Bradley Zimmer

Bradley Zimmer
Zimmer with the Cleveland Indians in 2020
Free agent
Center fielder
Born: (1992-11-27) November 27, 1992 (age 31)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
MLB debut
May 16, 2017, for the Cleveland Indians
MLB statistics
(through 2022 season)
Batting average.213
Home runs21
Runs batted in91
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Bradley Clarke Zimmer (born November 27, 1992) is an American professional baseball center fielder who is a free agent. He attended the University of San Francisco, and played college baseball for the San Francisco Dons baseball team. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with them in 2017. He has also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays.

Amateur career

Zimmer attended La Jolla High School in San Diego, California, where he played for the school's baseball team.[1][2][3] The Chicago Cubs selected Zimmer in the 23rd round, with the 699th overall selection, of the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, but Zimmer did not sign with the Cubs.[4]

Zimmer with the San Francisco Dons

Zimmer enrolled at the University of San Francisco (USF) to play college baseball for the San Francisco Dons baseball team. In 2013, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he was named playoff MVP of Cotuit's league championship club.[5][6] In 2014, his junior year, he was named a preseason All-American[7] and to the Golden Spikes Award's midseason watch list.[2] He was considered to be among the best available prospects in the 2014 MLB draft.[8] He finished his junior year at USF with a .368 batting average, seven home runs, 31 runs batted in (RBIs), and 21 stolen bases.[9]

Professional career

Cleveland Indians (2014–2021)

The Cleveland Indians selected Zimmer in the first round, 21st overall, of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft.[9][10][11] He signed for a $1.9 million bonus on June 17, 2014.[12] He then joined the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League.[13] He finished the season with the Lake County Captains of the Class A Midwest League.[14] In 2015, the Indians assigned Zimmer to the Lynchburg Hillcats of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League, where he batted .305 with ten home runs and 32 stolen bases in 37 attempts in 77 games.[15] Zimmer was selected to represent the Indians at the 2015 All-Star Futures Game.[16] Following the Futures Game, the Indians promoted Zimmer to the Akron RubberDucks of the Class AA Eastern League.[15][17] Zimmer batted .219 with Akron.[18] The Indians assigned Zimmer to the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League (AFL),[19] but he was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his right foot and considered unlikely to play in the AFL.[18]

Zimmer began the 2016 season with Akron, and was promoted to the Columbus Clippers of the Class AAA International League on July 25.[20] Zimmer ended 2016 with a .250 batting average, 15 home runs and 62 RBIs, along with 38 stolen bases.[21] After the season, the Indians assigned Zimmer to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.[22] He returned to Columbus to start the 2017 season.[23]

The Indians promoted Zimmer to the major leagues on May 16, 2017.[23] He made his MLB debut that day. In his second MLB game, on May 17, Zimmer recorded his first MLB hit and home run.[24] On July 25, Zimmer hit his first grand slam against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, where the Indians won the game 11–7.[25] Zimmer batted .241 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 299 at bats for Cleveland.[26]

Zimmer with the Indians in 2017

Zimmer began 2018 as Cleveland's starting center fielder. However, after batting .226 with a 42% strikeout rate in early June, he was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.[27] After playing in eight games for Columbus, Zimmer injured his right shoulder.[28] He had an anti-inflammatory shot and was shut down for four-to-six weeks in late June.[29] On July 21, 2018, Zimmer underwent right shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, and was out for the rest of the year. Recovery time required 8–12 months.[30] In 2019, Zimmer appeared in only 13 at bats.

Overall with the 2020 Cleveland Indians, Zimmer batted .162 with one home run and 3 RBIs in 20 games.[31] He started the 2021 season with Columbus, and was promoted to the major leagues on May 27.[32] In 2021, batted .227 with eight home runs in 299 at bats.[33] On September 27, 2021, Zimmer hit a solo home run off his older brother Kyle Zimmer in an 8-3 win over Kansas City. There have only been three previous occasions in MLB history since 1900 where a brother homered off another brother, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.[34]

Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies (2022)

Cleveland traded Zimmer to the Toronto Blue Jays for Anthony Castro on April 7, 2022. He was activated on April 10.[35] Zimmer batted .105 in 87 plate appearances across 77 games. On August 15, Zimmer was designated for assignment.[36]

On August 18, 2022, the Philadelphia Phillies claimed Zimmer off waivers to fill in for Brandon Marsh, who went on the injured list.[37] He posted a .250 average in nine games before being designated for assignment following Marsh's activation from the injured list on August 27.[38]

On August 29, 2022, the Blue Jays reclaimed Zimmer off waivers.[39] Zimmer ended the season with a .124 average, 13 hits, two home runs and five RBIs. He did not make the Blue Jays postseason roster.[40] On November 15, 2022, Zimmer was designated for assignment. He was non-tendered and became a free agent on November 18.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2023)

On December 17, 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Zimmer to a minor-league contract for the 2023 season.[41][42] He began the season with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers,[43] where he played in 31 games, hitting .219/.323/.343 with 3 home runs, 14 RBI, and 8 stolen bases. On May 18, 2023, Zimmer was released by the Dodgers organization.[44]

Boston Red Sox (2023)

On May 19, 2023, Zimmer signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization.[45] In 47 games for the Triple–A Worcester Red Sox, he batted .199/.321/.340 with 5 home runs, 17 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. Zimmer elected free agency following the season on November 6.[46]

Colorado Rockies

On February 6, 2024, Zimmer signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies. He was released on March 24 when he failed to make the major league roster.[47]

Personal life

Zimmer's father, Eric, played college baseball at the University of California, San Diego. He is an anesthesiologist. His mother, Cathy, ran track at San Diego State University, and works as a counselor at La Jolla High.[1] His older brother, Kyle, is also a baseball player.[8] His wife, Madeline is a physical therapist.[48]

References

  1. ^ a b "Draft may keep La Jolla's Zimmer brothers from reuniting". La Jolla Light. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Three locals up for Golden Spikes Award". U-T San Diego. April 14, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  3. ^ "San Diego Community News Group – Zimmer brothers lead Vikings past Torreys". Sdnews.com. May 12, 2009. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  4. ^ "Chicago Cubs 2011 Draft Results". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  5. ^ "#11 Bradley Zimmer - Profile". pointstreak.com. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  6. ^ "Kettleers' Zimmer named Star of Stars". capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  7. ^ Steve Kroner (February 11, 2014). "Bay Area college baseball teams ready for season". SFGate. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Promising outfielder Bradley Zimmer aims to follow in brother's footsteps |". MLB.com. May 23, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Cleveland Indians take University of San Francisco OF Bradley Zimmer with first pick". Cleveland Plain Dealer. June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  10. ^ "MLB Draft: USF's Bradley Zimmer selected No. 21 overall by Cleveland Indians – San Jose Mercury News". Mercurynews.com. June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  11. ^ "Cleveland Indians draft outfielder Bradley Zimmer, pitcher Justus Sheffield in first round of baseball draft". Morningjournal.com. June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  12. ^ "Indians sign first-round pick Zimmer". MLB.com. June 17, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  13. ^ "Tribe's top pick Zimmer latest to join Mahoning Valley Scrappers". morningjournal.com. June 19, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  14. ^ "Indians first-round pick Bradley Zimmer adds depth to Lake County Captains championship quest". Cleveland Plain Dealer. September 10, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  15. ^ a b Hoynes, Paul (July 14, 2015). "Cleveland Indians promote prospect Bradley Zimmer to Class AA Akron". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  16. ^ "Tribe's Zimmer selected for Futures Game". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  17. ^ Emrich, Robert (July 19, 2015). "RubberDucks' Zimmer off to stellar start: Indians prospect gets three hits, three RBIs in third Double-A game". MiLB.com. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  18. ^ a b Meisel, Zack (September 23, 2015). "Cleveland Indians prospect Bradley Zimmer dealing with broken bone in foot". cleveland.com. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  19. ^ Lada, Justin (September 23, 2015). "Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer part of what could be in Cleveland Indians Fall Development program". The News-Herald. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  20. ^ Meisel, Zack (July 24, 2016). "Cleveland Indians promote top prospects Bradley Zimmer, Clint Frazier to Triple-A Columbus". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
  21. ^ "Bradley Zimmer Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  22. ^ "Cubs, Indians prospects are Mesa Solar Sox teammates in Arizona Fall League". Azcentral.com. October 26, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  23. ^ a b "Cleveland Indians promote former 1st-round pick Bradley Zimmer to big-league roster". cleveland.com. May 16, 2017. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  24. ^ "Bradley Zimmer hits first career home run in Cleveland Indians loss 7–4 to Rays". Morningjournal.com. May 17, 2017. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  25. ^ Kosileski, William (May 24, 2018). "Indians Bradley Zimmer hits first grand slam". MLB.com. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  26. ^ Hoynes, Paul (March 31, 2018). "Is Bradley Zimmer destined to be a .200 hitter for the Cleveland Indians? Hey, Hoynsie!". cleveland.com. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  27. ^ "Cleveland Indians activate Lonnie Chisenhall, option Bradley Zimmer to Class AAA Columbus". cleveland.com. June 5, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  28. ^ "Cleveland Indians' Bradley Zimmer injures right shoulder during batting drills in minors". cleveland.com. June 13, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  29. ^ "Cleveland Indians' Bradley Zimmer shut down for four to six weeks with sore right shoulder". cleveland.com. June 22, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  30. ^ "Bradley Zimmer has surgery, to return in 8-12 months". MLB. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  31. ^ "Bradley Zimmer Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  32. ^ "Bradley Zimmer Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  33. ^ "Bradley Zimmer Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  34. ^ "Oh, brother! Zimmer homers off Zimmer". MLB.com. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  35. ^ "Blue Jays' Zimmer active vs. Rangers, Katoh optioned to AAA Buffalo". Sportsnet. April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  36. ^ "Blue Jays activate Springer from IL, designate Zimmer for assignment". Sportsnet.ca. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  37. ^ "Philadelphia Phillies Claim Bradley Zimmer off Waiver, Place Brandon Marsh on Injured List, transfer Bryce Harper - Sports Illustrated Inside The Phillies". Si.com. August 18, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  38. ^ "Brandon Marsh returns for Phillies, Bradley Zimmer designated for assignment - NBC Sports Philadelphia". Nbcsports.com. August 27, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  39. ^ "Blue Jays bring back outfielder Bradley Zimmer off waivers from Phillies". Sportsnet.ca. May 20, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  40. ^ "Bradley Zimmer Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More".
  41. ^ "Dodgers ink Bradley Zimmer, Patrick Mazeika to minor league deals". CBS. December 17, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  42. ^ Ardaya, Fabian [@fabianardaya] (December 18, 2022). "Dodgers are signing outfielder Bradley Zimmer to a minor league deal, source tells The Athletic.
    The 30-year-old center fielder has big league time with Cleveland, Toronto and Philadelphia"     (Tweet). Retrieved December 19, 2022 – via Twitter.
  43. ^ "Dodgers' Bradley Zimmer: Doesn't make Opening Day roster". March 25, 2023.
  44. ^ Adams, Steve (May 19, 2023). "Dodgers Release Bradley Zimmer". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  45. ^ "Red Sox's Bradley Zimmer: Gets minors deal from Red Sox". cbssports.com. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  46. ^ "2023 MiLB Free Agents". baseballamerica.com. November 8, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  47. ^ "Rockies Release Bradley Zimmer". MLB Trade Rumors. March 24, 2024.
  48. ^ Editorial Staff (May 21, 2022). "Bradley Zimmer Net Worth 2022, Age, Wife, Children, Height, Family, Brother, Salary, Trade, Contract". Apumone. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
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