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Shawn Kelley

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American baseball player (born 1984) For other similarly named people, see Sean Kelly.

Baseball player
Shawn Kelley
Kelley with the Nationals in 2018
Pitcher
Born: (1984-04-26) April 26, 1984 (age 40)
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Batted: RightThrew: Right
MLB debut
April 10, 2009, for the Seattle Mariners
Last MLB appearance
September 27, 2019, for the Texas Rangers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record32–25
Earned run average3.80
Strikeouts521
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Shawn Andrew Kelley (born April 26, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners from 2009 to 2012, New York Yankees from 2013 to 2014, San Diego Padres in 2015, Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018, the Oakland Athletics in 2018 and the Texas Rangers in 2019.

Kelley with the Yankees in 2013

Kelley attended Ballard High School, and later Austin Peay State University. Kelley was drafted by the Mariners in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his professional debut in 2007, and later made his major league debut in 2009. Kelley bats and throws right-handed.

Amateur career

High school

Kelley attended Ballard High School in Louisville, Kentucky. As a pitcher for the school's baseball team, Kelley went 9–1 with a 1.12 earned run average (ERA), and 95 strikeouts in 74 innings pitched. He also batted .564 with seven home runs, and 21 stolen bases.

College

Kelley hoped to play college baseball for the University of Louisville, but they did not offer him a scholarship. Kelley accepted the only scholarship offer he received, from Austin Peay State University. In his first season, 2003, he was involved in no decisions with a 2.57 ERA in four games, one start. Kelley sustained an elbow injury in his first season and had Tommy John surgery, which ended his redshirt freshman season. During his freshman season in 2004, Kelley went 3–3 with a 3.45 ERA, and 51 strikeouts in 16 games, 10 starts. That season, he finished with the third lowest ERA in the Ohio Valley Conference. In his sophomore season in 2005, Kelley went 7–4 with a 3.59 ERA, one save, and 70 strikeouts in 17 games, 16 starts. That season, he was selected to the second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference.

In his junior season, Kelley went 5–6 with a 3.30 ERA, and 89 strikeouts in 18 games, 14 starts. His final season, 2007, Kelley went 11–3 with a 2.40 ERA, and 82 strikeouts in 17 games, 16 starts. On April 9, 2007, he was named the Ohio Valley Conference's Pitcher of the Week. He won his second Pitcher of the Week award on April 23. At the end of the 2007 season, Kelley was named to the second-team American Baseball Coaches All-South Region. On the academic side, Kelley received a bachelor's degree in political science.

Professional career

Seattle Mariners

2007–2008 seasons

Kelley was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 13 round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft. He began his professional career that season with the Class-A Short-Season Everett AquaSox. With the AquaSox, he went 1–0 with a 3.00 ERA, and four strikeouts in three games, all in relief. After his stint in Everett, Kelley was promoted to the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. In his debut with the Timber Rattlers, Kelley attained the win after pitching two relief innings. In nine games with Wisconsin, Kelley went 1–1 with a 2.25 ERA, and 14 strikeouts. In 2008, Kelley split the season between the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Class-A Advanced High Desert Mavericks, and the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. With the Timber Rattlers, he was involved in no decisions, and record a 3.52 ERA with three saves, and 12 strikeouts in eight games. He was then promoted to the Mavericks where in 12 relief appearances he was involved in no decisions, gave-up no earned runs, saved three games, and struck-out 12. Finally, with the Diamond Jaxx, Kelley went 3–1 with a 2.11 ERA, nine saves, and 44 strikeouts in 29 games, all in relief. Kelley was tied for first among Diamond Jaxx pitchers in games finished (24), and was second in saves. At the end of the 2008 regular season, Kelley played in the Venezuelan Winter League.

2009 season

At the start of the 2009 season, Kelley was invited to Mariners' spring training as a non-roster invitee. During spring training, Mariners' manager Don Wakamatsu was reportedly impressed by Kelley's performance and was quoted as saying, " stuff is outstanding. Very impressive." Kelley made the Mariners' 25-man roster after spring training. Kelley made his major league debut on April 10 against the Oakland Athletics and struck out two in one inning pitched. On May 1, Kelley picked up his first major league win in 12⁄3 innings pitched against the Oakland Athletics. On May 6, Kelley strained his left oblique and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. As a result, the Mariners called up pitcher Garrett Olson from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers to replace Kelley on the 25-man roster. Kelley pitched three rehab games in the minor leagues. His first were with the rookie-level Arizona League Mariners, where he pitched two games, both starts, and gave up no earned runs. The last was with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, where he gave up no earned runs in one relief appearance. On June 3, the Mariners' activated Kelley from the disabled list, and as a result optioned first baseman Mike Carp to Triple-A Tacoma. On the season, Kelley went 5–4 with a 4.50 ERA, and 41 strikeouts in 41 games, all in relief for Seattle.

2010 season

On February 24, 2010, during spring training workouts, Kelley was injured after he was accidentally kicked in the chin by teammate Mark Lowe. The accident required Kelley to receive six stitches. Kelley made the Mariners' 25-man roster out of spring training for the second time in his career in 2010. On April 30, after pitcher Cliff Lee was activated from the disabled list, the Mariners optioned Kelley to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. However, on May 6, after Mark Lowe was placed on the disabled list, Kelley was recalled and placed on the Mariners' 25-man roster. He was designated for assignment on February 7, 2013.

New York Yankees

On February 13, 2013, Kelley was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for Abraham Almonte. In the 2013 season, Kelley recorded 71 strikeouts in 53 innings pitched.

Kelley filled in for David Robertson as the Yankees' closer while Robertson was on the disabled list in April 2014.

On April 7, 2014, Kelley recorded his first career save. On May 5, 2014, Kelley was ejected for the first time in his MLB career by home plate umpire Laz Díaz for arguing balls and strikes. On May 13, 2014, Kelley was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained lumbar spine in his back.

San Diego Padres

On December 29, 2014, he was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league pitcher Johnny Barbato. He became a free agent following the 2015 season.

Washington Nationals

On December 11, 2015, Kelley signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Nationals. Ticketed as the Nationals' primary setup man, Kelley filled in as closer while Jonathan Papelbon was on the disabled list in June 2016. Kelley generally excelled in the role of setup man, but he surrendered the runs that ultimately ended the Nationals' year, with Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner hitting an RBI triple to deep center field in Game 5 of the 2016 National League Division Series. Kelley was removed from the game during the next at-bat with arm discomfort.

During the 2017 season, Kelley was among the relievers manager Dusty Baker tried as closer, with Opening Day closer Blake Treinen being demoted due to ineffectiveness early in the season. Kelley himself lost the role by late May, with Baker moving rookie Koda Glover into the position due to Kelley's lack of durability. Kelley experienced dramatic increases in his rates of walks and home runs allowed over the first half of the season, landing on the disabled list twice (with a lower back strain in May and a right trapezius strain in June) as he struggled to a 7.00 ERA and 4.5 home run rate per nine innings. Those tendencies continued after he returned from the disabled list; by the time he suffered a season-ending elbow injury on September 22, he had allowed 12 home runs in 26 innings at the major league level and finished the year with a 7.27 ERA.

While still struggling with his home run rate and injury issues, Kelley enjoyed a rebound performance over the first half of the 2018 season, pitching to a 3.34 ERA through the month of July. On July 31, 2018, Kelley was called to pitch the ninth inning with the Nationals holding a 25–1 lead over the New York Mets. After allowing a two-run home run to Austin Jackson, Kelley angrily threw his glove to the ground and glared into the Nationals' dugout. On August 1, Kelley was designated for assignment by the Nationals, who called his outburst "selfish" and "disrespectful to the organization". Kelley said he "acted like a baby" but denied his intent was to show up manager Dave Martinez.

Oakland Athletics

On August 5, 2018, Kelley was traded to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for an international signing bonus slot. He became a free agent following the season.

Texas Rangers

On January 29, 2019, Kelley signed a one-year contract with a club option, with the Texas Rangers. He became a free agent after the season.

On March 10, 2021, Kelley confirmed his retirement in a Twitter response to Tim Dillard, who had retired the same day.

Personal life

Kelley was born on April 26, 1984, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Dennis and Rhonda Kelley. Before making it to the major leagues, Kelley worked at a golf course during the winter to make money. Kelley has a younger brother, Justin. Kelley has 4 children, two sons and one daughter. He is married to Kristina Kelley. On May 16, 2019, he underwent surgery to remove two lumps from his vocal cords, which tested as benign.

References

  1. ^ "2004 Austin Peay Governors Baseball Yearbook" (PDF). Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  2. ^ "Mariners loss is Yankees gain when it comes to Shawn Kelley". New York Daily News.
  3. "2005 Austin Peay Governors Baseball Yearbook" (PDF). Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  4. "2006 Austin Peay Governors Baseball Yearbook" (PDF). Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  5. "Kelley named conference Pitcher of the Week". Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. April 9, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  6. "APSU's Kelley named OVC Pitcher of the Week". Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. April 28, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  7. "Kelley named to second-team ABCA All-South". Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. May 30, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  8. "2007 Austin Peay Governors Baseball Yearbook" (PDF). Austin Peay Athletics. Austin Peay State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  9. "Rattlers Roll Past Peoria". OurSports Central. June 25, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  10. "2008 West Tenn Diamond Jaxx". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  11. Jim Street (October 15, 2008). "Eight Mariners begin play in Venezuela". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on June 17, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  12. Larry Stone (January 15, 2009). "Mariners will have 17 nonroster players going to spring training". The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  13. Larry Stone (March 10, 2009). "Wakamatsu on Brandon Morrow". The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  14. Jim Street (April 4, 2009). "Mariners finalize Opening Day roster". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
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  16. "May 1, 2009 Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners Box Score and Play-by-Play". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  17. ^ "Mariners recall Olson; Kelley to DL". USA Today. Associated Press. May 6, 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  18. "Mariners Activate RHP Shawn Kelley". ABC News. Associated Press. July 3, 2009. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  19. ^ Jim Street (February 24, 2010). "Freak accident leaves Kelley with stitches". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  20. Mason Kelley (April 30, 2010). "M's option Shawn Kelley to Triple-A Tacoma, pregame notes". The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  21. "Mariners add to troubles with loss to Rays". The Spokesman-Review. May 6, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  22. "The Seattle Times | Local news, sports, business, politics, entertainment, travel, restaurants and opinion for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest".
  23. "Yankees hold off Orioles in Derek Jeter's final home opener". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 7, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  24. Hoch, Bryan (May 6, 2014). "Girardi, Kelley tossed for arguing balls and strikes". MLB.com. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  25. Matthews, Wallace (May 6, 2014). "Joe Girardi ejected in loss". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  26. Hoch, Bryan (May 13, 2014). "Back issue lands Kelley on disabled list". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  27. Somers, Aaron (May 13, 2014). "Yankees place Shawn Kelley on disabled list, recall Zoilo Almonte". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  28. Calcaterra, Chris (December 29, 2014). "The Yankees trade Shawn Kelley to the Padres". NBC Sports. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  29. "Padres get Kelley from Yankees for Barbato". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 29, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  30. Brostowitz, Kyle (December 11, 2015). "Nationals agree to terms with RHP Shawn Kelley". Curly W Live. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  31. Axisa, Mike (June 14, 2016). "Nationals will be without closer Jonathan Papelbon, need bullpen help". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  32. Janes, Chelsea (October 14, 2016). "Shawn Kelley lost feeling in his fingers, does not fear long-term issue". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  33. Castillo, Jorge (May 22, 2017). "Koda Glover might be the new Nationals closer". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  34. Swift, Court (June 18, 2017). "Shawn Kelley is Not Shawn Kelley Anymore". The Nats Blog. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  35. Castillo, Jorge (June 18, 2017). "Nationals place Shawn Kelley on disabled list, recall A.J. Cole". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  36. Castillo, Jorge (October 1, 2017). "Done for the season with yet another injury, Shawn Kelley figuring out 'plan of attack'". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  37. Reddington, Patrick (August 1, 2018). "Washington Nationals DFA Shawn Kelley: "You're either in or you're in the way, and I thought he was in the way." - Nats' GM Mike Rizzo". Federal Baseball. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  38. Daniels, Tim (August 1, 2018). "Shawn Kelley DFA'd by Nationals After Throwing Glove in Anger During Blowout Win". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  39. "A's land reliever Kelley from Nationals". MLB.com.
  40. "Rangers officially add Kelley to bullpen mix". MLB.com. January 29, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  41. Jeff Wilson (May 18, 2019). "Rangers' Kelley trying to keep medical scare out of his mind as he awaits biopsy results". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
  42. Bob Hille (May 22, 2019). "What a relief! Rangers' Shawn Kelley gets save after learning lumps were benign". Sporting News. Retrieved May 29, 2019.

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