| Josh Rupe | |
|---|---|
 Rupe with the Texas Rangers | |
| Relief pitcher | |
| Born: (1982-08-18)August 18, 1982 (age 43) Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 16, 2005, for the Texas Rangers | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 5, 2011, for the Baltimore Orioles | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 5–3 |
| Earned run average | 5.06 |
| Strikeouts | 90 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Joshua Matthew Rupe (born August 18, 1982) is an American former professionalbaseballrelief pitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theTexas Rangers,Kansas City Royals, andBaltimore Orioles.
Rupe was drafted by theChicago White Sox in the 3rd round, with the 90th overall selection, of the2002 Major League Baseball draft out ofLouisburg College. He made his professional debut with the rookie-levelBristol White Sox, posting a 3-3 record and 5.26 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 17 games. Rupe began the 2003 campaign with the Single-AKannapolis Intimidators, registering a 5-5 record and 3.02 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 6saves in65+2⁄3 innings pitched across 26 games.[1]
Rupe was acquired by theTexas Rangers along withFrank Francisco and Anthony Webster to complete an earlier trade forCarl Everett on July 25, 2003.
On September 16, 2005, Rupe was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. In 4 games during his rookie campaign, he recorded a 2.79 ERA with 6 strikeouts across9+2⁄3 innings pitched.[2]
Early in the 2006 season, Rupe was placed on the 60-daydisabled list due to an inflamed left elbow. Upon his recovery, he spent time rehabbing with the Triple-AOklahoma RedHawks. Rupe was promoted to the major leagues on July 28, 2006,[3] and finished the season working out of thebullpen in amiddle relief role. In 16 total appearances, Rupe compiled an 0-1 record and 3.41 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 29 innings of work.[4]
Rupe failed to make the big league roster to start the 2007 season, and was optioned to the RedHawks. In 9 starts split between Oklahoma City and the rookie-levelArizona League Rangers, he accumulated a 2-2 record and 4.28 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 40 innings of work.[5] Rupe made 46 appearances out of thebullpen for Texas during the 2008 season, playing a 3-1 record and 5.14 ERA with 53 strikeouts across89+1⁄3 innings pitched.[6] Rupe's innings total in 2008 would tieJ.P. Howell for the most relief innings pitched for the 2008 regular season.
Rupe pitched in 4 games for the Rangers in 2009, struggling to a 15.43 ERA with 2 strikeouts across4+2⁄3 innings pitched.[7] On April 18, 2009, Rupe wasdesignated for assignment by the Rangers. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City on April 28.[8] Rupe elected free agency following the season on November 9.
On November 25, 2009, Rupe signed a minor league contract with theKansas City Royals.[9] On April 16, 2010, the Royals selected Rupe's contract, adding him to their active roster. In 11 appearances for Kansas City, he compiled a 1-1 record and 5.59 ERA with 8 strikeouts across9+2⁄3 innings pitched. Rupe wasdesignated for assignment following the promotion ofBlake Wood on May 12. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-AOmaha Storm Chasers two days later.[10] Rupe elected free agency on October 5.
On November 29, 2010, Rupe signed a minor league contract with theBaltimore Orioles.[11] On March 30, 2011, the Orioles selected Rupe's contract after he made the team'sOpening Day roster. In 9 appearances for Baltimore, he logged a 5.65 ERA with 7 strikeouts across14+1⁄3 innings pitched. Rupe was designated for assignment by the Orioles on May 10.[12] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-ANorfolk Tides on May 12.[13] Rupe was released by the Orioles organization on August 5.[14]
Rupe signed with theSomerset Patriots of theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2012 season. In 28 relief appearances for the Patriots, he compiled a 2-4 record and 2.73 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 15 saves over 33 innings of work.[15] Rupe became a free agent following the season.
He is married to April Winfree Rupe and has two sons and a daughter.[citation needed]
· Baseball Almanac