| Tanner Scheppers | |
|---|---|
 Scheppers with theTexas Rangers in 2015 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1987-01-17)January 17, 1987 (age 39) Mission Viejo, California, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: June 7, 2012, for the Texas Rangers | |
| NPB: March 30, 2018, for the Chiba Lotte Marines | |
| Last appearance | |
| MLB: June 29, 2017, for the Texas Rangers | |
| NPB: August 18, 2018, for the Chiba Lotte Marines | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 12–7 |
| Earned run average | 4.25 |
| Strikeouts | 147 |
| NPB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 1-3 |
| Earned run average | 4.54 |
| Strikeouts | 34 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Tanner Ross Scheppers (born January 17, 1987) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theTexas Rangers, and inNippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for theChiba Lotte Marines. Prior to playing professionally, he playedcollege baseball atFresno State.
Scheppers playedshortstop atDana Hills High School inDana Point, California. When his high school team experienced a shortage of pitchers, Scheppers was pressed into action as a pitcher.[1] TheBaltimore Orioles drafted Scheppers in the 29th round of the2005 Major League Baseball draft, but he opted to attendCalifornia State University, Fresno to play for theFresno State Bulldogs instead. Fresno State recruited Scheppers as a shortstop, but used him as a pitcher.[2]
In 2008, his junior year, Scheppers had an 8–2win–loss record with a 2.93earned run average and 109strikeouts in70+2⁄3innings pitched, and was named theWestern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year.[3] Fresno State won the2008 College World Series, though Scheppers did not play in the tournament due to an injured rotator cuff and labrum in his shoulder.[4][5]
Due to the shoulder injury, Scheppers fell in the2008 Major League Baseball draft to the second round, with the 48th overall selection, where he was selected by thePittsburgh Pirates.[6] The Pirates offered Scheppers less money than he was hoping for, and he opted not to sign with the Pirates.[6]
Scheppers signed with theSt. Paul Saints of theAmerican Association of Independent Professional Baseball for the 2009 season.[3] In 4 starts 19 innings he went 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA and 20 strikeouts.
Scheppers was chosen in the supplementary first round, with the 44th overall selection, of the2009 Major League Baseball draft by theTexas Rangers. Teams passed on him again due to injury concerns, as some believed he had a partially torn labrum, which would require surgery.[7] Scheppers also was the pitching coach for thejunior varsity baseball team atTrabuco Hills High School inMission Viejo, California, for the 2009 season.[8]
On September 17, 2009, Scheppers signed with the Texas Rangers to a minor league deal.[9] Scheppers was selected to represent the United States in theAll-Star Futures Game in 2010.[10]
On June 7, 2012, Scheppers was called up to the majors whenDerek Holland was placed on the 15-daydisabled list. On the same day, he made his Major League debut for the Texas Rangers in relief ofYu Darvish, and gave up a solo home run and struck out 2 in1+2⁄3 innings in a 7–1 loss to theOakland Athletics.[11] Scheppers picked up his first win on August 16, 2012, when the Rangers defeated theNew York Yankees.[citation needed] In 2013, Scheppers made 76 relief appearances for the Rangers, tied for the third-most in the American League.[12]
In 2013 Scheppers reported that he was randomly assaulted and "sucker punched" in Cleveland while walking back to the team hotel after dinner. Reports later emerged which indicated that he been in a bar fight and was using the random assault story as a cover.[1]
The Rangers named Scheppers theirOpening Day starting pitcher in 2014.[13] However, he experienced right elbow inflammation and went on the disabled list in April, after making four starts.[14] He returned to the Rangers in June as a relief pitcher, and returned to the disabled list with elbow inflammation after making four appearances.[15] Scheppers missed the last two months of the 2015 season with a bone bruise in his left knee.[16]
Scheppers was diagnosed with torncartilage in his left knee before the 2016 season, and required surgery, which kept him out until September.[17]
He was sent outright to Triple-ARound Rock Express on April 15, 2017. He had his contract purchased on June 19, 2017. He was optioned back to the minor leagues on July 2, 2017.[18] He was designated for assignment on August 26.
Scheppers left the Rangers organization in October 2017, becoming a minor league free agent.[19]
On January 15, 2018, he signed with theChiba Lotte Marines ofNippon Professional Baseball.[20] He became a free agent after the season.
On May 27, 2019, Scheppers signed with theLong Island Ducks of theAtlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 8 games for the Ducks, he struggled to a 9.35 ERA with 10 strikeouts across8+2⁄3 innings pitched. Scheppers was released by Long Island on June 22.
Scheppers announced his retirement via Instagram on October 24, 2019.[21]
· Baseball Almanac
