| Adam Plutko | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Plutko with theLouisville Bats in 2025 | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1991-10-03)October 3, 1991 (age 34) Upland, California, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: September 24, 2016, for the Cleveland Indians | |
| KBO: April 2, 2022, for the LG Twins | |
| MLB statistics (through 2021 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 14–14 |
| Earned run average | 5.39 |
| Strikeouts | 200 |
| KBO statistics (through 2023 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 26-8 |
| Earned run average | 2.40 |
| Strikeouts | 250 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
KBO
| |
Adam Gregory Plutko (/ˈplʌtkoʊ/PLUHT-koh;[1] born October 3, 1991) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theCleveland Indians andBaltimore Orioles and in theKBO League for theLG Twins. He playedcollege baseball for theUCLA Bruins.
Plutko attendedGlendora High School inGlendora, California, and then enrolled at theUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).[2] Though he was selected by theHouston Astros in the sixth round of the2010 Major League Baseball draft, he opted not to sign with the Astros.[3]
At UCLA, Plutko was a member of theBruins baseball team. He was teammates with futureMLB All-StarsGerrit Cole andTrevor Bauer.[4] In 2013, Plutko led the Bruins to their first NCAA baseball championship, beatingMississippi State in the2013 College World Series. During the World Series, he recorded wins overLSU in the opening round of the World Series and over against Mississippi State in Game 1 of the Championship Series. He was named theCollege World Series Most Outstanding Player.[5]
TheCleveland Indians selected Plutko in the 11th round of the2013 Major League Baseball draft.[6] He signed with the Indians but did not pitch for theirMinor League Baseball affiliates that year due to astress fracture in his shoulder.[7] Plutko made his professional debut in 2014 with theLake County Captains of theClass AMidwest League.[8] In May, the Indians promoted Plutko to theCarolina Mudcats of theClass A-AdvancedCarolina League.[9] In 28 games started between the two teams he compiled a 7–10 record and 4.03 ERA. He began the 2015 season with theLynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League,[10] and was promoted to theAkron RubberDucks of theClass AAEastern League in May.[11] Plutko posted a 13–7 record, a 2.39 ERA, and a 0.93 WHIP in 27 starts between the two clubs.
The Indians invited Plutko tospring training in 2016.[12] He began the 2016 season with Akron and was promoted to theColumbus Clippers of theTriple-AInternational League on June 16.[13]
On September 20, 2016, the Indians purchased Plutko's contract from the Clippers and added him to their active roster.[14] In 28 starts for Akron and Columbus prior to his call up, he pitched to a 9–8 record and 3.73 ERA. He made his major league debut on September 24 as arelief pitcher.[15]
Plutko spent all of 2017 with Columbus, going 7–12 with a 5.90 ERA in 24 games (22 starts).[16] He began 2018 with Columbus, and was recalled on May 3 for one game. He was optioned back to Columbus the day after. He was recalled once again on May 23 to take over as the fifth starter for Cleveland afterJosh Tomlin was moved to the bullpen.[17] He was sent back to Columbus, and threw ano-hitter on June 2.[18] He finished with a record of 4–5 in 17 games (12 starts). The following season, Plutko was 7–5 in109+1⁄3 innings.
Before the 2020 season, Plutko was moved to the bullpen. He got a spot start in the second game of a doubleheader against the White Sox, where he went six innings and struck out four while allowing two runs.[19]
With the2020 Cleveland Indians, Plutko appeared in 10 games, compiling a 2–2 record with 4.88 ERA and 15 strikeouts in27+2⁄3 innings pitched.[20]
On March 27, 2021, Plutko was traded to theBaltimore Orioles for cash.[21] In 38 games for Baltimore, Plutko posted a 6.71 ERA with 44 strikeouts. On August 15, Plutko wasdesignated for assignment by the Orioles.[22] On August 19, Plutko cleared waivers and was assigned outright to the Triple-ANorfolk Tides.[23] On October 4, Plutko elected free agency.[24]
On December 9, 2021, Plutko signed a one-year contract worth $500,000 with an additional $300,000 in incentives with theLG Twins of theKBO League.[25] He had a 15–5 record and a 2.39 ERA for the Twins.[26] On December 2, 2022, Plutko re-signed with the Twins on a one-year contract for the 2023 season worth $1.4 million.[27] In 21 starts for the team, he logged an 11–3 record and 2.41 ERA with 101 strikeouts across123+1⁄3 innings pitched. On October 27, 2023, Plutko left South Korea following a left hip injury.[28] He became a free agent following the season and announced he was hoping to return toMajor League Baseball.[29]
On May 3, 2024, Plutko signed a minor league contract with theMinnesota Twins.[30] In 14 appearances split between the rookie-levelFlorida Complex League Twins and Triple-ASt. Paul Saints, he posted a cumulative 6–2 record and 4.28 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 61 innings of work. Plutko elected free agency following the season on November 4.[31]
On April 9, 2025, Plutko signed a minor league contract with theCincinnati Reds.[32] He began the season with the Triple-ALouisville Bats;[33] in 21 appearances (20 starts) for the team, he logged an 8-7 record and 4.74 ERA with 61 strikeouts across98+2⁄3 innings pitched. Plutko elected free agency following the season on November 6.[34][35]