Matthew Scott Garza, known as Matt Garza, is a former professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 26, 1983, in Selma, California, Garza attended Fresno State University, where he honed his skills on the mound before being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft.
Garza made his MLB debut with the Twins on August 11, 2006. During his time with Minnesota, he showcased his potential as a starting pitcher, although his early career was marked by the typical ups and downs faced by young players adjusting to the major leagues. In 2007, Garza was part of a trade that sent him to the Tampa Bay Rays, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career.
With the Rays, Garza became an integral part of the team's rotation. His tenure with Tampa Bay was highlighted by a standout performance in the 2008 season. That year, Garza played a crucial role in helping the Rays reach the World Series for the first time in the franchise's history. His performance in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Boston Red Sox was particularly memorable, as he was named the ALCS Most Valuable Player after winning two games, including the decisive Game 7.
Garza's time with the Rays also included a historic moment on July 26, 2010, when he pitched a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers. This achievement marked the first no-hitter in Tampa Bay Rays history and solidified Garza's reputation as a pitcher capable of dominating opposing lineups.
Following his successful stint with the Rays, Garza was traded to the Chicago Cubs in January 2011. During his time in Chicago, he continued to be a reliable presence on the mound, despite the team's struggles. Garza's tenure with the Cubs was marked by consistent performances, although injuries began to take a toll on his playing time and effectiveness.
In 2013, Garza was traded mid-season to the Texas Rangers, where he finished the year before entering free agency. The following year, he signed a four-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Garza's time with the Brewers was characterized by flashes of brilliance, but also by injuries that limited his availability and effectiveness. Despite these challenges, he remained a veteran presence in the Brewers' rotation until the end of his contract in 2017.
Throughout his career, Garza was known for his competitive nature and fiery demeanor on the mound. His pitching arsenal included a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup, which he used to keep hitters off balance. Over the course of his MLB career, Garza compiled a win-loss record of 93-106, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.09 and 1,367 strikeouts.
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