Matt Harrison, Retired
Date of Birth: 9/16/1985
Birthplace: Durham, North Carolina
Matt Harrison, retired starting pitcher, was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2003. After pitching in the Braves' minor league system for four and a half years, they traded him to the Texas Rangers on July 30, 2007. He then continued to play in the minors through part of 2008 and 2009.
Harrison joined the Rangers for 15 games in 2008. He finished the season with a 9-3 record and a 5.49 ERA in 83.2 innings. He struggled in 2009 with an ERA of 6.11 in 11 games. The 2010 season found him in the Rangers' bullpen, pitching in relief in 31 games and starting just six games. He finished the season with a 3-2 record and 2 saves in 78.1 innings.
Harrison joined the Rangers' starting rotation in 2011. He had a good year, finishing with a 14-9 record and a 3.39 ERA in 185.2 innings in 31 games. His best season, however, was 2012, when he had career highs in games played (32), innings pitched (213.1), wins (18 to 11 losses), and strikeouts (133 to 59 walks). He had a career low ERA of 3.29 in 2012.
Since 2013, Harrison has suffered from back injuries that required surgery in both 2013 and 2014. He pitched in just two games in 2013 and four games in 2014.
After three games with the Rangers in 2015, Harrison was traded to the Phillies on July 29th. He didn't pitch at all with the Phillies.
Harrison had back issues again in 2016 and he didn't play at all in the major leagues. The Phillies released him on November 15, 2016.
Harrison retired in 2016.
Career pitching statistics for Harrison through 2015 include:
- 135 games played
- 668.1 innings pitched
- 50-35 win-loss record
- 408 strikeouts to 234 walks
- 4.21 ERA
Personal Life
Harrison and his wife Meghan were married on December 13, 2008. They have one child.
Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Matt Harrison
ESPN - Matt Harrison