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Buck Farmer

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Buck Farmer
Farmer with the Detroit Tigers
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1991-02-20) February 20, 1991 (age 33)
Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 13, 2014, for the Detroit Tigers
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record24–30
Earned run average4.71
Strikeouts486
Teams

George Runie "Buck" Farmer (born February 20, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds.

Early life

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Farmer attended Rockdale County High School where he was a four-year letter winner and three-year captain. During his junior year, he posted a 1.50 earned run average (ERA), with a .443 batting average, while he posted a 2.02 ERA, with a .468 batting average during his senior year. Farmer holds the Rockdale single-game strikeout record with 22 against Dacula High School in 2008. He was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2008 Connie Mack World Series, and MVP of the 2008 World Wood Bat Championships. Farmer was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 46th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign and elected to play college baseball at the Georgia Institute of Technology for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.[1]

College career

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Farmer began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech in 2010. During his freshman season, he posted a 5–1 record, and a 3.63 ERA in 19 appearances. He recorded his first career win on March 14, in four innings of relief against Wake Forest, holding the Deacons to no runs on just two hits. During his sophomore season, Farmer posted an 11–3 record, and a 2.82 ERA in 16 starts. He went 8–1 in conference play. The eight conference wins were the most by any pitcher in the league in 2011.[1] After the 2011 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[2]

During his junior season, Farmer pitched a team-high 1062⁄3 innings, third in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He posted a 3.54 ERA, and allowed just 100 hits with 37 walks and 115 strikeouts, third-most in the ACC. He was the ACC's only pitcher to pitch a complete-game shutout with his 1–0 win over Duke, earning him the ACC Pitcher of the Week and College Sports Madness National Pitcher of the Week.[3] After the season, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to return to Georgia Tech for his senior season.[4] During his senior season, Farmer posted 9–5 record in 17 starts, and a 2.78 ERA in 1131⁄3 innings with 122 strikeouts. He ranked second in the ACC in strikeouts, and finished with a career best in ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts.[5] He was a semifinalist for the ACC Pitcher of the Year.[6]

Professional career

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Minor Leagues

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Farmer was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft and signed a minor league contract.[7][8]

Farmer began the 2014 season with the Class A West Michigan Whitecaps, where he made 18 starts, before being promoted to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, where he started two games. Between Class A and Double-A, Farmer was 11–5, with a 2.65 ERA, allowing 101 hits over 1152⁄3 innings with 127 strikeouts and 28 walks.[9] After the season, Farmer was honored as Midwest League Pitcher of the Year.[10]

Detroit Tigers

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2014

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Farmer made his major league debut on August 13, 2014, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.[11] In his debut, he pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits, while striking out four, and earning a no-decision.[12] He was optioned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens following his debut.[13] The Tigers called up Farmer again on August 23, 2014, to start the first game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.[14] In his second major league start, Farmer pitched 11⁄3 innings, allowing seven runs on five hits, while walking two, and striking out three in a 12–4 loss.[15]

2015

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In 2015, Farmer made a spot start for the Tigers on May 28, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, when he allowed seven runs on nine hits in five innings. He was recalled by the Tigers on June 24, 2015. In 12 starts with the Mud Hens, Farmer posted a 3.56 ERA with 59 strikeouts and 22 walks in 681⁄3 innings.[16]

2016

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In 2016, Farmer made the Tigers opening day roster. On April 16, 2016, Farmer was optioned to the Toledo Mud Hens.[17] Farmer was recalled to the Tigers on May 22, after Drew VerHagen was optioned to Toledo that same day.[18] On September 21, 2016, Farmer made his first major league start of the year against the Minnesota Twins, however the game was suspended as a result of rain.[19] In addition to the one start, Farmer made 13 relief appearances for the Tigers in 2016, posting a 4.60 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 29+1⁄3 innings pitched.

2017

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In 2017, Farmer began the season with the Toledo Mud Hens. On May 26, Farmer received his second call-up of the year to Detroit. On May 27, Farmer started against the Chicago White Sox and recorded 11 strikeouts and zero earned runs giving him his first major league win. Farmer made 11 starts for the 2017 Tigers, going 5–5 with a 6.75 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 48 innings.

2018

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With the exception of one spot start, Farmer pitched the entire 2018 season out of the Tigers bullpen. He made 66 appearances, posting a 3–4 record with a 4.15 ERA, while striking out 57 batters in 69+1⁄3 innings.

2019

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Farmer again filled a bullpen role in 2019, with the exception of one spot start. He went 6–6 on the season with 73 strikeouts in 67+2⁄3 innings, while posting career bests in ERA (3.72) and WHIP (1.271).

2020

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On January 10, 2020, the Tigers avoided arbitration with Farmer, agreeing on a one-year, $1.15 million contract.[20] In the 2020 season (23 games), Farmer had a 3.80 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 21+1⁄3 innings.

2021

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On January 15, 2021, the Tigers and Farmer agreed to a one-year, $1.85 million contract, avoiding arbitration.[21] After pitching to a 12.66 ERA in 12 games to begin the season, Farmer was designated for assignment by the Tigers on May 7, 2021.[22] He was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo on May 11.[23] Farmer would return to the big leagues on June 13, as his contract was selected by the Tigers from Toledo.[24] Between send-down and call-up, Farmer made nine appearances out of the bullpen in Toledo, pitching 11.1 innings, and ending with a 3.97 ERA helped greatly by a stretch of four straight scoreless outings immediately preceding his call-up.[24][25] Farmer struggled to a 6.37 ERA in 35+1⁄3 innings for the 2021 Tigers. On August 14, 2021, Farmer was designated for assignment by the Tigers.[26] On August 17, he was released by the Tigers.[27]

Texas Rangers

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On August 21, 2021, Farmer signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization and was assigned to the Round Rock Express of the Triple-A West.[28]

Cincinnati Reds

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On March 16, 2022, Farmer signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[29] On April 4, it was announced that Farmer had made the 2022 opening day roster.[30] He was designated for assignment on May 6.[31] On May 9, Farmer cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.[32] Farmer elected free agency and re-signed with the Reds on a minor league contract the next day.[33]

On July 9, 2022, Farmer was selected back to the active roster by Cincinnati.[34] On August 1, Farmer earned his first career save in a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.[35] He finished the year having appeared in 44 games for the Reds, posting a 2-2 record and 3.83 ERA with 54 strikeouts and two saves in 47.0 innings pitched. He became a free agent following the 2023 season.

On December 28, 2023, Farmer re-signed with the Reds on a one-year, $2.25 million deal.[36]

Scouting report

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Throughout his career, Farmer relied on three pitches: a 91–95 MPH four-seam fastball (tops out at 97 MPH), a mid-80s MPH slider and a changeup.[37] In 2015, he added a two-seam fastball to his repertoire in order to generate more groundballs, a philosophy taught to him by his AAA pitching coach, Mike Maroth.[38]

References

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  1. ^ a b "#30 Buck Farmer". Georgia Tech. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  2. ^ "#30 Buck Farmer - Profile". pointstreak.com. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  3. ^ "Buck Farmer Named ACC Pitcher Of The Week". Georgia Tech. April 2, 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  4. ^ Aschermann Jr., Kurt (June 7, 2012). "Farmer drafted by Brewers; Bazzani picked by Orioles". The Rockdale Citizen. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  5. ^ "Georgia Tech Has Four Drafted In First Five Rounds". Georgia Tech. June 7, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  6. ^ "Farmer, Evans, Palka Named Semifinalists For National Awards". Georgia Tech. May 16, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  7. ^ Nightengale, Bobby (June 7, 2013). "Farmer's smart moves benefit Tigers' Draft". MLB. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  8. ^ Aschermann Jr., Kurt (June 15, 2013). "Farmer signs with Tigers". The Rockdale Citizen. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  9. ^ Beck, Jason (August 12, 2014). "Farmer set to make spot start Wednesday". MLB. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  10. ^ 2015 Detroit Tigers Media Guide. p. 100.
  11. ^ Iott, Chris (August 11, 2014). "Right-hander Buck Farmer to make major-league debut Wednesday night for Detroit Tigers". MLive. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  12. ^ Beck, Jason (August 13, 2014). "Tigers' resurgent bats pick up Farmer in debut". MLB. Archived from the original on August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
  13. ^ Schmehl, James (August 14, 2014). "Buck Farmer sent to Toledo after major league debut; Detroit Tigers promote rookie Melvin Mercedes". MLive. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  14. ^ Iott, Chris (August 23, 2014). "Detroit Tigers call up Kyle Lobstein, Patrick McCoy from Toledo; Robbie Ray, Ian Krol sent down". MLive. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  15. ^ Beck, Jason (August 23, 2014). "Farmer roughed up as Tigers drop matinee". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  16. ^ Fenech, Anthony (June 24, 2015). "Tigers recall Buck Farmer from Toledo, send down Ian Krol". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  17. ^ Abshire, Chris (April 16, 2016). "With Wilson returning, Tigers option Farmer". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  18. ^ Savage, Brendan (May 22, 2016). "Tigers option pitcher Drew VerHagen to Triple A Toledo, recall Buck Farmer". mlive.com. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  19. ^ Fenech, Anthony (September 21, 2016). "Wednesday's Tigers-Twins game postponed; doubleheader Thursday". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  20. ^ Beck, Jason (January 10, 2020). "Tigers agree with Boyd, all arb-eligibles (source)". MLB.com. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  21. ^ "Tigers avoid arbitration with all 8 remaining players". AP News. January 16, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  22. ^ Adams, Steve (May 7, 2021). "Tigers Designate Buck Farmer For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  23. ^ Byrne, Connor (May 11, 2021). "Outrighted: Farmer, Ryan". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Franco, Anthony (June 13, 2021). "Tigers Select Buck Farmer". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  25. ^ Woodbery, Evan [@evanwoodbery] (June 13, 2021). "Farmer last pitched on Thursday, so he should be fresh. Although he got off to a bumpy start in Toledo, he's pitched well of late. In his last four outings, he's thrown 6 1/3 scoreless innings, 3 hits, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts" (Tweet). Retrieved September 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ Polishuk, Mark (August 14, 2021). "Tigers Designate Buck Farmer For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  27. ^ Franco, Anthony (August 17, 2021). "Tigers Release Buck Farmer". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  28. ^ "Texas Rangers sign RHP Buck Farmer to Minor League contract". MLB.com. August 21, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  29. ^ McDonald, Darragh (March 16, 2022). "Reds Sign Donovan Solano, Buck Farmer". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  30. ^ Purcell, Jared (April 7, 2022). "Former Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer makes Opening Day roster for Cincinnati Reds". mlive.com. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  31. ^ Franco, Anthony (May 6, 2022). "Reds Designate Buck Farmer For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  32. ^ "Reds' Buck Farmer: Clears waivers". CBS Sports. May 9, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  33. ^ "Reds' Buck Farmer: Re-signs on MiLB deal". CBS Sports. May 10, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  34. ^ "Reds' Buck Farmer: Contract selected by Reds". CBS Sports. July 9, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  35. ^ "Reds' Buck Farmer: Tallies first career save". CBS Sports. August 1, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  36. ^ "Reds bring back reliever Farmer on 1-year deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 28, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  37. ^ Manuel, John (August 12, 2014). "What To Expect: Tigers RHP Buck Farmer". Baseball America. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016.
  38. ^ Paul, Tony (May 26, 2015). "Armed with new pitch, Farmer ready for '15 debut". The Detroit News. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
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