| Russ Canzler | |
|---|---|
 Canzler with the Cleveland Indians | |
| Third baseman | |
| Born: (1986-04-11)April 11, 1986 (age 38) Berwick, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 15, 2011, for the Tampa Bay Rays | |
| Last appearance | |
| October 3, 2012, for the Cleveland Indians | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .271 |
| Home runs | 3 |
| Runs batted in | 12 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Russell Michael Canzler (born April 11, 1986) is an American former professionalbaseballthird baseman. He has played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theTampa Bay Rays andCleveland Indians.
Canzler was drafted by theChicago Cubs in the 30th round of the2004 MLB Draft out ofHazleton Area School District. He played in the Cubs organization from 2004 to 2010.
Before the 2011 season, in his first year of free agency, he signed a minor league deal with theTampa Bay Rays,[1] saying later he thought it gave him the best chance to make the major leagues.[2] He was the 2011International League MVP after hitting .314/.401/.530 with 18home runs and 83runs batted in (RBIs) in 131 games.[3]
Canzler fulfilled his goal in signing with the Rays when was called up to the majors for the first time on September 11, 2011.[4]
Canzler was traded to theCleveland Indians on January 31, 2012 in exchange for cash considerations.[5] Canzler was designated for assignment on December 19, 2012 to make room on the 40-man roster forMark Reynolds.
TheToronto Blue Jays claimed Canzler off waivers from theCleveland Indians on December 21, 2012.[6] Cleveland reacquired Canzler off waivers from Toronto on January 2, 2013,[7][8] then theNew York Yankees claimed him off waivers from the Indians a day later on January 4, 2013.[9] The Yankees designated Canzler for assignment on February 1, when they signedTravis Hafner. He was claimed off waivers by theBaltimore Orioles on February 5, 2013.[10]
On July 12, 2013, Canzler was traded to thePittsburgh Pirates for Tim Alderson.[11] He was designated for assignment on August 27, 2013.
Canzler signed a minor league deal with theNew York Yankees in October 2013.[12] On June 21, 2014, he was released by the Yankees.
Canzler signed a minor league contract with thePhiladelphia Phillies on June 26, 2014, and was assigned to the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, theLehigh Valley IronPigs.[13] On November 13, 2014, Canzler was re-signed by the Phillies.[14] He elected free agency on November 6, 2015.[15]
