Bonderman debuted in the major leagues when he was 20 years old. His major league debut came against the Minnesota Twins, who scored six runs in four innings. In his rookie campaign of 2003, the Tigers finished with the second-worst record in MLB history at 43–119 and came close to being the first team with two pitchers who each lost 20 games in a season since Wilbur Wood and Stan Bahnsen with the 1973 Chicago White Sox.[4][5] With a 6–18 record, he was removed from the starting rotation by manager Alan Trammell on September 3.[6] One night after Mike Maroth lost his 21st of the year,[7] Bonderman was reinstated into the rotation but cemented a 6–19 record as the losing pitcher in his last decision of the season in a 6–2 defeat to the Twins at the Metrodome on September 19.[5] The next season, Bonderman went 11–13 with a 4.89 ERA. In 2005, he had a 14–13 record and a 4.57 ERA. Bonderman was the Tigers Opening Day starter for the 2005 season.
In 2006 Bonderman finished with a 14–8 record, his career best and posted a 4.08 ERA. He started game four of the 2006 American League Division Series against the Yankees. He pitched five perfect innings before giving up a hit. He then pitched 31⁄3 more innings, surrendering only one run. Bonderman was the winning pitcher in the game that gave the Tigers the series. He pitched again in game four of the 2006 American League Championship Series, pitching six innings and giving up three runs. The Tigers would go on to win the game and series for the American League Pennant. In the World Series, he pitched six innings giving up two runs. He left the game with the Tigers in the lead. However, the Tigers would ultimately lose the game, as well as the series the following day.
In 2007, Bonderman had the best start of his career, but after the all-star break he struggled only winning four games, finishing 11–9 with a 5.01 ERA. He finished second in the 2007 All-Star Game Final vote.[8]
Bonderman missed most of the 2008 season because he had procedures done to remove a blood clot in his axillary vein.[9]
On June 13, 2009, five days after his only start of the season, Bonderman was placed on the disabled list indefinitely because of recurring pain in his pitching shoulder.[10]
Bonderman started 29 games for the Tigers in 2010, going 8–10 with a league-worst 5.53 ERA. Following the season, he was granted free agency. The Plain Dealer reported that the Indians had interest in Bonderman, but for only a minor league contract.[citation needed] Bonderman remained unsigned through the 2011 season.
Seattle Mariners
On December 21, 2012, Bonderman signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. The deal included an invitation to spring training. He made his first start for the major league club on June 2, and took the loss in a 10–0 win by the Minnesota Twins. On June 7, in his second start, he pitched three-hit ball for six innings to beat the New York Yankees and earn his first win since 2010.[11] He was designated for assignment on July 8, 2013, following consecutive poor starts.[12] He elected free agency on July 11.
Detroit Tigers (second stint)
On July 14, 2013, Bonderman was signed to a minor league deal bringing him back to Detroit, playing for the Triple-AToledo Mud Hens.[13] On August 5, 2013, Bonderman was recalled from the Mud Hens, to join the Tigers bullpen.[14] In his first appearance back with Detroit, Bonderman pitched three innings of scoreless relief in the Tigers 6–5 victory over the Cleveland Indians, to earn his first career victory in relief. He became a free agent following the season.
Bonderman resides in Pasco, Washington with his wife Amber and their two children.
References
^Pernell Watson (June 21, 2001). "Oakland A's Draft High School Junior". www.daileypress.com. Daily Press Media Group. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
