Matt Garza, Starting Pitcher

Date of Birth: 11/26/1983
Birthplace: Selma, California
College: California State University, Fresno

Matt Garza, starting pitcher, was first drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2005. He moved quickly through the organization, playing with their minor league teams for less than a full season. After 135-2/3 innings pitched in the minors, Garza was called up to the Twins in August, 2006. He fared much better, however, in the minors, ending his time there with a 14-4 record and a 1.99 ERA. In contrast, in 10 games with the Twins, Garza had a 3-6 record with a 5.76 ERA. He pitched better with the Twins in 2007 but they traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays after the season ended.

Garza pitched well in 2008, ending the regular season with an 11-9 record and 3.70 ERA. That season, he led the American League in shutouts. His post-season performance in the American League Championship series won him the ALCS MVP award. Two seasons later, on July 26, 2010, Garza pitched a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers.

Even though Garza pitched well for Tampa Bay, the Rays traded him in January, 2011 to the Chicago Cubs. After two and a half seasons with the Cubs, he was traded once again, this time on July 22, 2013, to the Texas Rangers. In 2013, he played in a total of 24 games and finished with a 10-6 win-loss record and a 3.82 ERA.

Garza signed a five-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in January, 2014. He finished the 2014 season with an 8-8 record, 126 strikeouts to 50 walks, and a 3.64 ERA in 163.1 innings in 27 games.

Garza pitched in 26 games with the Brewers in 2015. He finished the season with a 6-14 record, 104 strikeouts to 57 walks, and a 5.63 ERA in 148.2 innings.

In 2016, Garza pitched in just 19 games with the Brewers. He had a 4.51 ERA, 6 wins to 8 losses, and 70 strikeouts to 36 walks in 101.2 innings pitched.

Garza pitched as a starter in 22 games with the Brewers in 2017. He also pitched in relief in 22 games. He finished the season with a 4.94 ERA, 6 wins and 9 losses, and 79 strikeouts to 45 walks in 114.2 innings.

Garza elected free agency on November 2, 2017. He hasn't played professional baseball since 2017.

Career pitching statistics for Garza through 2017 include:

• 290 games played
• 1,710.2 innings pitched
• 93-106 win-loss record
• 1,380 strikeouts to 581 walks
• 4.09 ERA

Personal Life

Garza is married and he and his wife have four children.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Matt Garza
ESPN Sports - Matt Garza