Matt Garza
| Matt Garza | |
|---|---|
| File:MattGarza.JPG | |
| Minnesota Twins – No. 21 | |
| Pitcher | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| debut | |
| August 11, 2006, for the Minnesota Twins | |
| Career statistics (through 2005 (minors)) | |
| Wins-Losses | 18-8 |
| ERA | 2.73 |
| Strikeouts | 243 |
Matt Garza is a right handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. Garza was the first round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2005. He attended school at Fresno State University. He gained attention for rising through the ranks of the minor league system, starting the 2006 season at Single-A Fort Myers, quickly going to Double-A New Britian and then to Triple-A Rochester. In his third start at Triple-A Rochester, Garza pitched a three hit complete game shutout, while throwing 127 pitches, well above the limit for Twins minor league pitchers.
The Twins purchased Garza's contract, promoting him to the majors to replace an injured Francisco Liriano, on August 8th, 2006. Garza is one of a small number of players to advance through the minors and reach the Major League level in a single season, and his doing so in the notoriously protective Twins system is a strong testament to his rapidly developing skills.