| Taylor Buchholz | |
|---|---|
 Buchholz with the New York Mets in 2011 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1981-10-13)October 13, 1981 (age 44) Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 7, 2006, for the Houston Astros | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 29, 2011, for the New York Mets | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 20–22 |
| Earned run average | 4.28 |
| Strikeouts | 229 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Taylor Buchholz (born October 13, 1981) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theHouston Astros,Colorado Rockies,Toronto Blue Jays, andNew York Mets.
Buchholz stands 6 feet 4 inches tall, and weighs 220 lbs. He bats and throws right-handed. He grew up and lives inSpringfield, Pennsylvania. He is a distant relative of pitcherClay Buchholz.[1]
Buchholz started out as a minor leaguer for thePhiladelphia Phillies. In 2003, he was dealt withEzequiel Astacio andBrandon Duckworth to the Astros for all-star closer and futureBaseball Hall of Fame memberBilly Wagner. Originally forgotten by many fans due to Astacio and Duckworth both quickly being brought up to the majors, Buchholz proceeded to impress scouts in the minors, showing promise for the future. After going 6–0 with a 4.81ERA in 20 games for the AstrosTriple A AffiliateRound Rock Express in 2005, Buchholz was called up to the Astros main roster in the 2006 season.
His first success came in his second major league appearance in what was almost a complete-game one-hit shutout against thePittsburgh Pirates. The first hit came when second basemanEric Bruntlett double-clutched the ball before throwing, allowing runnerChris Duffy to reach first base safely. AfterJack Wilson singled, Astros managerPhil Garner pulled Buchholz and brought in closerBrad Lidge, who struck outJason Bay to end the game. Buchholz ended up going 82⁄3 innings and giving up only two hits.
On July 29, 2006, Buchholz was demoted to theTriple ARound Rock.
According toSI.com, Buchholz was included as part of a proposed December 7, 2006 trade with the Chicago White Sox to bringJon Garland to the Astros. The trade, however, fell through when Buchholz failed his physical.[2] Buchholz denied this, telling the Houston Chronicle that he has not had a physical since prior to the 2006 season.[3] These rumors were denied by White Sox general managerKen Williams.[4]
On December 12, the Astros tradedWilly Taveras, Buchholz, andJason Hirsh to theColorado Rockies for Rockies pitchersJason Jennings andMiguel Asencio. In the 2007 season, Buchholz was utilized by the Rockies as a starter but was later moved into the bullpen. In 2008, Buchholz took up the role as a set-up man for Rockies closer,Brian Fuentes. After missing all of 2009 due toTommy John surgery, Buchholz made his 2010 debut on July 24, giving up a two-run homer toRaúl Ibañez.[5] On August 17, he was again placed on the DL with lower back stiffness.
On September 9, 2010, Buchholz was claimed off of waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays and placed on the team's 40-man roster.[citation needed] He pitched two scoreless innings for Blue Jays in September before being waived.[citation needed] He was claimed off of waivers by the Boston Red Sox on November 15, then non-tendered[clarification needed] on December 2.
Buchholz signed a one-year contract with theNew York Mets on January 3, 2011.[6] His season was plagued by his battle with depression.[7] On November 14, 2011, he was outrighted[clarification needed] off the Mets roster.[8][9]
· Baseball Almanac