Andrew Saalfrank | |
---|---|
Arizona Diamondbacks – No. 27 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. | August 18, 1997|
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
MLB debut | |
September 5, 2023, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | |
MLB statistics (through 2023 season) | |
Win–loss record | 0–0 |
Earned run average | 0.00 |
Strikeouts | 6 |
Teams | |
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Andrew Jacob Saalfrank (born August 18, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.
A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saalfrank played college baseball for Indiana University. In 2018, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League. [1]
Saalfrank was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 6th round, with the 182nd overall selection, of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. [2] Saalfrank made his professional debut with the rookie–level Arizona League Diamondbacks and was promoted to the Low–A Hillsboro Hops following that appearance. In 7 games (5 starts) for Hillsboro, he recorded a 3.86 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 11+2⁄3 innings pitched. [3]
Saalfrank underwent Tommy John surgery prior to the 2021 season and missed the entire year as a result. [4] He returned to action in 2022, splitting the season between High–A Hillsboro and the Double–A Amarillo Sod Poodles. In 38 total relief appearances, he registered a 3.52 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 53+2⁄3 innings pitched. [5]
In 2023, Saalfrank split time between Amarillo and the Triple–A Reno Aces. In 44 combined appearances, he logged an 8–2 record and 2.53 ERA with 93 strikeouts and 2 saves in 64.0 innings of work. [6] On September 4, 2023, Saalfrank was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. [7] In 10 appearances during his rookie campaign, he did not cede an earned run, striking out six in 10+1⁄3 innings.
Saalfrank was optioned to Triple–A Reno to begin the 2024 season. [8]