Keynan Middleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Keynan Middleton |
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Middleton with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017
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| Long Island Ducks – No. 50 | |||
| Pitcher | |||
| Born: September 12, 1993 Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 5, 2017, for the Los Angeles Angels | |||
| MLB statistics (through 2023 season) |
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| Win–loss record | 10–8 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.84 | ||
| Strikeouts | 199 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Keynan Anthony Middleton, born on September 12, 1993, is an American professional baseball player. He is a pitcher for the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Keynan has also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. These include the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. The Angels picked him in the third round of the 2013 MLB draft. He first played in the MLB in 2017.
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Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Keynan Middleton went to Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon. After high school, he played college baseball at Lane Community College. His talent was noticed by the Los Angeles Angels. They chose him in the third round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. This was a big step towards his professional career.
Professional Baseball Career
Starting in the Minor Leagues
After being drafted, Keynan began his professional journey. He first played for the Arizona League Angels. Later that year, he moved up to the Orem Owlz. In 2014, he stayed with the Orem Owlz. The next year, 2015, he played for the Burlington Bees.
In 2016, Keynan started with the Inland Empire 66ers. He then moved to the Arkansas Travelers and the Salt Lake Bees. Across these teams, he showed his skill. He had a 1–2 win-loss record with a 3.41 ERA. He also struck out many batters, averaging 12 strikeouts for every 9 innings he pitched.
Playing for the Los Angeles Angels
Keynan Middleton made his big league debut on May 5, 2017. He pitched one inning and struck out one batter. On June 11, he earned his first career win. This happened during a relief appearance against the Houston Astros.
His first career save came on August 8. This was in a close 3–2 win against the Baltimore Orioles. He struck out the first two batters he faced. He finished the 2017 season with a 6–1 record. He also had 3 saves in 64 games. He averaged 9.7 strikeouts per 9 innings. Keynan's 64 appearances were the third most ever for an Angels rookie. He also had a very fast fastball, averaging 97.2 miles per hour.
In 2018, Keynan started as the Angels' closer. This means he was the pitcher who finished games. However, he faced an injury. On May 14, he was put on the disabled list. Doctors suspected damage to a ligament in his right elbow. On May 17, it was announced he needed Tommy John surgery. This surgery repairs a ligament in the elbow. It meant his 2018 season was over. He finished that year with 6 saves in 16 games. He had a 2.04 ERA and 16 strikeouts.
After recovering for most of 2019, Keynan returned in September. He played in 11 games. On December 2, the Angels decided not to offer him a new contract. In 2020, he had a 0–1 record with a 5.25 ERA.
Moving to Other MLB Teams
On December 16, 2020, Keynan signed with the Seattle Mariners. He played in 32 games for them. He had a 4.94 ERA and 24 strikeouts. On August 26, 2021, the Mariners removed him from their main roster. He later became a free agent.
On January 13, 2022, Keynan signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He started the year with their Triple-A team, the Reno Aces. On April 29, he was called up to the Diamondbacks' main roster. He became a free agent again on November 3, 2022.
Keynan signed with the Chicago White Sox on January 15, 2023. He started with their Triple-A team, the Charlotte Knights. He pitched three scoreless innings there. On April 10, he joined the White Sox's active roster.
Later in 2023, on August 1, Keynan was traded to the New York Yankees. He became a free agent after the 2023 season ended.
Recent Career Updates
On February 3, 2024, Keynan signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. He started the year on the injured list due to a right forearm strain. He received a special treatment called a platelet-rich plasma injection. He then made five appearances for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals to get back in shape. However, on June 4, Keynan had surgery to fix his flexor tendon. This surgery ended his 2024 season. The Cardinals decided not to keep him for 2025, and he became a free agent.
On July 11, 2025, Keynan Middleton signed with the Long Island Ducks. This team is part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
