R. J. Swindle | |||
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Swindle with the Tampa Bay Rays
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Pitcher | |||
Born: Vancouver, British Columbia |
July 7, 1983 |||
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MLB debut | |||
July 7, 2008, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |||
Last MLB appearance | |||
August 4, 2009, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |||
MLB statistics | |||
Win–loss record | 0–0 | ||
Earned run average | 12.71 | ||
Strikeouts | 12 | ||
Teams | |||
Career highlights and awards | |||
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Robert Joseph "R. J." Swindle (born July 7, 1983) is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher.
Swindle threw five pitches: a fastball, slider, change-up, cutter, and a 55 mph curveball with a delivery between three-quarters and sidearm. He graduated from University High School in Orlando, Florida. R.J. played travel ball for the Central Florida Renegades – leading them to the Connie Mack SE Regional Championship game before falling to East Cobb.
Swindle attended Charleston Southern University, where he was 21–13 over his three seasons playing for the Buccaneers. His strongest season was 2003, when he posted a 10–4 record as a starter with an ERA of 1.96. Overall in his college career, he struck out 330 batters over three years, with a career ERA of 3.13.
Swindle was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 14th round (425th overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft. He began his professional career as a reliever for the Lowell Spinners of the New York–Penn League. In 12 games, Swindle posted a 5–1 record with a 1.94 ERA, leading the Spinners in wins in 2004. He pitched 51 innings, allowing 11 earned runs and striking out 56, also leading the team in WHIP. Despite his statistics, he was released by the Red Sox at the end of the year.