A.J. Schugel, Relief Pitcher

Date of Birth: 6/27/1989
Birthplace: Winter Haven, Florida
College: Central Arizona College

A.J. Schugel, relief pitcher, was first drafted in 2007 by the San Diego Padres but he didn't sign with them. Three years later, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels. After four years in the Angels' minor league system, he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in December, 2013. He pitched in the minor leagues from 2010 through most of 2015, finishing with a 32-34 record and 497 strikeouts to 226 walks in 625.1 innings in 109 games as a starting pitcher and 30 games in relief.

Schugel pitched 9.0 innings in five games with the Diamondbacks in 2015. He also pitched 115.1 innings in 21 games in the minors.

The Seattle Mariners claimed Schugel off waivers on December 16, 2015. A month later, on January 19, 2016, the Pirates claimed him off waivers. He finished the 2016 season with a 3.63 ERA, 2 wins to 2 losses, 1 save, and 46 strikeouts to 13 walks in 52.0 innings in 36 games.

Schugel finished the 2017 season with 4 wins and no losses, 27 strikeouts to 14 walks, and a 1.97 ERA in 32.0 innings in 32 games.

Schugel spent the 2018 season on the DL with a right shoulder injury and in the minors.

Schugel became a free agent on October 2, 2018. He didn't play professional baseball in 2019. He played in the independent American Association in 2020.

Schugel signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on May 14, 2021. He was released on August 9th. He played in only 16 games in the minors in 2021.

Personal Life

Schugel's father, Jeff, was a minor league catcher and infielder from 1983 through 1985. After he finished his playing career, he became a major league scout. He is currently a special assistant to the Cincinnati Reds' general manager.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - A.J. Schugel
Baseball Reference - A.J. Schugel