Matt Garza: Difference between revisions

{{Use mdy dates|date=JanuaryJune 20142024}}

Born in [[Selma, California]], south of Fresno. Garza attended [[Washington Union High School]] in [[Easton, California]], where he starred in [[baseball]] and [[American football|football]]. Garza continued with baseball at [[California State University, Fresno|Fresno State]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=3b2642696eb2ea042bf37b8cf0edbefd |title=Santana and 'Big Papi' Lead Latino Baseballers - NAM |publisher=News.newamericamedia.org |access-date=January 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017024602/http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=3b2642696eb2ea042bf37b8cf0edbefd |archive-date=October 17, 2013 }}</ref> After struggling his first two years at Fresno State, Garza excelled in his junior season, averaging 10 [[strikeouts]] per nine innings pitched.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8199|title=Player Profile: Matt Garza - Baseball Prospectus|date=October 13, 2008}}</ref>

Entering 2006, Garza was ranked as the [[Minnesota Twins]] seventh-best prospect by ''[[Baseball America]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title = Top 10 Prospects: Minnesota Twins|date = February 1, 2006|magazine = Baseball America|url = http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/features/05top10s/twins.html}}</ref> He gained attention for rising through the ranks of the Twins' minor league system, starting the season at Single-A [[Fort Myers Miracle|Fort Myers]] and ending at the major league level, pitching with the Double-A [[New Britain Rock Cats]] and the Triple-A [[Rochester Red Wings]] in between. Garza was a combined 14–4 at the three minor league levels in 2006, with a 1.99 [[Earned run average|ERA]] and 154 [[strikeout]]s in {{frac|135|2|3}} innings. He earned All-Star berths in the Single-A [[Florida State League]] and Double-A [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]]. Backed by those numbers, Garza earned the [[USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award]] for 2006, the second consecutive year in which a Twin won the award (in 2005, Garza's teammate [[Francisco Liriano]] was the winner).<ref>{{cite web|title = Alexi Casilla and Matt Garza named 2006 Twins' Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year|date = November 1, 2006|work = MLB.com|url = http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20061101&content_id=1728954&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616235844/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20061101&content_id=1728954&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|url-status = dead|archive-date = June 16, 2011}}</ref> On August 8, Minnesota purchased Garza's contract, promoting him to the majors to replace the injured Liriano.<ref>{{cite web|title = Notes: Early start for Garza|date = August 8, 2006|work = MLB.com|url=http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060808&content_id=1600111&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616235856/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060808&content_id=1600111&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2011}}</ref> Garza is one of a small number of players to advance through the minors and reach the major league level in a single season. On August 11, his major league debut, Garza allowed seven [[earned run]]s in {{frac|2|2|3}} innings to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Garza hit hard in debut vs. Jays|date = August 12, 2006|work = MLB.com|url = http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060811&content_id=1604843&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=min}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Garza earned his first [[Win (baseball)|win]] on August 23 against the [[Baltimore Orioles]], allowing just one unearned run in six innings.<ref>{{cite web|title = Garza notches first MLB win|date = August 23, 2006|work = MLB.com|url = http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060823&content_id=1625722&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=min}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Entering 2007, Garza was rated as the top prospect in the Twins organization<ref>{{cite magazine|title = Top 10 Prospects: Minnesota Twins|date = November 30, 2006|magazine = Baseball America|url = http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/262912.html}}</ref> and the 21st-best prospect in Major League Baseball<ref>{{cite magazine|title = 2007 Top 100 Prospects|date = February 28, 2007|magazine = Baseball America|url = http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/263445.html}}</ref> by ''Baseball America''. Garza did not make the Twins rotation out of [[spring training]], being assigned to Rochester instead. He was recalled to the Minnesota Twins on June 28 after being passed by other Twins pitching prospects such as [[Kevin Slowey]] and [[Scott Baker (right-handed pitcher)|Scott Baker]] due to disagreements with the club over his pitch selection.<ref>{{cite web|title = Twins call up Garza from Triple-A|date = June 28, 2007|work = MLB.com|url = http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2054634&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070702172013/http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070628&content_id=2054634&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min|url-status = dead|archive-date = July 2, 2007}}</ref> He was selected to the 2007 [[All-Star Futures Game]] in [[San Francisco]], but did not get to participate due to his call up to the major league club.<ref>{{cite web|title = Futures' stars set to align today|date = July 7, 2007|work = MLB.com|url = http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070707&content_id=2072922&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605040242/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070707&content_id=2072922&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp|url-status = dead|archive-date = June 5, 2011}}</ref> On July 6, in a game against the [[Chicago White Sox]] at [[U.S. Cellular Field]], Garza became the first Twins pitcher to bat in an [[American League]] game since [[Allan Anderson (baseball)|Allan Anderson]] in {{mlby|1989}}. Garza was put in the eight-spot when catcher [[Mike Redmond]] left the game after his head was cut by [[Jim Thome]]'s bat on a backswing. [[Joe Mauer]], the [[designated hitter]] for the game, replaced Redmond as the catcher, forcing Garza into the lineup. On July 29, Garza recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts in six innings against the [[Cleveland Indians]].

In 2009, he had the lowest [[range factor]] of all starting major league pitchers (0.93).<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/mlb/stats/fielding/_/position/p/sort/rangeFactor/order/true |title=MLB Player Fielding Stats – As p – 2009 |publisher=Espn |access-date=April 2, 2011}}</ref>

Garza threw a [[no-hitter]] on July 26, 2010, at home against the [[Detroit Tigers]], becoming the fifth pitcher that season to throw a no-hitter. It was also the first no-hitter thrown by a Tampa Bay Rays pitcher in the team's history (and so far it remains the only one in a full 9-inning game).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120204032358/http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100726&content_id=12654834&vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb Garza takes place in history, no-hits Tigers]</ref><ref>On July 7th7, 2021, 5 Rays pitchers threw a combined no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. It was the second game of doubleheader with 2020-21 MLB pandemic player safety rule shortening doubleheaders to seven innings each game. Due to this, Garza's no-hitter remains the only official one in Rays history.</ref> He faced the minimum 27 batters as the lone base runner, [[Brennan Boesch]], who drew a 1-out second inning walk, was erased on a double play hit by [[Ryan Raburn]] in the next at-bat. Garza threw 120 pitches, 80 for [[strike zone|strikes]], and tallied six strikeouts.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120129050834/http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2010_07_26_detmlb_tbamlb_1 Game Box Score] MLB.com July 26, 2010</ref> 101 of his pitches were [[fastballs]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_sheehan/07/27/garza.nohitter/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727225241/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_sheehan/07/27/garza.nohitter/index.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 27, 2010 | work=CNN | title=Garza's fastball will hold the key to his post-no-hitter development | date=July 27, 2010}}</ref>

On January 7, 2011, Garza was traded from the Rays to the [[Chicago Cubs]] as part of an eight-player deal. The Cubs sent outfielder [[Sam Fuld]], and prospects [[Chris Archer]], [[Hak-Ju Lee]], [[Brandon Guyer]], and [[Robinson Chirinos]] to the Rays for Garza, outfielder [[Fernando Perez (baseball)|Fernando Perez]] and minor league left-handed pitcher [[Zac Rosscup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://sportswww.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5998431 |title=Source: Cubs agree to Garza deal |publisher=espn.go.com[[ESPN]] |date=January 8, 2011 |access-date=April 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110105&content_id=16392484&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108061345/http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110105&content_id=16392484&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 8, 2011 |title=Cubs acquire right-hander Matt Garza in eight-player trade with Rays |work=mlb.com |access-date=April 2, 2011}}</ref> In spring training, Garza led all pitchers in the major leagues in earned runs given up, with 25, in 21.2 innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?statType=2&teamPosCode=all&subScope=pos&statSet2=1&section2=1&c_id=mlb&timeFrame=1&baseballScope=mlb&sitSplit=&venueID=&timeSubFrame=23&&sortByStat=ER |title=Major League Baseball Stats: Sortable Statistics &#124; MLB.com: Stats |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=March 29, 2011 |access-date=April 2, 2011}}</ref> Garza finished the season with a 10–10 record and a 3.32 ERA.<ref>{{cite web|author=AL WILD CARD TIEBREAKER Mon, Sep 30 |url=httphttps://www.espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28528/matt-garza |title=Matt Garza Stats, News, Pictures, Bio, Videos - Texas Rangers - ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |access-date=January 23, 2014}}</ref>

On July 22, 2013, The Cubs traded Garza to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] on July 22, 2013, in exchange for [[Mike Olt]], [[Justin Grimm]], [[C. J. Edwards]], and [[Neil Ramirez]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-matt-garza-chicago-cubs-trade-20130722,0,733452.story |title=Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza traded to Texas Rangers |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=January 23, 2014}}</ref> While withWith the Rangers, Garza had an ERA of 4.38.

After the 2013 season, the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] reportedly agreed to sign Garza to what was initially reported as a four-year, $52&nbsp;million contract. On January 26, 2014, the Brewers announced that the signing was official. The deal is reportedly guaranteed for $50 million over the course of four years, with each season having an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. There is also a performance/appearance based vesting option for a fifth year, worth $13 million, making the total contract worth as much as 5 years and $67 million.<ref>{{cite web | url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10354894/matt-garza-agrees-deal-milwaukee-brewers-owner-says | title=Matt Garza signs with Brewers | work=ESPN.com | date=January 26, 2014 | access-date=January 26, 2014}}</ref> With the contract, Garza became the most expensive free agent that the Brewers have ever signed, surpassing [[Jeff Suppan]]'s four year, $42 million contract signed prior to the 2007 season.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

During the 2015 season, it was announced that Garza would be shut down for the rest of the season due to poor performance and the club wanting to look at younger starters. Garza reacted badly to the idea and did not pitch in any of the team's final 28 games.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/brewers-shut-down-matt-garza-and-hes-not-happy-b99570650z1-324840431.html | title=Brewers shut down Matt Garza, and he's not happy | newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | date=September 5, 2015 | access-date=NovNovember 5, 2015}}</ref> Garza finished his 2016 season 6–8 with a 4.51 ERA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=edward000car|title=Carl Edwards Register Statistics & History {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=November 1, 2016-11-01}}</ref> On June 3, 2017, Garza suffered a shoulder injury in a collision with first baseman [[Jesus Aguilar]]. He attempted to pitch the rest of the season through it, but struggled badly down the stretch and lost his spot in the rotation, finishing the final year of his contract with a 6–9 record and a 4.94 ERA. After the season, Garza's injury was diagnosed as a torn labrum in the right shoulder. On January 10, 2018, Garza, now a free agent, underwent surgery to repair the labrum, performed by Dr. [[Neal El-AttracheElAttrache]], and was ruled out for the entire 2018 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/free-agent-matt-garza-to-have-shoulder-surgery-c264441244|title=Free agent Garza undergoes shoulder surgery|website=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref>

When played for the Rays, pitching coach [[Jim Hickey (baseball, born 1961)|Jim Hickey]] commented that Garza had "the best stuff on the staff".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/john_donovan/10/25/game3.garza/index.html?eref=sircrc | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026190849/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/john_donovan/10/25/game3.garza/index.html?eref=sircrc | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 26, 2008 | work=CNN | title=Maturing Garza may be Rays' real ace – John Donovan - SI.com | date=October 25, 2008 | access-date=May 12, 2010}}</ref>

[[Category:PeopleBaseball players from Fresno, California]]