Tyler Chatwood, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Drafted in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Chatwood made his debut with the Angels in 2011. During his rookie season, he appeared in 27 games, starting 25 of them. He finished the year with a 6-11 record and a 4.75 ERA, showing potential despite some struggles typical of a young pitcher adjusting to the major leagues.
In November 2011, Chatwood was traded to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for catcher Chris Iannetta. His tenure with the Rockies was marked by both challenges and growth. Pitching at Coors Field, known for being a hitter-friendly park, Chatwood faced the daunting task of maintaining consistency. In 2013, he had one of his better seasons, posting an 8-5 record with a 3.15 ERA over 20 starts. Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll on his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014, which sidelined him for the entire season and limited him to just four starts in 2015.
Returning to the mound in 2016, Chatwood demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with a solid performance. He recorded a 12-9 record and a 3.87 ERA in 27 starts, proving he could still be effective despite the challenges of pitching in Colorado. His ability to induce ground balls was a key factor in his success, helping him navigate the thin air of Denver.
In December 2017, Chatwood signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. His first season with the Cubs in 2018 was a struggle, as he led the league in walks, issuing 95 free passes in just 103.2 innings. This control issue led to a demotion to the bullpen later in the season. Despite these difficulties, Chatwood worked to refine his mechanics and control.
The 2019 season saw Chatwood in a more versatile role, splitting time between the bullpen and the starting rotation. He made 38 appearances, including five starts, and posted a 3.76 ERA. His improved control was evident, as he significantly reduced his walk rate compared to the previous year.
In the shortened 2020 season, Chatwood started five games for the Cubs, finishing with a 2-2 record and a 5.30 ERA. His season was again marred by injuries, limiting his ability to contribute consistently.
Chatwood signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2021 season. He began the year in the bullpen, appearing in 30 games and recording a 5.46 ERA. Control issues resurfaced, leading to his release in July. Shortly thereafter, he signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants but did not make any major league appearances for them.
Throughout his career, Tyler Chatwood faced numerous challenges, including injuries and control problems.
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