Janson Junk

Janson Junk
Junk with the Tampa Tarpons in 2019
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1996-01-15) January 15, 1996 (age 28)
Federal Way, Washington, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 5, 2021, for the Los Angeles Angels
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record1–3
Earned run average6.75
Strikeouts34
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Janson Randall Junk (born January 15, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels and Milwaukee Brewers.

Amateur career

Junk grew up in Federal Way, Washington, and attended Decatur High School. He played college baseball at Seattle University, spending three seasons (2015–2017)[1] with the Redhawks after joining the team as a walk-on.[2] During the summer of 2015, Junk played collegiate summer baseball with the Bend Elks of the West Coast League.[1]

Professional career

New York Yankees

Junk was selected in the 22nd round, with the 662nd overall pick, of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees.[3]

Junk spent the 2018 season with the Single–A Charleston RiverDogs, where he had a 7–5 win–loss record with a 3.77 earned run average (ERA) over 17 appearances.[4] He spent most of the 2019 season with the High–A Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League, while also making one start each for the Double–A Trenton Thunder and the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.[5]

Junk did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] Junk began the 2021 season with the Yankees' new Double–A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots.[7]

Los Angeles Angels

Junk with the Angels

The Yankees traded Junk and Elvis Peguero to the Los Angeles Angels on July 30, 2021, in exchange for Andrew Heaney.[8] On September 3, the Angels selected Junk's contract from the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas and added him to their major-league roster.[9] He made his MLB debut two days later, starting against the Texas Rangers and taking the loss.[10] He allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits in 3 2+⁄3 innings and recorded two strikeouts and one walk.[11]

On July 27, 2022, Junk earned his first career victory after tossing five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals.[12]

Milwaukee Brewers

On November 22, 2022, the Angels traded Junk, Elvis Peguero, and Adam Seminaris to the Milwaukee Brewers for Hunter Renfroe.[13] Junk was optioned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to begin the 2023 season.[14] He made only 2 appearances for the Brewers during the season, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits with 5 strikeouts across 7+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Junk was again optioned to Triple–A Nashville to begin the 2024 season.[15] In 5 appearances for Milwaukee, he posted a 6.75 ERA with 8 strikeouts across 8 innings pitched. Junk was designated for assignment by the Brewers on July 28.[16]

Houston Astros

On August 2, 2024, Junk was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.[17] In 4 starts for the Triple–A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, he struggled to a 6.14 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 14+2⁄3 innings pitched. On August 29, Junk was designated for assignment by the Astros.[18]

Oakland Athletics

On August 31, 2024, Junk was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.[19] He made one appearance for Oakland, allowing six hits and two walks without recording an out against the Seattle Mariners. Junk was designated for assignment by Oakland on September 5.[20] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Las Vegas Aviators on September 7.[21] He elected free agency on November 6.[22]

Further reading

  • Hogg, Curt (December 28, 2023). "Janson Junk's improved fastball showed late-season promise. Could he be next Brewers bullpen success story?". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

References

  1. ^ a b "Janson Junk Amateur, College & Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  2. ^ "Decatur RHP Junk quiets doubters in signing with Yankees". Federal Way Mirror. July 24, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  3. ^ Witz, Billy (June 15, 2017). "Yankees Stock Up on Pitchers in Draft Amid Rash of Elbow Injuries". New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  4. ^ Miller, Randy (May 26, 2021). "Yankees scouting reports: Somerset Patriots' under-the-radar pitching prospects making big strides, including Janson Junk". NJ.com. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  5. ^ "2021 SOMERSET PATRIOTS GAME NOTES" (PDF).
  6. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  7. ^ "Janson Junk Wins Northeast League Pitcher of the Week". Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  8. ^ "Yankees get Angels starter Andrew Heaney for Junk in trade". The Morning Call. July 30, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  9. ^ Bollinger, Rhett (September 3, 2021). "Angels release Iglesias, promote RHP Junk". MLB.com. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  10. ^ Hoornstra, J. P. (September 5, 2021). "Angels get a look at young talent in loss to Texas Rangers". Orange County Register. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  11. ^ "Rangers vs. Angels - Box Score - September 5, 2021". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  12. ^ "Junk's value on display in series-sealing gem". mlb.com. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  13. ^ "Busy Angels bring on Renfroe in Brewers trade". ESPN.com. November 23, 2022.
  14. ^ "Brewers' Janson Junk: Heads to minor-league camp". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  15. ^ "Brewers' Opening Day Roster Starts Taking Shape After Latest Round of Cuts". brewerfanatic.com. March 19, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  16. ^ "Brewers' Devin Williams activated from IL, set to make season debut". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 28, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  17. ^ "Astros Claim Janson Junk". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  18. ^ "Astros Designate Janson Junk For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  19. ^ "Athletics Claim Janson Junk". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  20. ^ "A's Designate Janson Junk For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  21. ^ "Athletics' Janson Junk: Clears waivers". cbssports.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  22. ^ https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/