Schlereth was born in Anchorage, Alaska, before moving to Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He is a graduate of Highlands Ranch High School. During his high school career, he struck out a school record 19 batters in a single game while throwing a total of 6 no hitters. He also played quarterback for the football team and broke the school rushing record in a single season and had the longest run from scrimmage in school history, 96 yards. He was named Colorado Gatorade Offensive Player of the Year his senior season.[1]
College career
Schlereth attended UNLV for one season as a member of the baseball team, but did not appear in any games due to a medical redshirt. He then transferred to the University of Arizona, where he pitched for three seasons. During his time at Arizona, he was named a Collegiate Baseball All-American in 2008 and a two time All Pac-10 performer. He also pitched alongside Detroit Tigers teammate Ryan Perry.
On December 9, 2009, Schlereth and Max Scherzer were traded to the Detroit Tigers as part of a three-team trade that brought Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks.[3] Schlereth spent the first half of the 2010 season with the Toledo Mud Hens, posting a 2.83 ERA and 45 strikeouts. He was called up by the Tigers on July 2, 2010, to replace Fu-Te Ni on the roster, who was sent down two days earlier.[4] On August 15, 2011, Schlereth gave up Jim Thome's 600th home run against the Twins at Comerica Park. On November 30, 2012, the Tigers non-tendered Schlereth's contract, making him a free agent.[5] He was then traded back to the Detroit Tigers from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash, on June 24, 2014, and was assigned to the Detroit Tigers Triple a team, The Toledo Mud Hens.
Baltimore Orioles
On December 19, 2012, Schlereth was signed to minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles with an invitation to spring training.[6]
Pittsburgh Pirates
Schlereth signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on December 18, 2013.
Return to Detroit
On June 24, 2014, the Tigers reacquired Schlereth from Pittsburgh in exchange for cash considerations, and was assigned to the Detroit Tigers' Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens.[7] He posted a 4.50 ERA in 17 games with the Mud Hens. On January 14, 2015, the Tigers signed Schlereth to a minor league contract.[8]
Toronto Blue Jays
On January 18, 2016, Schlereth signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[9] He was released on June 30.[10]
St. Louis Cardinals
On December 12, 2016, Schlereth signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals that included an invitation to spring training.[11] He was released on March 27, 2017.
Miami Marlins
On April 9, 2017, Schlereth signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins. He split the season between the High–A Jupiter Hammerheads, Double–A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, and Triple–A New Orleans Baby Cakes. In 37 relief outings between the three affiliates, Schlereth accumulated a 2.38 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 5 saves across 41+2⁄3 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.[12]
On June 2, 2018, Schlereth's contract was purchased by the Seattle Mariners organization.[13] He made 20 appearances split between the Double–A Arkansas Travelers and Triple–A Tacoma Rainiers, accumulating a 3.60 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 15 innings of work. Schlereth elected free agency following the season on November 2.[14]
Boston Red Sox
On January 14, 2019, Schlereth signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox.[15] He was released on March 21, 2019.
Schlereth's father, Mark, was a professional football player who spent twelve seasons in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, and was a starting guard on three Super Bowl championship teams.[19] The elder Schlereth was born and raised in Anchorage and played college football at Idaho; he is currently an NFL analyst on ESPN, and co-host of the morning edition of Denver's sports radio show, 104.3 The Fan.
Schlereth was married on November 14, 2010 to Bree Workman, a collegiate gymnast at Arizona. They have two daughters and one son.
Repertoire
Schlereth predominantly is a two-pitch pitcher. He features a curveball in the low 80s and a fastball in the mid 90s.[20]
