American baseball player (born 1983)
Jason Thomas Berken (born November 27, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs.
College.
Berken graduated from West De Pere High School. He played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers. While at Clemson, he played for the New England Collegiate Baseball League's Keene Swamp Bats. In 186 ;templatestyles src="Fraction/styles.css" / ;2⁄3 innings with Clemson, Berken pitched to an 18–6 record, 3.04 ERA, and 156 strikeouts.
Professional career.
Baltimore Orioles.
Berken was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 2006 MLB draft. On May 26, 2009, after pitching just 25 ;templatestyles src="Fraction/styles.css" / ;2⁄3 innings for Triple-A Norfolk, he was called up to the Orioles' roster to replace injured outfielder Lou Montanez. Berken earned his first major league win that day, giving up two runs in five innings in a 7–2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he finished the year with a 6–12 record, along with a 6.54 ERA in 119 ;templatestyles src="Fraction/styles.css" / ;2⁄3 innings pitched. This led to Berken being named the "AL Les Sweetland Award winner" by SI writer Joe Posnanski for finishing the year as the worst starting pitcher in the American League.
Chicago Cubs.
On September 7, 2012, Berken was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. On September 20, Berken recorded four strikeouts in an inning.
Chicago White Sox.
On April 2, 2013, Berken signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago White Sox for 2013 season.
San Francisco Giants.
On November 15, 2013, Berken signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. On March 31, 2014, he was assigned to the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies.
Philadelphia Phillies.
On February 24, 2015, Berken signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. On March 2, 2015, he was assigned to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He elected free agency on November 6.
Toronto Blue Jays.
On February 17, 2016, Berken signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. In 29 appearances split between the Double–A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Triple–A Buffalo Bisons, he accumulated a 2–9 record and 4.43 ERA with 63 strikeouts across ;templatestyles src="Fraction/styles.css" / ;105+2⁄3 innings pitched. Berken elected free agency following the season on November 7.
References.
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