Matthew Thomas Belisle, known as Matt Belisle, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey as a right-handed pitcher. Born on June 6, 1980, in Austin, Texas, Belisle's professional career began when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 1998 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Cincinnati Reds that he made his MLB debut on September 7, 2003.
Belisle's early years with the Reds saw him transitioning between starting and relieving roles. In 2005, he appeared in 36 games, primarily as a reliever, and posted a 4.41 ERA. The following year, he continued to serve in the bullpen, making 30 appearances with a 3.60 ERA. His versatility allowed the Reds to utilize him in various situations, although he struggled with consistency at times.
The 2007 season marked a shift for Belisle as he became a regular in the Reds' starting rotation. He started 30 games, achieving an 8-9 record with a 5.32 ERA. Despite the challenges of maintaining a starting role, Belisle demonstrated endurance and adaptability. However, injuries and performance issues led to a reduced role in 2008, and he was eventually released by the Reds in 2009.
Belisle's career took a positive turn when he signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2009. Initially joining as a non-roster invitee, he quickly proved his worth and became a reliable bullpen arm. From 2010 to 2012, Belisle was a workhorse for the Rockies, appearing in over 70 games each season. His 2010 campaign was particularly impressive, as he recorded a 2.93 ERA over 76 appearances, solidifying his role as a dependable reliever.
Continuing his tenure with the Rockies, Belisle maintained his effectiveness through the 2013 and 2014 seasons. His ability to pitch multiple innings and handle high-leverage situations made him a valuable asset to the team. In 2014, he posted a 4.87 ERA over 66 games, and although his numbers dipped slightly, his experience and leadership were invaluable to the Rockies' bullpen.
In 2015, Belisle signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to showcase his skills as a middle reliever. Despite battling injuries that limited his appearances to 34 games, he managed a 2.67 ERA, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. The following year, he joined the Washington Nationals, where he contributed to their bullpen with a 1.76 ERA over 40 games, further proving his resilience and adaptability.
Belisle's journey continued with the Minnesota Twins in 2017. He played a crucial role in their bullpen, especially after the trade of closer Brandon Kintzler. Belisle stepped up as the team's closer, recording nine saves and a 4.03 ERA over 62 appearances. His leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding the Twins' younger pitchers during their playoff push.
In 2018, Belisle signed with the Cleveland Indians but was released after a brief stint. He returned to the Twins later that year, providing veteran presence and depth to their bullpen. Over the course of his career, Belisle appeared in 660 MLB games, compiling a 51-57 record with a 4.20 ERA and 14 saves.
Matt Belisle's career is a testament to his adaptability and perseverance.
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