A. J. Schugel

Andrew Jeffrey "A. J." Schugel (born June 27, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015.

Early life and education

Schugel was born in Winter Haven, Florida,^[1] and grew up in the Denver area. His father, Jeff, is a former catcher and infielder for the Minnesota Twins, selected in the 18th round of the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft.^[2] After three seasons as an active player, Jeff became a major league scout; he is currently with the Cincinnati Reds organization.^[2] Schugel's mother, Tammy, was a gymnast and hockey player in high school.^[2]

Schugel attended Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado,^[1] where, like his father, he played both hockey and baseball.^[2] He switched to baseball exclusively at Central Arizona College.^[2]

Career

Schugel was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the 25th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft out of Central Arizona College.^[3] He was acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a player to be named later from an earlier trade.^[4] The Diamondbacks added Schugel to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2014.

On March 31, 2015, Schugel was optioned to Triple-A Reno.^[5] But less than two weeks later, on April 12, the Diamondbacks placed catcher Gerald Laird on the disabled list and recalled Schugel.^[6] He made his MLB debut that day, pitching three innings in relief against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up two runs, including a homer, on five hits.^[6]

Schugel was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners on December 16, 2015 and designated for assignment on January 12. He was then claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 19. He was sent outright the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates AAA affiliate, on February 5.

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball-Reference, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)