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Aaron Laffey

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Aaron Laffey
Laffey with the Toronto Blue Jays
Pitcher
Born: (1985-04-15) April 15, 1985 (age 39)
Cumberland, Maryland, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
August 4, 2007, for the Cleveland Indians
Last MLB appearance
July 31, 2015, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
Win–loss record26–29
Earned run average4.44
Strikeouts245
Teams
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
WBSC Premier12
Silver medal – second place 2015 Tokyo Team

Aaron Steven Laffey (born April 15, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2007 and also played in MLB with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Colorado Rockies.

Professional career

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Cleveland Indians

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Laffey was drafted out of high school by the Cleveland Indians in the 16th round (468th overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft.[1][2] He had committed to play college baseball at Virginia Tech, but signed with the Indians on July 1, 2003.[3] He was assigned to begin his professional career with the Rookie-level Burlington Indians, and went 3–1 in nine games (four starts) while striking out 46 in 34 innings pitched.[4] In 2004, while with the Single-A Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Laffey went 3–1 with a 1.24 ERA in eight starts, which earned him a promotion to the Single-A Lake County Captains. With the Captains, he was 3–7 with a 6.53 ERA in 19 games (15 starts).[4] Laffey started the 2005 season with Lake County and went 7–7 with a 3.22 ERA in 25 games (23 starts). He was later called up to the Double-A Akron Aeros for one game in which he picked up the victory by going five innings and allowing two runs while striking out six.[4] Laffey started the 2006 season with the Single-A Advanced Kinston Indians, where he posted a 4–1 record with a 2.18 ERA in 10 games (four starts).[4] His performance earned him a promotion to Double-A Akron, where he went 8–3 with a 3.53 ERA in 19 starts.[4] In 2007, Laffey was 4–1 with a 2.31 ERA in six starts with Akron before being promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.[4] Before his call up to the majors, he was 7–3 with a 3.28 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) for Buffalo.[5]

Laffey pitching for the Cleveland Indians in 2009

On August 4, 2007, Laffey made his major league debut against the Minnesota Twins; he went 5+1⁄3 innings while allowing six hits, three runs, a walk, and three strikeouts in a losing effort.[6] In his second start on August 9, against the Chicago White Sox, Laffey picked up his first MLB victory. He went 5+2⁄3 innings, allowed six hits, four runs, three walks, and struck out four in the Indians' 7–5 victory.[7][8] On August 10, a day after Laffey's first MLB victory, he was demoted to Triple-A Buffalo.[9] On August 25, Laffey was recalled to pitch against the Kansas City Royals.[10] Laffey won again, going six innings and allowing eight hits, two runs, and one walk while striking out four.[11] He made nine total starts with Cleveland in 2007, going 4–2 with a 4.56 ERA.[3]

Laffey went into spring training in 2008 competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. However, Cliff Lee won the job, and Laffey was sent back to Buffalo.[12] He was recalled on April 24 following an injury to Jake Westbrook.[13] Laffey was named American League Rookie of the Month for the month of May. Laffey had a 3–2 record and an 0.79 ERA for the month. Opponents batted .220 against him in May over a 34-inning span.[14]

Seattle Mariners

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On March 2, 2011, Laffey was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for prospect Matt Lawson.[15][16] He was designated for assignment on August 17, after going 1–1 with a 4.01 ERA in 42+2⁄3 innings, spanning 36 appearances.[3][17]

New York Yankees

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Laffey during his tenure with the New York Yankees in 2011

Laffey was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees on August 19, 2011.[18] Laffey made his debut the next night against the Minnesota Twins. He was designated for assignment the next day to clear a roster spot for Alex Rodriguez,[19][20] though he was placed on optional waivers.[21] Laffey cleared waivers and was sent to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.[22] He was called back up to the majors when the rosters expanded in September, and pitched regularly as a reliever through the final weeks of the season. Laffey compiled a 2–1 record and a 3.38 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Yankees.[3]

Kansas City Royals

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Laffey was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals on October 11, 2011.[23] He was non-tendered by the Royals on December 12, 2011.[24]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On December 30, 2011, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[25] After failing to make the team out of spring training, Laffey had his contract purchased by Toronto on April 8, 2012.[26] However, Laffey was sent back down to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s on April 14 without having pitched for the Jays.[27]

After pitching for six weeks in Las Vegas (compiling a 2–5 record, and a 4.88 ERA in nine starts), Laffey was again called up to the majors on May 28,[28] but was again sent back down just three days later without having thrown a pitch for the Blue Jays.[29] Laffey made two more starts for Las Vegas (in which he went 1–0) before being called up to the Jays for the third time on June 11.[30] He finally pitched his first game as a Blue Jay on June 13, giving up two runs in three innings of relief work against the Washington Nationals.[31] After several Blue Jays starters were shut down due to injuries, Laffey was added to the Blue Jays' starting rotation in late June.[32] He finished the season with a 4–6 record and a 4.56 ERA in 22 games (16 starts).[3]

On October 4, 2012, Laffey was outrighted to the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.[33] He elected free agency that same day.

New York Mets

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On December 27, 2012, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. The deal included an invitation to Major League spring training.[34][35]

Laffey made his first start for the Mets on April 7, going 4+1⁄3 innings and giving up three earned runs, striking out five, and walking one in a 4–3 victory over the Miami Marlins. Laffey received a no-decision for the game.[36] Laffey was designated for assignment on April 21, 2013.[37] He had pitched four games (two starts) for the Mets, earning no decisions and finishing with a 7.20 ERA.[3]

Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)

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On April 23, 2013, the Blue Jays announced that they had claimed Laffey on waivers.[38] He made his first start for the 2013 Blue Jays on April 26 against the New York Yankees, filling in for Josh Johnson, who was scratched due to a sore right triceps.[39] Laffey pitched 2+2⁄3 innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits and walking five batters. He was designated for assignment following the game.[40] The Blue Jays announced on April 29 that Laffey had refused an assignment to the Buffalo Bisons, and had become a free agent.[41]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On April 30, 2013, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[42] He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on May 2. In 12 games (11 starts) for the Isotopes, he was 4–3 with a 5.61 ERA.[4] He was released on July 1, 2013.[43]

Milwaukee Brewers

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Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11, 2013.[44][45] He became a free agent following the season on November 4.[3]

Washington Nationals

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On January 23, 2014, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.[46] He was released on March 24.[47][48]

Laffey signed a minor league contract with Washington Nationals on March 30, 2014,[49] and spent the entire season with the Triple–A Syracuse Chiefs, compiling a 12–6 record and a 3.67 ERA in 25 games (21 starts).[4] He became a free agent following the season.

Colorado Rockies

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Laffey signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies on November 22, 2014.[43] He was promoted to the major leagues in 2015, pitching in three games for the team (1–0, 3.68 ERA),[3] and was designated for assignment on July 11, 2015.[50] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on July 13. He had his contract selected again on July 28. He was once again designated for assignment on August 1,[51] and cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on August 4. He elected free agency following the season on October 14.

Washington Nationals (second stint)

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On December 19, 2015, Laffey signed a minor league contract to return to the Washington Nationals organization.[52] He spent the 2016 season with the Triple–A Syracuse Nationals, going 6–6 with a 3.82 ERA and 68 strikeouts across 29 games (14 starts).[4] Laffey elected free agency following the season on November 7.[53]

Somerset Patriots

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On April 3, 2017, Laffey signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[54] In four starts for the Patriots, he went 1–1 while registering a 2.82 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 22+1⁄3 innings pitched.[4]

Arizona Diamondbacks

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On May 15, 2017, Laffey signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.[3] In 21 games (13 starts) with the Triple-A Reno Aces, he recorded a 5.42 ERA with 44 strikeouts across 79+2⁄3 innings of work.[4] Laffey elected free agency following the season on November 6.[55]

Somerset Patriots (second stint)

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On April 11, 2018, Laffey signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[56] He made four starts, throwing 20+1⁄3 innings and going 2–0 with a 3.10 ERA and 13 strikeouts.[4]

New York Mets

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On May 22, 2018, Laffey's contract was purchased by the New York Mets.[57] On June 6, 2018, following a start for the Las Vegas 51s where he allowed 14 runs (12 earned), Laffey announced his retirement.[58]

Personal life

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Laffey married Jackie Laffey on December 1, 2007, after a three-year engagement.[59][60] They have two sons and a daughter together, Braeden Parker (June 27, 2010),[61][62] Ashton Ryker (November 10, 2011) and Peyton Grace (February 27, 2015).[63]

Scouting

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His secondary pitches include an above-average slider and changeup. He primarily throws an 87-88 mph sinker which classifies him as a ground-ball pitcher.[64]

References

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  1. ^ "16th Round of the 2003 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  2. ^ Hill, Justice B. (June 3, 2003). "Tribe's quest for talent goes well". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2009. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Aaron Laffey Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Aaron Laffey Minor & Independent Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  5. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (August 4, 2007). "Laffey set to make big league debut". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  6. ^ "Twin pen cuts down Indians". New York Daily News. Associated Press. August 5, 2007. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  7. ^ "Laffey outpitches Buehrle for first major league win". ESPN. Associated Press. August 10, 2007. Archived from the original on April 20, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  8. ^ "Cleveland Indians vs Chicago White Sox Box Score: August 9, 2007". Baseball-Reference.com. August 9, 2007. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  9. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (August 10, 2007). "Notes: Indians pick up Gomez". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  10. ^ Nicholl, Conor (August 25, 2007). "Left-hander Laffey recalled to start". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  11. ^ "Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals Box Score: August 25, 2007". Baseball-Reference.com. August 25, 2007. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  12. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (March 24, 2008). "Lee earns starting job with Indians". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 26, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  13. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (April 24, 2008). "Sowers, Laffey called up from Buffalo". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 26, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  14. ^ Falkoff, Robert (June 11, 2008). "Laffey is May's AL Rookie of the Month". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 16, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  15. ^ "Indians trade Aaron Laffey to Mariners". ESPN. Associated Press. March 2, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  16. ^ Stone, Larry (March 2, 2011). "Mariners acquire lefthanded pitcher Aaron Laffey from Indians". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  17. ^ Hernderson, Brady (August 11, 2011). "Mariners get RHP Chance Ruffin in trade with Tigers". KIRO. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  18. ^ Carig, Marc (August 19, 2011). "Yankees add Aaron Laffey as Freddy Garcia goes on DL". The Star-Ledger. NJ.com. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  19. ^ Schelling, Jordan (August 21, 2011). "Laffey odd man out on A-Rod's return". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  20. ^ Jennings, Chad (August 22, 2011). "Laffey designated for assignment". The LoHud Yankees Blog. Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  21. ^ Carig, Marc (August 22, 2011). "Yankees designate Aaron Laffey for assignment". NJ.com. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  22. ^ Martin, Kimberley A. (August 23, 2011). "Laffey, Molina sent to Triple-A". Newsday. Retrieved July 12, 2015. [permanent dead link]
  23. ^ "Royals claim pitcher Aaron Laffey on outright waivers from the Yankees". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. October 11, 2011. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  24. ^ Kaegel, Dick (December 12, 2011). "Royals offer contracts to 31, but not Laffey". Kansas City Royals. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  25. ^ Nowak, Joey (December 30, 2011). "Blue Jays ink Laffey to Minor League contract". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  26. ^ "Jays option RHP Carreno to Triple-A, will recall LHP Laffey". The Sports Network. The Canadian Press. April 8, 2012. Archived from the original on April 11, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  27. ^ "Laffey optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. April 14, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  28. ^ Meisel, Zack (May 28, 2012). "Blue Jays promote Laffey from Triple-A". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  29. ^ "Blue Jays option Laffey to Triple-A Las Vegas". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. May 31, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  30. ^ "Blue Jays recall pitchers Laffey, Crawford". WXIA-TV. June 12, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  31. ^ Davidi, Shi (June 13, 2012). "Drabek leaves in 5th, Jays swept by Nationals". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  32. ^ Kennedy, Brendan (July 19, 2012). "Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Laffey brings stability to starting rotation". Toronto Star. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  33. ^ "Blue Jays Outright Three". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. October 4, 2012. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  34. ^ "Mets' sign Laffey". Chicago Tribune. Reuters. December 27, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  35. ^ DiComo, Anthony (December 27, 2012). "Mets sign left-hander Laffey to Minor League deal". New York Mets. MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  36. ^ "Miami Marlins vs New York Mets Box Score: April 7, 2013". Baseball-Reference.com. April 7, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  37. ^ Darcy, Kieran (April 21, 2013). "Mets make moves to pitching staff". ESPN. Retrieved April 21, 2013.
  38. ^ "Blue Jays claim Laffey". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. April 23, 2013. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  39. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (April 26, 2013). "JJ to miss start with triceps tightness; Laffey to sub". Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
  40. ^ "Jays designate Laffey for assignment after rough outing". The Sports Network. April 26, 2013. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
  41. ^ "Blue Jays' Aaron Laffey elects free agency". CBC.ca. The Canadian Press. April 29, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  42. ^ Gurnick, Ken (April 30, 2013). "Dodgers ink Laffey to Minor League deal". Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  43. ^ a b Herron, Gary (June 17, 2015). "They want to be Rockies, but any MLB team will do". Rio Rancho Observer. Retrieved July 12, 2015. [permanent dead link]
  44. ^ Haudicourt, Tom (July 11, 2013). "Caleb Gindl called up; Aaron Laffey signs minor-league deal". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  45. ^ Emerick, Tyler (July 12, 2013). "Braun placed on bereavement list; Davis recalled". Milwaukee Brewers. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  46. ^ Encina, Eduardo A. (January 23, 2014). "Orioles sign Cumberland native Aaron Laffey to minor league deal". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  47. ^ Melewski, Steve (March 25, 2014). "Orioles release Connor Narron, Aaron Laffey and three others from minor league camp". MASN. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  48. ^ Eddy, Matt (April 6, 2014). "Minor League Transactions: March 28-April 3". Baseball America. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  49. ^ Simon, Andrew (March 30, 2014). "Nationals add Poveda, Laffey to Minor League system". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  50. ^ "Rockies recall reliever Rex Brothers from minors". ESPN. Associated Press. July 11, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  51. ^ "Rockies designate RP Aaron Laffey for assignment on Saturday". CBS Sports. August 1, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  52. ^ Ladson, Bill (December 18, 2015). "Nats sign southpaw Laffey to Minors deal". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  53. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2016". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  54. ^ "Somerset Patriots Sign 8-Year MLB Pitcher Aaron Laffey". Patch Media. April 3, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  55. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 7, 2017). "Minor League Free Agents 2017". Baseball America. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  56. ^ "Somerset Patriots Re-Sign MLB LHP Aaron Laffey". Somerset Patriots. April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  57. ^ "Aaron Laffey's Contract Purchased by the Mets". Somerset Patriots. May 22, 2018. Archived from the original on May 24, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  58. ^ Helfand, Betsy (June 7, 2018). "Aaron Laffey hit hard, retires as 51s lose to New Orleans". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  59. ^ "Metropolitan Salon Opens". Cumberland Times-News. January 12, 2008. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  60. ^ Kroli, John (October 20, 2007). "Life with the Indians: A wives' tale". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  61. ^ Hoynes, Paul (June 29, 2010). "Father's Day offers a chance to celebrate for a grieving John McDonald: Indians Insider". Northeast Ohio Media Group. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  62. ^ Rosenstein, Greg (June 29, 2010). "Indians looking to wrap things up against Jays". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  63. ^ Smith, Mark (April 12, 2015). "Turnaround wasn't from the mound". Albuquerque Journal. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  64. ^ "Player Card: Aaron Laffey". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
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