Victor Vodnik

Victor Vodnik
Colorado Rockies – No. 38
Pitcher
Born: (1999-10-09) October 9, 1999 (age 25)
Whittier, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 9, 2023, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record6–4
Earned run average4.70
Strikeouts77
Saves9
Teams

Victor Francisco Vodnik (born October 9, 1999) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.

Career

Vodnik grew up in Rialto, California and attended Rialto High School. He stopped playing football at the end of his sophomore year of high school, choosing to focus on baseball.[1] As a senior, he had a 5–4 record with a 2.84 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched.[citation needed]

Atlanta Braves

Vodnik was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 14th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, and joined the Braves organization for a signing bonus of $200,000. He was assigned to the Rookie League Gulf Coast League Braves after signing with the team. Vodnik spent the 2019 season with the Single–A Rome Braves and made 23 appearances with three starts, compiling a 1–3 record and three saves with a 2.94 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 67+1⁄3 innings pitched. Vodnik did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

In 2021, Vodnik was assigned to the Mississippi Braves of the Double-A South, where he made 11 starts and had a 5.35 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 33+2⁄3 innings pitched while missing time due to injury. After the minor league season ended Vodnik joined the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League. After pitching for Mississippi in May 2022, Vodnik was promoted to the Triple–A Gwinnett Stripers later that month.[citation needed]

Colorado Rockies

On July 24, 2023, Vodnik, alongside Tanner Gordon, was traded to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Pierce Johnson.[3] He registered a 7.71 ERA across 8 appearances for the Triple–A Albuquerque Isotopes, as well as 4 scoreless appearances for the Double–A Hartford Yard Goats prior to his promotion.[4] On September 8, Colorado selected Vodnik's contract to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.[5]

Vodnik started the 2024 season on the Rockies opening day roster.[6] He was placed on the 15-day injured list on August 21 with right bicep inflammation before returning on September 8.[7][8] Prior to Injury, he pitched in 55 games, posting an ERA of 4.04 over 64 ⅔ innings with 57 strikeouts to 31 walks.

References

  1. ^ Murphy, John (April 26, 2018). "Rialto pitcher Victor Vodnik has star-worthy stuff". San Bernardino Sun. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  3. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 24, 2023). "Braves trade for relievers Pierce Johnson (Rox), Hearn (Rangers)". MLB.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  4. ^ "Rockies' Victor Vodnik: Headed to majors". cbssports.com. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  5. ^ "A Rockies trade-deadline pickup is already in the major leagues". denversports.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  6. ^ Lang, Evan (August 12, 2024). "Monday Rockpile: Victor Vodnik has the makings of a franchise closer". Purple Row. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  7. ^ "Rockies' Victor Vodnik: Goes on IL with bicep issue". CBSSports.com. August 21, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  8. ^ "Colorado Rockies Roster Moves: Victor Vodnik, Ty Blach". thereportonsports.com. September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.