Chris Rowley

Christopher Ryan Rowley (born August 14, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays. He is also a first lieutenant in the United States Army, assigned to Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). On August 12, 2017, Rowley became the first West Point graduate to play in MLB.[1][2]

For the writer, see Christopher Rowley.
Chris Rowley
Rowley at Army in 2012
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1990-08-14) August 14, 1990
Atlanta, Georgia
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 12, 2017, for the Toronto Blue Jays
MLB statistics
(through 2018 season)
Win–loss record1–3
Earned run average7.91
Strikeouts11
Teams

High school and college

Rowley attended South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, where he set school records in wins, earned run average (ERA), and strikeouts.[3] After high school, Rowley was offered college baseball scholarships by Mercer University and the United States Military Academy (also called West Point). He chose the Military Academy over Mercer, as the Army Black Knights offered him a chance to start games, while the Mercer Bears wanted him in the bullpen, working as a relief pitcher.[4] In his first season with Army, he appeared in three games for the Black Knights and posted a 13.00 ERA in nine innings pitched.[3] The following year, Rowley pitched to a 5–4 win–loss record, 4.68 ERA, and 54 strikeouts in 73 total innings.[3] Rowley finished the 2012 campaign with an 11–1 record, which included six complete games and five shutouts, and added a 2.40 earned run average and 80 strikeouts in 97​1⁄3 innings. Following the season, he was named the Patriot League's Pitcher of the Year.[3] In his final season with the Black Knights, Rowley went 9–4 with a 2.67 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 97​2⁄3 innings pitched.[3]

Professional career

Minor leagues and military
Chris Rowley
Born (1990-08-14) August 14, 1990
Atlanta, Georgia
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service2013–2016
Rank First lieutenant

Undrafted after graduation, Rowley was invited by the Toronto Blue Jays to play for the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays for the remainder of the 2013 season, after which he would begin his five-year active duty obligation to the United States Army.[5] In nine games played, he pitched to a 4–0 record, 1.10 ERA, and 39 strikeouts in 32​2⁄3 innings.[6] Rowley began his military service assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was later assigned to Bulgaria and Romania as a Field Artillery fire support officer.[7][8][9] While assigned to Bulgaria for Operation Atlantic Resolve, first lieutenant Rowley pitched to his company's senior medic to keep his arm in shape.[10][11] After serving 30 months in the military, Rowley's application for an exception to the remainder of his commitment was approved on January 22, 2016, and he was assigned to Individual Ready Reserve.[8][12] He played the entire year with the Advanced-A Dunedin Blue Jays, and posted a 10–3 win–loss record, 3.49 ERA, and 86 strikeouts in a career-high 123​2⁄3 innings.[6] He was assigned to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats to begin the 2017 season, and earned a promotion to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on June 19.[13][14] Rowley initially pitched out of the bullpen for Buffalo, and joined the starting rotation on July 4.[15]

Toronto Blue Jays

On August 12, 2017, Rowley was called-up from Triple-A Buffalo to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.[16] He pitched 5​1⁄3 innings and allowed a single run on five hits and one walk with three strikeouts, and earned the win in the 7–2 victory.[17] Rowley was outrighted off the 40-man roster on November 20, 2017.[18] On January 24, 2018, the Blue Jays invited him to spring training.[19] Rowley was added to the active roster on July 14, 2018.[20]

Texas Rangers

On July 23, 2018 Rowley was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers.[21] He declared free agency on October 5, 2018.[22]

San Diego Padres

On February 28, 2019, Rowley signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.[23]

Minnesota Twins

On January 28, 2020, Rowley signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.[24] He became a free agent on November 2, 2020.

References
  1. Nicholson-Smith, Ben (August 11, 2017). "Blue Jays pitcher Chris Rowley set to join exclusive club". Sportsnet. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  2. Buffery, Steve (August 11, 2017). "Blue Jays' Rowley about to make West Point history". Toronto Sun. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
  3. "Army West Point Athletics – Chris Rowley 2013". goarmywestpoint.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  4. Rainey, Tammy (June 23, 2017). "The unusual journey of Blue Jays prospect Chris Rowley". baseballprospectus.com. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  5. Joyce, Gare (May 15, 2014). "A New Target". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  6. "Chris Rowley Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  7. Joyce, Gare (July 30, 2017). "The Outlier". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  8. Joyce, Gare (March 7, 2016). "Chris Rowley's most unlikely path to Blue Jays camp". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  9. "MLB notebook: West Point grad Chris Rowley takes long route to major leagues". Ohio.com. Associated Press. August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  10. Zickel, Tyler (May 26, 2017). "Duty, Honor, Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  11. Frazer, Ian (July 12, 2017). "Baseball: South Forsyth alum Chris Rowley is just a step away from the majors". forsythnews.com. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  12. Matheson, Keegan (August 11, 2017). "US Army vet Rowley wowed by 1st MLB callup". MLB.com. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  13. Castner, Kat (June 29, 2017). "2013 Grad Chris Rowley called up to Buffalo Bisons". pointerview.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  14. Prusak, Heather (July 5, 2017). "Chris Rowley's journey from the Army to the Bisons". wgrz.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  15. Moritz, Amy (July 3, 2017). "On July 4, ex-military man Chris Rowley takes the ball for the Bisons". buffalonews.com. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  16. Matheson, Keegan (August 12, 2017). "Rowley called up to debut vs. Pirates". MLB.com. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  17. Berry, Adam; Chisholm, Gregor (August 12, 2017). "US Army vet Rowley sharp in Toronto's win". MLB.com. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  18. Adams, Steve (November 20, 2017). "Blue Jays Outright Harold Ramirez, Chris Rowley". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  19. "Blue Jays announce non-roster invitees to major league camp". Sportsnet. January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  20. Zwelling, Arden (July 14, 2018). "Blue Jays call up Chris Rowley, option Ryan Borucki". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  21. "Blue Jays right-hander Chris Rowley claimed off waivers by Rangers". Sportsnet. July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  22. Todd, Jeff (October 8, 2018). "Players Electing Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  23. Matt Eddy (November 7, 2019). "Minor League Free Agents 2019". Baseball America. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  24. "Major League Baseball Transactions". MLB.com. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
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