Tommy Milone, a left-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Washington Nationals. Drafted in the 10th round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Milone worked his way through the minor leagues, showcasing his skills and earning a call-up to the majors. He made his MLB debut on September 3, 2011, with the Nationals, marking the beginning of a career that would see him play for several teams over the years.
Milone's time with the Nationals was brief, as he was traded to the Oakland Athletics in December 2011 as part of a deal that sent Gio Gonzalez to Washington. With the Athletics, Milone found a more stable role in the starting rotation. In 2012, he pitched 190 innings, achieving a 13-10 record with a 3.74 ERA. His performance helped the Athletics secure a playoff berth, and he pitched in the postseason for the first time in his career.
Over the next couple of seasons, Milone continued to be a reliable option for the Athletics, though his role fluctuated between the starting rotation and the bullpen. In 2014, he was traded mid-season to the Minnesota Twins, where he continued to serve as a starting pitcher. His tenure with the Twins saw mixed results, as he battled injuries and inconsistency on the mound.
Milone's career took him to several other teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles. With each team, he brought his experience and adaptability, often filling in as a spot starter or long reliever. His ability to change speeds and locate pitches effectively allowed him to remain a valuable asset to the teams he played for, even if he wasn't always in the spotlight.
In 2020, Milone signed with the Atlanta Braves, but was traded to the Orioles during the season. Despite the challenges of the pandemic-shortened season, he continued to pitch when called upon, demonstrating his persistence and ability to adapt to different team environments.
Throughout his career, Milone was known for his control and finesse on the mound rather than overpowering velocity. His pitching style relied heavily on mixing speeds and locations to keep hitters off balance. This approach allowed him to maintain a presence in the major leagues over a decade, despite the evolving nature of the game and the increasing emphasis on power pitching.
Tommy Milone's career is a testament to the journeyman nature of many professional athletes, as he navigated the ups and downs of life in the major leagues.
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