Thomas Stephen Gorzelanny, a left-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB), showcasing his skills with several teams. Born on July 12, 1982, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Gorzelanny attended the University of Kansas before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 2003 MLB Draft.
Gorzelanny made his MLB debut with the Pirates on September 20, 2005. Over the next few seasons, he became a regular part of the Pirates' pitching rotation. In 2007, he had one of his best seasons, posting a 14-10 record with a 3.88 ERA, which helped solidify his role as a starting pitcher. However, his performance fluctuated in subsequent seasons, leading to a trade to the Chicago Cubs in July 2009.
With the Cubs, Gorzelanny continued to serve as both a starter and a reliever. In 2010, he started 23 games and recorded a 7-9 record with a 4.09 ERA. His ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff was evident during his time with the Cubs, but he was traded to the Washington Nationals in January 2011.
In Washington, Gorzelanny transitioned more into a relief role, although he still made occasional starts. During the 2012 season, he appeared in 45 games, primarily out of the bullpen, and posted a 2.88 ERA, contributing to the Nationals' successful campaign that year. His performance as a reliever was solid, and he became a reliable option for the Nationals' bullpen.
Following his stint with the Nationals, Gorzelanny signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2012. He continued to work mainly as a reliever, although he did make a few starts. In 2013, he appeared in 43 games, achieving a 3.90 ERA. His tenure with the Brewers lasted until the end of the 2014 season.
Gorzelanny then joined the Detroit Tigers for the 2015 season. However, his time with the Tigers was challenging, as he struggled with his performance, finishing the season with a 5.95 ERA in 48 appearances. Despite these difficulties, he continued to find opportunities in the league.
In 2016, Gorzelanny signed with the Cleveland Indians, but his time with the team was brief. He was released in July after appearing in just seven games. This marked the end of his MLB playing career.
Throughout his career, Gorzelanny was known for his ability to adapt to various roles on the pitching staff, whether as a starter or reliever.
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