Conner Greene

Conner Greene
Greene with the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2015
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1995-04-04) April 4, 1995 (age 29)
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 27, 2021, for the Baltimore Orioles
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record1–3
Earned run average7.11
Strikeouts26
Teams

James Conner Greene (born April 4, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays drafted him in the seventh round of the 2013 MLB draft.

Professional career

Toronto Blue Jays

Greene attended Santa Monica High School, where he posted a 1.63 earned run average (ERA) and 76 strikeouts in his senior year,[1] and was drafted by the Blue Jays in the seventh round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.[2][3] He had committed to play baseball at the College of Southern Nevada. Still, he chose to sign with the Blue Jays for $100,000 rather than attend.[4] He was assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays for the 2013 season and pitched to a 1–1 record, 5.28 ERA, and 20 strikeouts in 3023 innings.[2] Greene split the 2014 season with the GCL Blue Jays and the Rookie Advanced Bluefield Blue Jays and posted a 3–4 record, 3.03 ERA, and 51 strikeouts in 5913 innings pitched.[2]

Greene began the 2015 season with the Single-A Lansing Lugnuts, where he posted a 7–3 win–loss record, 3.88 ERA, and 65 strikeouts in 6713 innings, before being promoted to the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays.[2] He debuted for Dunedin on July 4 and took the loss, allowing four runs on nine hits.[5] On August 6, Greene set a career-high in strikeouts, with 10, while pitching seven shutout innings for Dunedin.[6] He was then promoted to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and took the win in his debut on August 13, pitching six shutout innings against the Akron RubberDucks.[7] Greene made 26 starts in the 2015 season, posting a combined 12–7 record, 3.54 ERA, and 115 strikeouts in 13213 innings.[2]

Greene was invited to Major League spring training on January 12, 2016,[8] and reassigned to minor league camp on March 10.[9] Greene was assigned to the Dunedin Blue Jays to open the 2016 minor league season.[10] He was promoted to Double-A New Hampshire in early July, and pitched his first career complete game and shutout on July 26, defeating the Harrisburg Senators 1–0.[11] Greene made 27 total starts in 2016, and pitched to a 10–9 record, 3.51 ERA, and 99 strikeouts in a career-high 14613 innings.[2] After the 2016 season, the Blue Jays assigned Greene to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.[12] He made four starts for Mesa. He struggled with his control, walking 11 batters in 10 total innings.[13] Greene spent all of 2017 with New Hampshire. In 13223 innings (26 games with 25 being starts), Greene went 5–10 with a 5.29 ERA and 92 strikeouts. He continued to struggle with his command, issuing 83 walks.[2] On November 20, 2017, Greene was added to Toronto's 40-man roster.[14]

St. Louis Cardinals

On January 19, 2018, the Blue Jays traded Greene along with Dominic Leone to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Randal Grichuk.[15] He began the 2018 season with the Double-A Springfield Cardinals and was promoted to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in June.[16] In forty games (ten starts) between the two clubs, he pitched to a 4–5 record with a 4.09 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP.[17] After the season, the Cardinals assigned him to the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.[18] On November 20, 2018, Greene was designated for assignment by the Cardinals.[19]

Kansas City Royals

On November 26, 2018, Greene was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals.[20] Greene split the 2019 season between the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, recording a cumulative 4–9 record and 5.13 ERA in 29 appearances. Greene was designated for assignment by Kansas City on November 20, 2019.[21] Greene did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[22] He became a free agent on November 2, 2020.[23]

Baltimore Orioles

On December 3, 2020, Greene signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization.[24] Greene was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to begin the 2021 season. Greene posted a 1–3 record and a 7.39 ERA in 9 appearances with Norfolk. On July 24, 2021, Greene was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[25] Greene made his MLB debut on July 27, pitching in relief against the Miami Marlins. He pitched two innings, giving up one run and striking out two.[26] On August 7, 2021, Greene was designated for assignment by the Orioles.[27]

Los Angeles Dodgers

Greene was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 9, 2021.[28] He pitched in two games for the Dodgers, allowing two hits with no runs in two innings before he was designated for assignment on August 20.[29]

Baltimore Orioles

On August 23, 2021, Greene was reclaimed off waivers by the Orioles from the Dodgers.[30] Greene pitched in 24 games in 2021, posting a 7.11 ERA with 26 strikeouts.

On March 14, 2022, Greene re-signed with the Orioles organization on a minor league contract that included an invitation to Spring Training.[31] In 16 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, he struggled to a 10.61 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 18+23 innings pitched. The Orioles organization released Greene on June 20.[32]

Diablos Rojos del México

Conner Greene's journey led him to sign with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League on July 2, 2022. Despite facing challenges, he persevered and played 12 games with a 2-0 record and a 6.00 ERA. In 2023, he continued to inspire with 30 appearances, 51.0 innings pitched, 38 strikeouts, and a 4-3 record. His determination and hard work are an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.

Houston Astros

On February 12, 2024, Greene was traded to another team , Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League.[33] However, on February 23, Greene signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros. Conner Greene will start the upcoming season playing for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at the Triple-A level.[34] This marks Greene's 10th season in Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Conner Greene emerged as a dynamic presence on the mound, compiling a record of 6 wins and 3 losses. His performance is reflected in a 4.68 earned run average (ERA), which illustrates both his brilliance and moments of struggle throughout the season. In 34 appearances, he showcased his adaptability by taking on roles both as a starting pitcher and as a reliable relief option, proving himself valuable in various game situations. Throughout 57.2 innings pitched, Greene racked up an impressive total of 59 strikeouts, highlighting his skill in overpowering batters and his ability to deliver when his team needs it most. His journey on the mound is marked by determination and growth as he continues to refine his craft in pursuit of excellence in baseball. On November 6, he elected free agency. [35]

Personal life

Greene is an avid surfer, and has also worked as a model. He is friends with actor Charlie Sheen, and made several minor appearances on the television series Anger Management.[36]

References

  1. ^ Capobianco, Tony (March 30, 2014). "Samohi's Conner Greene destined for stardom". smdp.com. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Conner Greene Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  3. ^ Peaslee, Evan (June 7, 2013). "Blue Jays take high school arm Greene in Round 7". MLB.com. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  4. ^ "Conner Greene". Future Blue Jays. January 24, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  5. ^ Kelner, Marshall (July 4, 2015). "D-Jays Fall Behind Early in 6-2 Loss". milb.com. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  6. ^ Kelner, Marshall (August 6, 2015). "Greene Dominates Tortugas, D-Jays Avoid Sweep". milb.com. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
  7. ^ "Greene Beats Akron in Impressive Debut". milb.com. August 13, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  8. ^ "Blue Jay's Invite 14 to Spring Training". bluebirdbanter.com. January 12, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2016.
  9. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (March 10, 2016). "Touted Greene part of second round of cuts". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  10. ^ Rosenbaum, Mike (April 7, 2016). "Where the Blue Jays' Top 30 prospects are starting the season". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  11. ^ Leboff, Michael (July 26, 2016). "Greene hurls first shutout for Fisher Cats". MiLB.com. Retrieved July 27, 2016.
  12. ^ "2016 Arizona Fall League Rosters". baseballamerica.com. August 31, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  13. ^ "Winter Leagues: Arizona Fall League: Statistics". MiLB.com. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  14. ^ Davidi, Shi (November 20, 2017). "Jansen, Tellez among players added to Blue Jays' 40-man roster". Sportsnet. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  15. ^ Hummel, Rick (January 19, 2018). "Cardinals trade Grichuk to Toronto for two young pitchers". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
  16. ^ "Cardinals Best News Links: Cardinals Optioned Carson Kelly To Triple-A Memphis, Conner Greene Was Promoted From Double-A Springfield To Memphis, Mike O'Reilly Was Reassigned From Memphis To Springfield". June 4, 2018.
  17. ^ "Conner Greene Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  18. ^ "St. Louis Breaking News, Today's News | NewsRadio 1120 KMOX". www.audacity.com.
  19. ^ Schaeffer, Brenden. "Cardinals add four to 40-man roster". KMOV.com.
  20. ^ "Royals Claim Conner Greene, Designate Burch Smith For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumours. November 26, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  21. ^ "Royals add four players to 40-man roster; Bonifacio, Dini among four DFA'd". Fox Sports Kansas City. November 20, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  22. ^ "2020 Minor League Season Canceled". mlbtraderumors.com. June 30, 2020.
  23. ^ "Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  24. ^ "Orioles claim RHP Goudeau, outright Wynns". MLB.com.
  25. ^ staff, Baltimore Sun (July 24, 2021). "Orioles on deck: Pitching matchup, lineups, roster moves and how to watch Saturday's game against the Nationals". baltimoresun.com.
  26. ^ "Marlins vs. Orioles - Game Recap - July 27, 2021 - ESPN". ESPN.com.
  27. ^ "Padres Claim Shaun Anderson Off Waivers From Orioles". MLB Trade Rumors. August 7, 2021.
  28. ^ Adams, Steve (August 9, 2021). "Dodgers Make Two Waiver Claims; Kershaw, Duffy Transferred To 60-Day IL". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  29. ^ Franco, Anthony (August 20, 2021). "Dodgers Designate Conner Greene For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  30. ^ "Orioles To Designate Maikel Franco For Assignment, Claim Conner Greene From Dodgers". MLB Trade Rumors. August 23, 2021.
  31. ^ "Orioles' Conner Greene: Inks deal with Baltimore". March 15, 2022.
  32. ^ "Conner Greene: Cut by O's". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  33. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 12 de febrero de 2024". milb.com. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  34. ^ "Astros' Conner Greene: Receives minors deal from Houston". CBSSports.com. March 1, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  35. ^ https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/
  36. ^ MacLeod, Robert (March 6, 2016). "Gibbons impressed with Jays' pitching prospect, 'goofball' Conner Greene". theglobeandmail.com. Retrieved March 6, 2016.