| Matt Lindstrom | |
|---|---|
 Lindstrom with the Baltimore Orioles | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1980-02-11)February 11, 1980 (age 46) Rexburg, Idaho, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 4, 2007, for the Florida Marlins | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 26, 2014, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 17–21 |
| Earned run average | 3.68 |
| Strikeouts | 327 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Matthew Raymond Lindstrom (born February 11, 1980) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theFlorida Marlins,Houston Astros,Colorado Rockies,Baltimore Orioles,Arizona Diamondbacks, andChicago White Sox.
Lindstrom playedcollege baseball atRicks College (now BYU-Idaho).
Lindstrom was selected by theNew York Mets in the 10th round of the2002 MLB draft. He made his professional debut at Rookie LeagueKingsport and posted an 0–6 record with a 4.84ERA in twelve games with eleven games as astarting pitcher. He began next year at Single-ACapital City and was dominant, as his 2.86 ERA and 7.94K/9 rate showed. This earned him a promotion toBrooklyn where Lindstrom would finish out the2003 season well, as he compiled a 7–3 record with a 3.44 ERA.
In2004, Lindstrom was promoted toSt. Lucie where, at 24, he compiled a 5–5 record with a 3.73 ERA in fourteen starts. Hiswalk rate was staggering, however, at 2.26BB/9. The righty found himself back at Capital City midway through the season, where his numbers improved slightly, as he posted a 3–2 record with a 3.21 ERA and much-improved control, with a 1.61 BB/9.
At age 25, Lindstrom began the2005 season at Double-ABinghamton, in what was determined to be a make-or-break year for his career. Lindstrom went 2–5 with an ERA of 5.40 with eye-popping walk and home run rates of 6.75 BB/9 and 1.35HR/9 in thirty-five games (ten starts, as the troubled righty was switched tobullpen duty midway through the season).
On November 20,2006, Lindstrom andHenry Owens were traded to the Florida Marlins in exchange forJason Vargas and Adam Bostick. Both Lindstrom and Owens were highly regarded as a top closer candidates for the2007 season. Lindstrom'sfastball often touches 100 mph and averages in the high 90's. Playing in thePuerto Rican Winter League in the 06-07 offseason, his fastball was clocked at 102 mph.
On May 17, 2007, while pitching in the 8th inning against thePittsburgh Pirates atPNC Park, Lindstrom's fastball was clocked at 102 mph on the stadium scoreboard.[1]
Lindstrom picked up his first MLBwin against theBrewers inMilwaukee on June 2, 2007.
In the final game of the 2008 regular season, Lindstrom earned a save versus theNew York Mets. He threw the final pitch during actual game-play ofShea Stadium (Tom Seaver would throw a "final pitch" during the post-game activities).
On December 9, 2009, Lindstrom was dealt to the Houston Astros for minor leaguers Robert Bono, Luis Bryan and a player to be named later, which became Rule 5 draft pick Jorge Jimenez, a third baseman selected from the Red Sox organization.[2] On March 30, 2010, Lindstrom was named the Astros' closer for the 2010 season.[3][4]
After the 2010 season, Lindstrom was traded to theColorado Rockies for two minor league pitchers: Wes Musick and Jonnathan Aristil.[5][6]
On February 6, 2012, Lindstrom was traded withJason Hammel to theBaltimore Orioles for starterJeremy Guthrie. He had early success, not giving up an earned run on the season until May 10, the day before he was placed on the disabled list with an injury to his right middle finger. He began his minor league rehab assignment on June 22. Lindstrom returned on June 27 and had a 2.72 ERA on the season when he was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks.[7]
On August 26, 2012, Lindstrom was traded to theArizona Diamondbacks forJoe Saunders.
On November 1, 2012, Lindstrom's option was declined by theArizona Diamondbacks.
On January 19, 2013, Lindstrom was signed to a 1-year deal by theChicago White Sox with a 2014 option.[8] His 2014 option was picked up on October 31, 2013, which was worth $4 million. He became a free agent following the 2014 season.
On February 17, 2015, Lindstrom signed a minor league contract with theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[9] He was released by the Angels on March 28.
On April 2, 2015, he signed a minor league deal with theChicago White Sox. On April 9, 2015, he was assigned to AAACharlotte Knights. He was later released on July 10.
Lindstrom was selected for theTeam USA at the2009 World Baseball Classic.
