performance in 2006 earned him recognition as one of the promising young pitchers in the league. He continued to be a reliable starter for the Tigers over the next few seasons, although injuries began to take a toll on his career. In 2008, he was sidelined with a blood clot in his shoulder, which required surgery and caused him to miss most of the season. The following years saw Bonderman struggling with various injuries, limiting his effectiveness on the mound.
After the 2010 season, Bonderman became a free agent and did not pitch in the majors for the next two years. In 2013, he attempted a comeback and signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. Bonderman made it back to the majors in June 2013, pitching for the Mariners and later for the Tigers after being released and re-signed by Detroit. However, his return was short-lived, and he was released by the Tigers in October 2013.
Throughout his career, Bonderman was known for his competitive spirit and ability to deliver strong performances in crucial games.
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