Tommy Hunter, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Texas Rangers. Drafted by the Rangers in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft, Hunter quickly ascended through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut on August 1, 2008. His early years with the Rangers saw him transitioning between starting and relieving roles, showcasing his adaptability on the mound.
In 2010, Hunter played a significant role in the Rangers' rotation, helping the team reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history. That season, he posted a 13-4 record with a 3.73 ERA, demonstrating his ability to handle the pressures of high-stakes games. Despite the Rangers' loss to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, Hunter's performance was a bright spot in their postseason run.
Hunter's tenure with the Rangers came to an end in 2011 when he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. With the Orioles, he initially continued as a starter but eventually found his niche in the bullpen. By 2013, Hunter had transitioned to a full-time relief role, where he excelled as a late-inning option. His fastball, which could reach the upper 90s, became a valuable asset for the Orioles' bullpen.
The 2014 season was particularly noteworthy for Hunter as he took on the role of closer for the Orioles. He recorded 11 saves and maintained a solid ERA, contributing to the Orioles' American League East division title. Although he eventually ceded the closer role to Zach Britton, Hunter remained an integral part of the bullpen, providing stability and experience.
In 2015, Hunter was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he continued to serve as a reliable bullpen arm. His stint with the Cubs was short-lived, and he soon found himself signing with the Cleveland Indians in 2016. However, injuries limited his effectiveness, and he was released mid-season.
Hunter's career saw a resurgence when he signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017. He delivered one of his best seasons, posting a 2.61 ERA over 61 games. His performance with the Rays caught the attention of the Philadelphia Phillies, who signed him to a two-year contract in 2018. With the Phillies, Hunter continued to be a dependable reliever, though injuries again hampered his availability.
Despite these setbacks, Hunter remained a sought-after veteran presence in the bullpen. He returned to the Phillies in 2020 on a minor league deal and made the Opening Day roster. In 2021, he signed with the New York Mets, where he continued to contribute as a seasoned reliever.
Throughout his career, Tommy Hunter was known for his durability and ability to adapt to various roles on the pitching staff.
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