Joe Saunders, a left-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Drafted by the Angels in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft, Saunders made his debut in the major leagues on August 16, 2005. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the team.
In 2008, Saunders had a standout season with the Angels, earning a spot on the American League All-Star team. That year, he posted a 17-7 record with a 3.41 ERA, helping the Angels secure a playoff berth. His performance on the mound was characterized by his ability to induce ground balls and limit home runs, making him a valuable asset in the Angels' rotation.
Saunders continued to pitch for the Angels until July 2010, when he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a deal for pitcher Dan Haren. With the Diamondbacks, Saunders maintained his role as a dependable starter. In 2011, he contributed to Arizona's National League West division title, recording a 12-13 record with a 3.69 ERA. His efforts helped the Diamondbacks reach the postseason, where they faced the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.
After his tenure with the Diamondbacks, Saunders signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He played a crucial role in the Orioles' playoff run that year, delivering a strong performance in the American League Wild Card Game against the Texas Rangers. Saunders pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run, which helped the Orioles advance to the Division Series.
In 2013, Saunders joined the Seattle Mariners, where he continued to serve as a starting pitcher. Although his performance that season was less consistent, he provided veteran leadership to the Mariners' pitching staff. Saunders finished the year with an 11-16 record and a 5.26 ERA.
The following year, Saunders signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. He made a few appearances for the Rangers in 2014 but struggled to find his form, leading to his release in July. Saunders briefly returned to the Orioles organization later that year but did not make any major league appearances.
Throughout his career, Joe Saunders was known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. His pitching style relied on a mix of fastballs, changeups, and curveballs, which allowed him to keep hitters off balance. While he may not have been a dominant strikeout pitcher, Saunders' ability to manage contact and pitch effectively in high-pressure situations made him a valuable member of every team he played for.
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