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Kevin Jepsen

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Kevin Jepsen
Jepsen with the Twins in 2015
Pitcher
Born: (1984-07-26) July 26, 1984 (age 40)
Anaheim, California
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 8, 2008, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Last MLB appearance
May 19, 2018, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record18–33
Earned run average4.00
Strikeouts373
Saves27
Teams
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Beijing Team

Kevin Martin Jepsen (born July 26, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers.

Professional career

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim selected Jepsen in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft out of Bishop Manogue High School.

Jepsen earned his first All-Star selection in the minor leagues, and was enjoying his finest season to date with a combined 3–4 record, 13 saves, a 1.87 earned run average and 55 strikeouts for the Arkansas Travelers and Salt Lake Bees when he was selected to play for the United States national baseball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He and his team won a bronze medal.[1]

Jepsen made his major league debut against the New York Yankees on September 8, 2008, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. He pitched one inning in a blowout game, retiring Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, and Alex Rodriguez in order. Jepsen pitched in nine games for the Angels in the 2008 season.[citation needed]

Jepsen had his first full major-league season in 2009. His first year was overshadowed by the death of his teammate and friend Nick Adenhart. Jepsen was responsible for hanging up Adenhart's jersey in the dugout every game.[2] In spite of this, Jepsen threw a career-high 54 innings. He had shoulder tendinitis in September, slowing his return to Spring Training in 2010.[3] Despite this, Jepsen appeared in 68 games, recording 2 wins and 4 losses in 59 innings. In 2011, Jepsen spent time between the disabled list and the minors, appearing in only 16 games.

Tampa Bay Rays

On December 16, 2014, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Matt Joyce.[4]

Minnesota Twins

On July 31, 2015, the Minnesota Twins acquired Jepsen for Chih-Wei Hu and Alexis Tapia.[5] After closer Glen Perkins suffered an injury in the first week of the 2016 season, Jepsen was given the closer role but struggled throughout the season in the closer role and in non save situations. On July 3, he was designated for assignment after posting an ERA of 6.16 while recording just 7 saves for the last place Twins.[6] Jepsen was released on July 11.[7]

Return to Tampa Bay

On July 14, Jepsen signed a contract for the remainder of the season to return to the Rays.[8] In 2016, balls hit against him had the highest average exit velocity in the major leagues, at 91.7 miles per hour.[9]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On February 13, 2017, Jepsen signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[10] He was released on March 25.[11]

Washington Nationals

Nearing a return after losing the first half of the season to a quadriceps injury, Jepsen reportedly signed a minor league deal with a July 26 opt-out date on June 29, 2017, to join the Washington Nationals organization.[12] He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.

Texas Rangers

On December 14, 2017, Jepsen signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.[13] Jepsen earned a spot on the Rangers' Opening Day roster.[14] He was designated for assignment on May 21, 2018.[15] He cleared waivers and elected free agency on May 25.[16]

Pitching style

Jepsen featured four pitches: a four-seam fastball at 95–99 mph, a two-seam fastball at 94–97, a cutter at 89–93, and a curveball at 83–86. The cutter was rarely used against left-handed hitters, while the two-seamer was primarily thrown to lefties. Jepsen used his curveball most often in 2-strike counts.[17]

References

  1. ^ "Minor League Baseball". Retrieved August 30, 2008.
  2. ^ Spencer, Lyle (September 28, 2009). "Adenhart's memory inspires Angels". MLB.com. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
  3. ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (February 22, 2010). "Angel's Matt Palmer still has a positive attitude. . .aa". Los Angeles Times.
  4. ^ "Angels acquire Matt Joyce from Rays for Kevin Jepsen – HardballTalk". nbcsports.com. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  5. ^ "Twins trade for Rays reliever Kevin Jepsen – HardballTalk". nbcsports.com. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  6. ^ "Twins' Kevin Jepsen: Designated for Assignment". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  7. ^ Byrne, Connor (July 11, 2016). "Twins Release Kevin Jepsen". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  8. ^ Rays, Kevin Jepsen Agree To Major League Deal - MLB Trade Rumors
  9. ^ Statcast Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com
  10. ^ "Diamondbacks sign Matusz, Jepsen to minor league deals". espn.com. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  11. ^ Gilbert, Steve (March 25, 2017). "D-backs cut 2, enter final phase of roster moves". MLB.com. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  12. ^ Cotillo, Chris (June 29, 2017). "Nationals sign Kevin Jepsen to minor-league deal". MLB Daily Dish. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  13. ^ Todd, Jeff (December 14, 2017). "Rangers Agree To Minors Deals With Hanser Alberto, Kevin Jepsen". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  14. ^ "Rangers' Kevin Jepsen: Set to make Opening Day roster". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  15. ^ Adams, Steve (May 21, 2018). "Rangers Designate Kevin Jepsen for Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  16. ^ Todd, Jeff (May 25, 2018). "Rangers Acquire Michael Roth; Kevin Jepsen Elects Free Agency". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  17. ^ "Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool – Player Card: Kevin Jepsen". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
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