Steve Cishek, a right-handed relief pitcher, built a solid career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with his distinctive sidearm delivery and consistent performance on the mound. Born on June 18, 1986, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Cishek attended Falmouth High School before playing college baseball at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. His journey to the majors began when the Florida Marlins selected him in the fifth round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
Cishek made his MLB debut with the Marlins on September 26, 2010. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable bullpen option. By 2012, he had taken over the closer role for the Marlins, a position he held for several seasons. During his tenure with the Marlins, Cishek recorded a career-high 39 saves in 2014, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
In 2015, Cishek's journey took a new turn when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. His time with the Cardinals was brief, as he became a free agent at the end of the season. The Seattle Mariners signed him to a two-year contract in December 2015, where he continued to serve as a closer and setup man. Cishek's stint with the Mariners was marked by a solid performance, although he faced some challenges with injuries.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Cishek in 2017, but he was soon traded to the Chicago Cubs later that year. With the Cubs, Cishek found stability and became a key component of their bullpen. Over two seasons, he appeared in 150 games, maintaining an impressive ERA and proving to be a dependable option for the team.
In 2020, Cishek signed with the Chicago White Sox, where he played during the pandemic-shortened season. The following year, he joined the Los Angeles Angels, continuing to add depth and experience to their bullpen. Throughout his career, Cishek was known for his ability to induce ground balls and his effectiveness against right-handed hitters.
Steve Cishek's career spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams and adapted to various roles within the bullpen.
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