Brandon McCarthy, Starting Pitcher, Retired

Date of Birth: 7/7/1983
Birthplace: Glendale, California
College: Lamar Community College

Brandon McCarthy was first drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2002. He was a top prospect in their minor leagues, leading all minor league pitchers in strikeouts in 2004. He joined the White Sox in 2005, pitching 67.0 innings in 12 games. The following season, he was a relief pitcher for the White Sox, playing in 53 games and finishing with a 4.68 ERA.

The White Sox traded McCarthy to the Texas Rangers in December, 2006. He suffered injuries during his time with the Rangers, never pitching in more than 23 games in a season. In 2007, he pitched 101.2 innings and he finished the season with a 5-10 record and a 4.87 ERA. The next season, injuries sidelined him for all but five games. In 2009, he again suffered from injuries and pitched just 97.1 innings in 17 games with the Rangers.

McCarthy had shoulder surgery in 2010 and he missed the entire season. He became a free agent after the season ended and in December, 2010, he signed a contract with the Oakland Athletics. His first season with the Athletics was his best one with highs in innings pitched (170.2) and strikeouts (123 to 25 walks). In 2011, he had a 9-9 record with a 3.32 ERA in 25 games.

In September, 2012, McCarthy was hit in the head from a line drive by Erick Aybar and his season was ended after 18 games. The following December, he signed a two-year, $15.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2013, he again spent time on the DL, pitching in 135.0 innings in 22 games. He finished the season with a 5-11 record and a 4.53 ERA.

On July 6, 2014, McCarthy was traded to the New York Yankees. In 18 games with the Diamondbacks, he had a 3-10 record with a 5.01 ERA. He fared much better in a Yankees uniform, pitching 90.1 innings in 14 games and finishing with a 7-5 record and a 2.89 ERA.

McCarthy signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 16, 2014. He went on the DL for a torn UCL on April 27, 2015. Three days later, he had Tommy John surgery and the season ended for him. He pitched in just four games in 2015.

McCarthy spent a considerable amount of time on the DL in 2016, first with recovery from Tommy John surgery and then with a hip issue. He pitched just 40.0 innings in 10 games with the Dodgers, finishing with a 4.95 ERA.

McCarthy finished the 2017 season with a 3.98 ERA in 92.2 innings in 19 games. He had 6 wins and 4 losses and 72 strikeouts to 27 walks. In the postseason, he pitched 1.0 innings and he gave up 2 hits, including a home run, and 2 runs.

The Dodgers traded McCarthy to the Atlanta Braves on December 16, 2017. He spent time on the DL in 2018 with right knee tendinitis. He finished the season with 6 wins and 3 losses, 65 strikeouts to 21 walks, and a 4.92 ERA in 78.2 innings in 15 games.

McCarthy retired after the 2018 season ended. He was hired as a special assistant to the Texas Rangers' general manager on December 11, 2018.

Career pitching statistics for McCarthy through 2018 include:

• 255 games played
• 1,223.2 innings pitched
• 69-75 win-loss record
• 908 strikeouts to 323 walks
• 4.20 ERA

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Brandon McCarthy
ESPN - Brandon McCarthy