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Wesley Wright
Wesley Wright pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2017 spring training.jpg
Wright with the Texas Rangers in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1985-01-28) January 28, 1985 (age 39)
Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Left
debut
March 31, 2008, for the Houston Astros
Last appearance
October 4, 2015, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB statistics
Win–loss record 10–18
Earned run average 4.16
Strikeouts 295
Teams

Dequam LaWesley Wright (born January 28, 1985) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Early life

Wright was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and he grew up in a Montgomery County community known as Grady. He attended Goshen High School. He was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft. He had a scholarship offer from the University of South Alabama, but he signed with the Dodgers organization in June 2003.

Professional career

Los Angeles Dodgers

He made his professional debut with the Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League in 2004 and played for the Columbus Catfish and Vero Beach Dodgers in 2005. With Columbus, he pitched in 30 games and accumulated a 1.93 era as a relief pitcher.

In 2006, he pitched in 25 games with Vero Beach, acquiring a 1.48 era and was promoted to the Jacksonville Suns, where he began 2007 before a mid-season promotion to the Las Vegas 51s.

Houston Astros

DSC03913 Wesley Wright
Wright with the Houston Astros in 2009

In December 2007, he was selected by the Houston Astros in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Wright made the Astros 2008 opening day roster as the only left-handed pitcher in the bullpen. On March 31, 2008, Wright made his major league debut against the San Diego Padres and pitched 1/3 of a scoreless inning. Wright collected his first major league win on April 4, 2008, against the Chicago Cubs after pitching 1/3 of a scoreless inning again. He collected his first major league save on July 29, 2008, against the Cincinnati Reds coming in during 9th inning with two outs, and recorded the final out of the game for the save.

On July 16, 2009, Wright was called in to pitch in a game against the Cubs in the second inning after starter Roy Oswalt was forced from the game by a strained back. Wright batted in the top of the third inning and singled to left field for his first Major League hit. Later that night, it was reported that he was rushed to the hospital after showing signs of appendicitis. He was diagnosed with dehydration.

Tampa Bay Rays

Wesley Wright on August 20, 2013
Wright with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013

On August 12, 2013 he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. With Tampa Bay, Wright made his playoff debut in 2013, appearing in two games of the Rays' ALDS matchup with the Boston Red Sox. After the season, Wright was non-tendered by Tampa Bay, making him a free agent.

Chicago Cubs

On December 4, 2013 he agreed to a one-year, $1.425 million deal to pitch for the Chicago Cubs. The contract became official on December 16, 2013. He was non-tendered by the Cubs on December 2, 2014.

Baltimore Orioles

On December 16, 2014, Wright agreed to a one–year, major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He made two appearances for the Orioles before he was placed on the injured list with a left trapezius strain on April 11, 2015. After struggling to a 7.71 ERA in 10 rehab outings for the Triple–A Norfolk Tides, Wright was designated for assignment on July 15. He was released by the Orioles organization on July 22.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

On July 30, 2015, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In 12 appearances for the Triple–A Salt Lake Bees, he recorded a 1.42 ERA with 13 strikeouts across 122 innings pitched. On September 1, the Angels selected Wright's contract, adding him to their active roster. In 9 games for the Angels, he compiled a 3.18 ERA with 5 strikeouts over 52 innings of work.

Boston Red Sox

On December 22, 2015, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. However, he was released prior to the start of the season on March 28, 2016. On April 12, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox and was assigned to Triple–A Pawtucket Red Sox, where he appeared in 19 games before being released on July 11.

Texas Rangers

On January 27, 2017, Wright signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. In 30 games out of the bullpen for the Triple–A Round Rock Express, he compiled a 4.88 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 311 innings pitched. Wright was released by the Rangers organization on July 23.

On November 11, 2017, it was announced Wright had decided to retire and take a job as a pro scout with the Minnesota Twins.

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