Taylor Clarke

Taylor James Clarke (born May 13, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Taylor Clarke
Kansas City Royals – No. 45
Pitcher
Born: (1993-05-13) May 13, 1993
Ashburn, Virginia, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 20, 2019, for the Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB statistics
(through 2023 season)
Win–loss record15–15
Earned run average5.03
Strikeouts260
Teams

Amateur career

Clarke attended Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia, where he played baseball, basketball and golf. He began his college career at Towson University.[1] In January 2013, Clarke tore the ulnar collateral ligament of his pitching elbow, and underwent Tommy John surgery. He learned in March that Towson planned on ending their college baseball program, and transferred to the College of Charleston.[2]

Professional career

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Clarke in the third round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.[3][4] He signed with the Diamondbacks[5] and spent his professional season with the Hillsboro Hops of the Class A-Short Season Northwest League,[6] where he did not give up a run in 21 innings pitched. Clarke spent the 2016 season with the Kane County Cougars, Visalia Rawhide, and the Mobile BayBears, where he posted a combined 12–9 record and 3.31 ERA in 149.1 innings pitched with the three clubs.[7] In 2017, he played for both the Jackson Generals and the Reno Aces, pitching to a combined 12–9 record and 3.35 ERA in 145 total innings between both teams.[8] He spent all of 2018 with AAA Reno Aces going 13–8 with a 4.03 ERA.

The Diamondbacks added Clarke to their 40-man roster after the 2018 season.[9]

He opened the 2019 season with the Reno Aces. On April 20, he was recalled to the major league roster for the first time.[10] He made his major league debut that afternoon versus the Chicago Cubs, recording three scoreless innings in relief and earning a save.[11] His first big-league win came on May 25 at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants. He finished the season with a record of 5–5 in 23 games (15 starts).

Clarke joined a small group of Major League pitchers who picked up a win, loss and save in their first three appearances. In 2020, Clarke pitched to a 4.36 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched across 12 appearances (5 starts).[12]

Following the 2021 season, on November 30, 2021, Clarke was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks, making him a free agent.[13]

Kansas City Royals

On December 1, Clarke signed a major league contract with the Kansas City Royals.[14]

Personal life

Clarke was born with paralysis of the muscles on the right side of his face.[15]

Clarke and his wife, also named Taylor, have twin sons together.[16]

References
  1. "Arizona Nabs Taylor Clarke in Third Round – Missoula Osprey News". Missoula Osprey. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  2. Tariq Lee (May 22, 2014). "After Tommy John surgery and leaving Towson, Taylor Clarke stars for College of Charleston". Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  3. "Loudoun native Taylor Clarke goes to Diamondbacks in third round of MLB draft". loudountimes.com. June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  4. Daniel Gallen (June 9, 2015). "Taylor Clarke selected by Diamondbacks; Rangers tab Michael Matuella". Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  5. Damien Alameda (June 16, 2015). "Dbacks agree to terms with 25 Draft Picks". tucsonnewsnow.com. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  6. "Hillsboro Hops reveal 2015 roster two days before season opener". OregonLive.com. June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  7. "Taylor Clarke Stats, Fantasy & News".
  8. "Taylor Clarke Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  9. "Diamondbacks' moves protect against another Rule 5 loss".
  10. Kuebel, Tom (April 20, 2019). "D-backs recall pitcher Taylor Clarke from Triple-A Reno, option Locastro". arizonasports.com. Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  11. "Arizona Diamondbacks boxscore April 20, 2019". MLB.com. April 20, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  12. "2020 Arizona Diamondbacks Reviews #20: Taylor Clarke". December 17, 2020.
  13. "National League Non-Tenders 11/30/21". MLB Trade Rumors. November 30, 2021.
  14. "Royals To Sign Taylor Clarke To Major League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors.
  15. Piecoro, Nick (March 9, 2019). "Shaped by facial paralysis, Taylor Clarke embracing MLB spotlight with Diamondbacks". Arizona Central. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  16. "It's a Father's Day weekend to remember for Diamondbacks rookie Taylor Clarke".
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