Scott Strickland's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 10th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. A right-handed pitcher, Strickland made his MLB debut with the Expos on August 14, 1999. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable relief pitcher, known for his ability to handle late-inning situations.
During his time with the Expos, Strickland became a regular fixture in their bullpen. His performance in the 2000 and 2001 seasons was particularly noteworthy, as he posted solid earned run averages (ERAs) and demonstrated his capability to close games when needed. In 2001, he recorded a career-high 13 saves, showcasing his ability to step into the closer role when called upon.
In 2002, Strickland was traded to the New York Mets as part of a multi-player deal. His tenure with the Mets saw him continue to be a dependable option out of the bullpen. However, his time in New York was marred by injuries, which limited his appearances and effectiveness on the mound. Despite these setbacks, Strickland managed to contribute to the Mets' bullpen depth during his stint with the team.
After his release from the Mets in 2004, Strickland signed with the Houston Astros. His time with the Astros was brief, as he only appeared in a handful of games during the 2005 season. Following his release from Houston, Strickland spent time in the minor leagues, attempting to work his way back to the majors.
In 2006, Strickland signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he did not make it back to the major league roster. He continued to play in the minors, signing with various teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers, in subsequent years. Despite his efforts, Strickland struggled to regain a permanent spot in a major league bullpen.
Strickland's career in professional baseball concluded after the 2010 season. Over his MLB career, he appeared in 236 games, all as a relief pitcher, and recorded a total of 21 saves. His career ERA stood at 3.34, reflecting his ability to be an effective reliever when healthy.
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