Josh Tomlin, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Cleveland Indians and later with the Atlanta Braves. Born on October 19, 1984, in Tyler, Texas, Tomlin attended Texas Tech University, where he honed his skills on the mound before being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 19th round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
Tomlin made his MLB debut with the Indians on July 27, 2010, against the New York Yankees. In his debut, he pitched impressively, allowing only one run over seven innings and securing a win. This performance set the tone for his early career, as he quickly became known for his control and ability to pitch deep into games. Unlike many pitchers, Tomlin relied more on precision and strategy rather than overpowering velocity, which became a hallmark of his pitching style.
Throughout his tenure with the Indians, Tomlin was often utilized as a starting pitcher, though he occasionally served in a relief role. His ability to adapt to different pitching roles made him a valuable asset to the team. One of his standout seasons came in 2016 when he played a crucial role in helping the Indians reach the World Series. During that season, Tomlin posted a 13-9 record with a 4.40 ERA, demonstrating his reliability in the rotation. In the postseason, he delivered key performances, including a strong outing in Game 3 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.
Injuries, however, were a recurring challenge throughout Tomlin's career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012, which sidelined him for the entire 2013 season. Despite this setback, he returned to the mound with determination, continuing to contribute to the Indians' pitching staff in subsequent seasons.
After spending nearly a decade with Cleveland, Tomlin signed with the Atlanta Braves in March 2019. With the Braves, he transitioned more into a bullpen role, providing veteran leadership and stability. His experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the Braves' pitching staff, particularly in mentoring younger pitchers. In 2020, Tomlin helped the Braves reach the National League Championship Series, further extending his postseason experience.
Tomlin's career statistics reflect his consistency and durability as a pitcher. Over his MLB career, he accumulated over 1,000 innings pitched, with a win-loss record that underscored his role as a dependable option for his teams. Known for his control, he maintained a low walk rate, which was a testament to his precision on the mound.
Off the field, Tomlin was respected by teammates and coaches alike for his professionalism and work ethic.
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