Tim Melville

Tim Melville
Melville with the Albuquerque Isotopes in 2019
Long Island Ducks – No. 51
Pitcher
Born: (1989-10-09) October 9, 1989 (age 35)
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Professional debut
MLB: April 10, 2016, for the Cincinnati Reds
CPBL: August 23, 2020, for the Uni-President Lions
MLB statistics
(through 2019 season)
Win–loss record2–5
Earned run average6.75
Strikeouts39
CPBL statistics
(through 2023 season)
Win–loss record12–12
ERA3.84
Strikeouts144
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards
CPBL

Timothy Macgill Melville (born October 9, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies. Melville has also played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Uni-President Lions and Wei Chuan Dragons.

Career

Melville attended Wentzville Holt High School in Wentzville, Missouri. He played for the school's baseball team as a pitcher. In 2007, his junior year, he threw a perfect game.[1] He pitched to a 10–1 win–loss record and a 0.89 earned run average (ERA) as a junior, and was named the Aflac National Player of the Year.[2] He pitched to an 8–1 win–loss record and a 2.56 ERA in his senior year, while recording 89 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched.[3] He committed to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels on a college baseball scholarship.[4]

Kansas City Royals

Baseball America ranked Melville as the best high school player available in the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. Because of the commitment to UNC, Melville fell out of the first round in the draft. The Kansas City Royals selected him in the fourth round, with the 115th overall selection, and signed him to a contract with a $1.25 million signing bonus.[4]

Melville began his professional career with the Burlington Bees of the Single–A Midwest League in 2009, pitching to a 7–7 win–loss record and a 3.79 ERA. He was promoted to the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the High–A Carolina League in 2010, where he struggled, pitching to a 2–12 win–loss record and a 4.97 ERA. He returned to Wilmington in 2011, and compiled an 11–10 record with a 4.32 ERA.[5] Melville required Tommy John surgery in 2012. In 2014, Melville pitched for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Double–A Texas League, but struggled with a 2–11 win–loss record, a 5.50 ERA, while allowing 68 walks in 129+1⁄3 innings.[6]

Detroit Tigers

On November 19, 2014, Melville signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization,[7] and played for the Toledo Mud Hens of the Triple–A International League.[6] He became a free agent following the season.

Cincinnati Reds

On November 25, 2015, Melville signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[2] The Reds considered adding Melville to their Opening Day starting rotation, but instead chose Robert Stephenson, who was already on the Reds' 40-man roster.[8] Melville was assigned to the Triple–A Louisville Bats of the International League.[9]

On April 8, the Reds announced Melville would start in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in place of Anthony DeSclafani, on April 10. The start marked Melville's MLB debut.[10] He threw 4 innings, giving up 1 run in a no-decision vs. Pittsburgh. Melville was designated for assignment by the Reds on April 22. After clearing waivers on April 24, he spent the remainder of the year with Louisville and the Double–A Pensacola Blue Wahoos, logging a combined 4.85 ERA with 59 strikeouts across 38 appearances out of the bullpen. Melville elected free agency following the season on November 7.[11]

Long Island Ducks

On April 6, 2017, Melville signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[citation needed]

Minnesota Twins

On June 12, 2017, the Minnesota Twins signed him to a minor league contract, assigning him to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. After allowing 5 runs (4 earned) to the Chicago White Sox,[when?] Melville was designated for assignment by the Twins to make room for John Curtiss on the roster on August 22.[12]

San Diego Padres

On August 26, 2017, Melville was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres.[13] He made only two appearances for the Padres, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits with three strikeouts. On November 6, Melville was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas.[14] However, Melville rejected the assignment and subsequently elected free agency the following day.

Baltimore Orioles

On December 22, 2017, and signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization.[15] He spent the entire season with the Triple–A Norfolk Tides, making 40 appearances and registering a 9–6 record and 5.33 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 4 saves across 104+2⁄3 innings pitched.[16] Melville elected free agency following the season on November 2, 2018.[17]

Long Island Ducks (second stint)

On February 5, 2019, Melville signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[18] In two starts, he posted a strong 2–0 record and 0.75 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 12 innings of work.

Colorado Rockies

On May 3, 2019, Melville's contract was purchased by the Colorado Rockies, and he was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes.[19] On August 21, the Rockies selected Melville's contract and promoted him to the major leagues as an emergency starter.[20] In his Rockies debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Melville pitched 7 innings and allowed only 1 run on 2 hits as the Rockies won 7–2, giving Melville his first major league win. 5 days later, Melville made his debut at Coors Field and had another impressive performance against the Atlanta Braves, pitching 5 shutout innings and striking out 6 as the Rockies went on to defeat the Braves 3–1. Melville's ERA of 0.75 is the 3rd lowest ERA posted by a Rockies pitcher through his first two starts with the club. On October 30, Melville was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Albuquerque.[21]

Melville re-signed with the Rockies on a minor league contract on February 5, 2020. He did not play in a game for the organization in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[22] Melville was released by the Rockies organization on May 18.

Uni-President Lions

On July 12, 2020, Melville signed with the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.[23] He re-signed with the team for the 2021 season.[24] On April 2, 2021, Melville pitched a no-hitter against Wei Chuan Dragons becoming the 10th player to do so in Chinese Professional Baseball League history. He also set the record of most pitches thrown in a no-hitter in the league, with 142 pitches.[25] For the season, Melville posted a 8–7 record with a 3.74 ERA and 84 strikeouts over 122.2 innings. He was not re-signed for the 2022 season and became a free agent.

Wei Chuan Dragons

Melville took the 2022 season off as he dealt with elbow inflammation. He received platelet-rich plasma treatment for the injury. On February 8, 2023, Melville signed with the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.[26] Pitching in 3 games, he registered a 9.24 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 12+2⁄3 innings of work. On May 27, it was announced that Melville would miss 3–4 months after suffering injuries in his right elbow and tendon, and he was subsequently released by the team.[27]

Long Island Ducks (third stint)

On August 8, 2024, Melville signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[28] In 12 games for the Ducks, he struggled to an 0–1 record and 11.17 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 9+2⁄3 innings pitched.

Personal life

When Melville was 11 years old, he had surgery to correct his pectus excavatum at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia.[29] A steel rod was implanted in his chest, and removed one and a half years later.[2][5]

References

  1. ^ Brandon W. Mudd (April 29, 2007). "Indians' Melville tosses perfect game". stltoday.com. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Tim Melville overcoming odds, on brink of big-league debut". Cincinnati.com. March 24, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  3. ^ "Royals pick signs at deadline". Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  4. ^ a b Dave Benson (August 17, 2008). "Melville a millionaire". stltoday.com. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  5. ^ a b Kaegel, Dick (January 11, 2012). "Prospect Melville takes pride in helping others". MLB.com. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Detroit Tigers prospects Tim Melville and Daniel Fields power Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens triumph – MiLB.com News – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  7. ^ Rob Rogacki (February 17, 2015). "Could a move to the bullpen help Tim Melville break out with the Tigers? – Bless You Boys". Bless You Boys. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  8. ^ Buchanan, Zach (April 4, 2016). "Robert Stephenson can win more big-league time - later". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  9. ^ "Reds' Tim Melville: Assigned to Triple-A Louisville". CBS Sports. April 3, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  10. ^ Rosecrans, C. Trent (April 8, 2016). "Reds' Melville to start Sunday for DeSclafani". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  11. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2016". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  12. ^ "Twins Designate Tim Melville, Will Select Contract of John Curtiss". August 22, 2017.
  13. ^ Polishuk, Mark (August 26, 2017). "Padres Claim Tim Melville". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  14. ^ "Outrighted: Twins, Phillies, Rays, Cardinals, Padres, Dodgers, Pirates". mlbtraderumors.com. November 6, 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  15. ^ Adams, Steve (December 22, 2017). "Minor MLB Transactions: 12/22/17". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  16. ^ "Tim Melville - Stats - Pitching". fangraphs.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  17. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2018". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  18. ^ "Former Major Leaguer Melville Returns to Flock". Long Island Ducks. February 5, 2019. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  19. ^ "Tim Melville's Contract Purchased by Colorado Rockies". Long Island Ducks. May 3, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  20. ^ Mark Polishuk (August 21, 2019). "Colorado purchased the contract of right-hander Tim Melville from Triple-A". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  21. ^ Patrick Saunders (October 30, 2019). "Tyler Anderson, Chad Bettis' departures highlight Rockies' roster moves". The Denver Post. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  22. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  23. ^ "Uni-Lions Sign Tim Melville". CPBLStats.com. July 12, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  24. ^ "Uni-Lions Re-Sign Teddy Stankiewicz, Tim Melville, Brock Dykxhoorn for 2021 Season". CPBLStats.com. December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  25. ^ "Former Rockies starter Tim Melville throws 2021's first no-hitter". April 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Wei Chuan Dragons Sign Tim Melville for 2023 Season". cpblstats.com. February 8, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  27. ^ "Wei Chuan Dragons Release Tim Melville". cpblstats.com. May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  28. ^ "Transactions". baseball.pointstreak.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  29. ^ Hummel, Rick (April 16, 2016). "Hummel: Reds' Melville helps others understand unique surgery". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved April 22, 2016.