Ryan Franklin's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 23rd round of the 1992 MLB Draft. After several years of honing his skills in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut with the Mariners in 1999. Initially, Franklin served as a relief pitcher, but he soon transitioned into a starting role, showcasing his adaptability on the mound.
Throughout his tenure with the Mariners, Franklin was known for his durability and ability to eat innings. He became a regular in the Mariners' rotation, pitching over 200 innings in both the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Despite not being a strikeout pitcher, Franklin relied on his control and ability to induce ground balls to navigate through lineups.
In 2005, Franklin's career faced a setback when he was suspended for 10 games after testing positive for a banned substance. This incident marked a challenging period for him, but he returned to the mound determined to continue his career.
Following his time with the Mariners, Franklin signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2006. His stint with the Phillies was brief, as he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds later that year. With the Reds, Franklin transitioned back to a relief role, which would become his primary position for the remainder of his career.
The turning point in Franklin's career came when he joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 2007. Under the guidance of manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan, Franklin found a niche as a reliable setup man and eventually as a closer. In 2009, he was named the Cardinals' closer and responded with a standout season, recording 38 saves and earning an All-Star selection.
Franklin's success as a closer continued into the 2010 season, where he maintained his role as the Cardinals' ninth-inning specialist. However, the 2011 season proved to be a challenging one for Franklin. Struggles on the mound led to him losing the closer role, and he was eventually released by the Cardinals mid-season.
Despite the abrupt end to his playing days, Franklin's career was marked by perseverance and adaptability. After retiring from playing, he remained involved in baseball, taking on a role in the Cardinals' front office as a special assistant to the general manager.
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