Ross Ohlendorf, a right-handed pitcher known for his intelligence and unique windup, made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Yankees. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB Draft, Ohlendorf was traded to the Yankees in 2007 as part of a deal that sent Randy Johnson back to Arizona. His time with the Yankees was brief, and he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008.
With the Pirates, Ohlendorf found more opportunities to showcase his skills. In 2009, he had a breakout season, posting an 11-10 record with a 3.92 ERA over 29 starts. His performance that year was a bright spot for the struggling Pirates, and he quickly became a reliable arm in their rotation. Ohlendorf's intelligence, highlighted by his degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University, was often noted as a factor in his approach to pitching.
Injuries, however, began to affect his career. The 2010 season saw him make only 21 starts due to back and shoulder issues, and his performance dipped with a 1-11 record despite a respectable 4.07 ERA. The following year, injuries limited him to just nine starts, and his ERA ballooned to 8.15. The Pirates released him after the 2011 season.
Ohlendorf signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2012 but was released before the season started. He then joined the San Diego Padres, where he split time between the majors and minors. His stint with the Padres was short-lived, and he finished the season with a 7.77 ERA in 13 appearances.
In 2013, Ohlendorf signed with the Washington Nationals, where he experienced a resurgence. Serving as both a starter and reliever, he posted a 4-1 record with a 3.28 ERA in 16 games. His unique windup, which involved a high leg kick reminiscent of pitchers from earlier eras, drew attention and seemed to help him regain some effectiveness on the mound.
The following year, Ohlendorf faced more challenges with injuries, missing the entire 2014 season due to a back injury. He returned to the mound in 2015 with the Texas Rangers, where he was used primarily as a reliever. In 21 appearances, he recorded a 3.72 ERA, showing flashes of his earlier form.
Ohlendorf's final MLB season came in 2016 with the Cincinnati Reds. He made 64 appearances out of the bullpen, recording a 4.66 ERA and earning five saves. His ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff was evident, but it was clear that injuries had taken a toll on his career.
After his time in MLB, Ohlendorf continued to play professionally, including a stint in Japan with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in 2017.
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