Shawn Kelley, a right-handed relief pitcher, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, demonstrating his skills across several teams. Born on April 26, 1984, in Louisville, Kentucky, Kelley attended Ballard High School before playing college baseball at Austin Peay State University. His performance there caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Seattle Mariners in the 13th round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
Kelley made his MLB debut with the Mariners on April 10, 2009. During his time with Seattle, he became known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations out of the bullpen. Despite facing challenges with injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2010, Kelley continued to refine his pitching technique, focusing on his slider and fastball combination.
In 2013, Kelley was traded to the New York Yankees, where he further established himself as a reliable reliever. His tenure with the Yankees saw him posting solid strikeout numbers, thanks to his effective slider. Kelley’s time in New York was marked by his ability to adapt to various roles within the bullpen, often being called upon in critical late-inning situations.
Following his stint with the Yankees, Kelley joined the San Diego Padres in 2015. His season with the Padres was brief but productive, as he maintained a low ERA and continued to strike out batters at an impressive rate. This performance caught the attention of the Washington Nationals, who signed him as a free agent in December 2015.
Kelley’s years with the Nationals were a mix of highs and lows. In 2016, he played a crucial role in the bullpen, helping the team reach the postseason. However, injuries again hampered his performance in subsequent seasons. Despite these setbacks, Kelley remained a valuable asset when healthy, known for his ability to close out games and handle high-leverage situations.
In 2018, Kelley was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he finished the season. The following year, he signed with the Texas Rangers. During his time with the Rangers, Kelley continued to provide veteran leadership and stability in the bullpen. His experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the younger pitchers on the team.
Throughout his career, Kelley was recognized for his competitive spirit and his ability to bounce back from injuries.
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