| Zach Day | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: June 15, 1978 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| June 15, 2002, for the Montreal Expos | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 22, 2006, for the Washington Nationals | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 21–27 |
| Earned run average | 4.66 |
| Strikeouts | 189 |
| Teams | |
Stephen Zachary Day (born June 15, 1978) is an American former right-handed sinker-ball pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for two teams from 2002 to 2006.
Day graduated from La Salle High School in Cincinnati in 1996,[1] where he played basketball, baseball and golf and was prep player of the year in Cincinnati in 1995. He went on to attend the University of Cincinnati, studying pre-business. Day was drafted in the fifth round in 1996 by the New York Yankees. He spent four seasons in the organization before being traded, alongside Jake Westbrook and Ricky Ledee, to the Cleveland Indians for David Justice in July 2000.[2] In July 2001, Day was sent to the Montreal Expos for outfielder Milton Bradley.[3]
Day made his major league debut for the Montreal Expos in 2002. His debut was on his birthday, and he was credited the win.[4] He was the first pitcher to achieve that combination (birthday, debut, win) since at least 1901, possibly ever.[5] He finished 2002 at 4–1 with a 3.62 ERA in 19 games. He also had 1 save. His one save came on September 26, 2002, during an Expos 4–3 victory over the Marlins. Day pitched the final three innings in perfect fashion (0 runs, 0 hits, 5 strikeouts) to nail down the win for starting pitcher Tony Armas Jr.[6]
Day pitched a career high 23 starts, going 9–8. He led the majors in wild pitches with 13. He was initially named NL Rookie of the Month in April, but the award was revoked and given to Hee-seop Choi due to Day having reached the rookie limit of service days in 2002.[7]
Day's 2004 season was cut short due to injury. He hit the Disabled List in July with a shoulder injury and then again in August after breaking his middle finger trying to bunt.[8][9][10] He made 19 starts, having a respectable 3.93 ERA despite going 5-10 for the defunct Montreal Expos.
Day managed to pitch in 12 games for the Nationals before being traded to Colorado.[11]
He was 0–1 in 5 games for the Rockies.
Day began the season with the Rockies but was designated for assignment after posting an ERA of 10.80 in 3 starts.[12]
After being claimed off waivers by the Nationals,[13] Day was looking to bounce back to his former self. However, after five appearances, Day was placed on the 60-day DL on May 23 for right shoulder tendinitis and underwent rotator cuff surgery on June 6, ending his 2006 season.[14] The Nationals released Day on October 3, 2006, ending his second stint with the team.[15]
On December 20, 2006, he signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals.[16] He spent the year playing for the Triple-A Omaha Royals, starting nine games and relieving in two more. Day became a free agent at the end of the season.
On January 11, 2008, Day signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, but was released in early May having made 6 appearances for the Fort Myers Miracle. After his release, he announced his retirement due to continuing shoulder problems.[17]
After retiring, Day went back to school to get his degree. He also joined TrackMan and became a prominent figure in baseball analytics and tracking technology.[18][19][20]