Scott Downs, a left-handed pitcher, spent his Major League Baseball career with several teams, demonstrating his skills on the mound over a span of 13 seasons. Born on March 17, 1976, in Louisville, Kentucky, Downs attended the University of Kentucky, where he played college baseball for the Wildcats. His journey to the majors began when he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the third round of the 1997 MLB Draft.
Downs made his MLB debut with the Cubs on April 9, 2000. However, his time with Chicago was brief, and he was traded to the Montreal Expos in December 2000. With the Expos, Downs transitioned from a starting pitcher to a reliever, a role that would define much of his career. After a stint with the Expos, he was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins in 2004, though he did not play for them in the majors.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Downs in December 2004, marking a significant chapter in his career. With the Blue Jays, he found stability and success as a reliever. From 2005 to 2010, Downs became a reliable option out of the bullpen, known for his ability to handle both left-handed and right-handed hitters. His performance in Toronto included a career-best 1.78 ERA in 2008, showcasing his effectiveness in high-leverage situations.
In December 2010, Downs signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels. During his tenure with the Angels, he continued to excel as a setup man, maintaining a low ERA and providing veteran leadership in the bullpen. His time with the Angels was marked by consistency, as he remained a dependable arm for the team.
Midway through the 2013 season, Downs was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he finished the year. The following season, he signed with the Chicago White Sox, but his time there was short-lived. He was released in June 2014 and subsequently signed by the Kansas City Royals. Downs concluded his MLB career with the Royals, appearing in a few games before being released in August 2014.
Throughout his career, Downs was known for his effective use of a sinker and curveball, which allowed him to induce ground balls and limit home runs. His ability to adapt from a starting role to a bullpen specialist was a testament to his understanding of the game and his pitching acumen. Over 13 seasons, Downs compiled a 38-40 win-loss record, a 3.56 ERA, and 575 strikeouts in 619.1 innings pitched.
Scott Downs' career in Major League Baseball was marked by adaptability and consistency.
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