Cody Eppley

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Cody Eppley
Eppley with the New York Yankees
Pitcher
Born: (1985-10-08) October 8, 1985 (age 39)
Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 23, 2011, for the Texas Rangers
Last MLB appearance
April 3, 2013, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Win–loss record2–3
Earned run average4.61
Strikeouts39
Teams

Cody Allen Eppley (born October 8, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees.

Amateur career

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Eppley attended Northern High School in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, where he pitched for the school's baseball team.[1][2] He then enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he played college baseball for the VCU Rams baseball team, competing in the Colonial Athletic Association.[3]

Professional career

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Texas Rangers

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Eppley pitching for the Texas Rangers in 2012 spring training.

The Texas Rangers drafted Eppley in the 43rd round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.[4] He pitched to a 2.10 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 25.2 innings for the Arizona Rangers of the Rookie-level Arizona League and was named a Post-Season All-Star.[5] Eppley was promoted to the Clinton LumberKings of the Class A Midwest League in late August that year.[6] He next played for the Hickory Crawdads of the Class A South Atlantic League in 2009, pitching to a 2.93 ERA in 67.2 innings out of the bullpen.

Eppley started the 2010 season with the Bakersfield Blaze of the Class A-Advanced California League, allowing no runs in 18 innings. He was then promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders of the Class AA Texas League in May[7] and Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL) in July.[8] He finished the season with a 2.08 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 69.1 innings that year, and was named the organization's Minor League Reliever of the Year Award.[9]

In 2011, he was assigned to the Round Rock Express, the Rangers' new PCL affiliate. Eppley was called up to the majors for the first time on April 23, 2011.[10] He made his major league debut that day, throwing two innings against the Kansas City Royals.[11] After allowing eight runs in nine innings, he was optioned back to the minors on May 23.[12][13] Eppley served as the co-closer for the Express, alongside Pedro Strop, and was named a PCL Mid-Season All-Star.[14][15] The Rangers designated Eppley for assignment at the end of spring training in 2012.[16]

New York Yankees

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On April 5, 2012, the Yankees claimed Eppley off waivers.[17] He started the 2012 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees of the Class AAA International League and was recalled him on April 19.[18] He was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after long reliever D. J. Mitchell was recalled to the Yankees on April 29.[19] On May 4, Eppley was called back up to the parent club, along with outfielder DeWayne Wise, after pitcher Mariano Rivera sustained an Anterior cruciate ligament tear.[20] He was optioned back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 13, but was recalled just two days later to replace David Robertson, who strained an oblique muscle.[21][22] Eppley, along with fellow sidearm pitcher Clay Rapada, were used heavily during the 2012 season.[23] He finished the regular season with a 3.33 ERA in 49 innings across 59 games. The Yankees did not include Eppley on their roster for the 2012 American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles.[24] However, he replaced Eduardo Nunez on the roster for the 2012 American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers.[25] He pitched in all four games, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out four in 3.2 innings of work.[26]

Eppley made the Yankees' Opening Day roster in 2013, despite allowing nine runs and 14 hits in eight innings.[27][28] He gave up four runs in 1.2 innings to begin the year and was optioned to Triple-A.[29] After pitching to an 8.53 ERA with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre through 19 games in the 2013 season, the Yankees released Eppley on June 5.[30]

Minnesota Twins

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On June 14, the Minnesota Twins signed Eppley to a minor league contract, and assigned him to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings of the International League.[31] He opted out of his contract August 21.[32] In 22 appearances with Rochester, Eppley finished 2–0 with a 4.88 ERA, striking out 20 in 24 innings.

Lancaster Barnstormers

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Eppley made six appearances with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in September, going 0–1, giving up one run in 4.1 innings with four strikeouts. Despite now pitching in independent baseball, Eppley said, "being able to get out and wake up every morning and go to the ballpark, that's what it's all about."[33]

Pittsburgh Pirates

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Eppley signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on November 26, 2013.[34] Eppley gave up two runs in 5.2 innings over seven appearances, with three saves, in spring training.[35] He began the 2014 season with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he compiled a 2–1 record with a 6.43 ERA in 13 games. On June 19, Eppley was released by the Pirates.[36]

Lancaster Barnstormers (second stint)

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Eppley returned to the Barnstormers for the remainder of the 2014.[37] He went 4-0 with a 1.59 ERA out of the bullpen as the Barnstormers captured the Atlantic League Championship.[38]

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

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Eppley signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for the 2015 season and was an Atlantic League All-Star.[39] He returned for the 2016 season and was again named an All-Star.[40][41] He re-signed with the team for the 2017 season and was again named an All-Star.[42][43] Eppley re-signed with the team for the 2018 season.[44] He became a free agent following the 2018 season.

Lancaster Barnstormers (third stint)

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Eppley signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2019 season and served as the team's closer.[45][46] He became a free agent following the season.

Coaching career

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On March 12, 2020, Eppley announced his retirement as an active player, and signed on as pitching coach for the Lancaster Barnstormers.[47][48] He did not return for the 2021 season and instead began working in the financial sector.[49]

Pitching style

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Eppley threw with an unusual sidearm delivery. He changed his arm slot starting in spring training before the 2009 season. By 2010, he was throwing that way full time.[50][51] He threw a four-seam fastball and sinker in the high 80s. He also had a slider in the low 80s and an occasional changeup. Eppley's low arm slot made him very effective against right-handed batters, but also largely ineffective against left-handed batters. It also allowed him to generate a very large number of ground balls.[52]

Personal life

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Cody and his wife Caitlin were married on November 21, 2020.[53] He has a brother, Nate Eppley, who was a pitcher out of Rider University and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 29th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft.[54]

References

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  1. ^ "Cody Eppley, Texas Rangers on the road to Philly". PennLive. May 20, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  2. ^ Central PA (May 16, 2012). "New York Yankees place RHP David Robertson on DL; recall former Northern ace Cody Eppley | PennLive.com". Blog.pennlive.com. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  3. ^ Hopkins, Christopher (December 10, 2012). "Former Northern pitcher Cody Eppley turns pro, shares dream-come-true with school (VIDEO)". The Sentinel. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  4. ^ "2008 Texas Rangers Draft Class - The Baseball Cube". TheBaseballCube.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  5. ^ "Cody Eppley Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  6. ^ "Cody Eppley Minor, Winter & Independent Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  7. ^ "Rangers minor-league report: Cody Eppley strong in relief for Frisco". Dallas News. May 19, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  8. ^ "RedHawks at the break: Cody Eppley among players to watch in second half". The Oklahoman. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  9. ^ "Cody Epply to get baptism by fire". ESPN.com. April 24, 2011. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  10. ^ Garcia, Art (April 23, 2011). "Rangers place closer Feliz (shoulder) on DL". ESPN.com.
  11. ^ "Rangers 3-1 Royals (Apr 23, 2011) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  12. ^ Derrick, J. C. (May 23, 2011). "Rangers send Davis, 2 others down to Round Rock". Longview News-Journal. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  13. ^ Grant, Evan (May 23, 2011). "Rangers recall Japanese reliever Tateyama to help struggling bullpen | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - SportsDayDFW". Dallasnews.com. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  14. ^ Lyttle, Kevin. "Round Rock Express ride Ranger high to division title". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  15. ^ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). AAA Baseball. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  16. ^ "Rangers Announce 2012 Opening Day Roster". Kwtx.com. April 4, 2012. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  17. ^ "Yankees acquire RHP Cody Eppley on waiver claim". MLB.com. April 5, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  18. ^ "Yankees' Brett Gardner Lands On DL With Ailing Right Elbow - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. April 19, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  19. ^ "Yankees Demote Struggling Garcia To Bullpen - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. April 29, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  20. ^ SKRETTA, DAVE. "Yankees' Rivera: 'I'm coming back. Write it down in big letters'". Utica Observer Dispatch. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  21. ^ "Mariners Defeat Yankees, 6-2". Hartford Courant. May 13, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  22. ^ King III, George A. (May 15, 2012). "Yankees putting Robertson on DL with strained oblique". New York Post. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  23. ^ Schonbrun, Zach (July 30, 2012). "Two Yanks Sidearmers No Longer Have to Fend for Themselves". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  24. ^ Smith, Jared (October 7, 2012). "Lowe, Gardner, Nix make Yankees postseason roster". SB Nation New York. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  25. ^ "Yankees Add P Cody Eppley, Drop Eduardo Nunez From ALCS Roster - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. October 13, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  26. ^ "Cody Eppley 2012 Postseason Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  27. ^ "2013 New York Yankees - Spring Training - The Baseball Cube". TheBaseballCube.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  28. ^ "Yankees finalize Opening Day roster". River Avenue Blues. March 31, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  29. ^ McCullough, Andy (April 6, 2013). "Yankees option Cody Eppley to minors to make room for Phil Hughes". The Star-Ledger.
  30. ^ "Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Blog » Huge roster shuffle for RailRiders". Blogs.thetimes-tribune.com. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  31. ^ "Twins release P Anthony Slama, sign P Cody Eppley - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  32. ^ "Cody Eppley Opts Out Of Contract With Twins". MLB Trade Rumors. August 21, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  33. ^ Bristol, Jason (September 5, 2013). "Down from majors, Eppley thankful for Barnstormers opportunity". WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
  34. ^ "Pirates sign Minor League catcher Nevin Ashley, reliever Cody Eppley | pirates.com: News". Archived from the original on April 24, 2014.
  35. ^ "2014 Pittsburgh Pirates - Spring Training - The Baseball Cube". TheBaseballCube.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  36. ^ Todd, Jeff (June 19, 2014). "Pirates Release Cody Eppley". MLB Trade Rumors.
  37. ^ Driver, David. "Minor League Baseball: Richardson Nears the End of a Long Pro Career". The Ledger. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  38. ^ Wilson, Burt (October 4, 2014). "Amazing journey: From hard luck to heroes, the Lancaster Barnstormers claim a crown". LancasterOnline. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  39. ^ "Blue Crabs to send six to the All-Star game". The BayNet. July 2, 2015. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  40. ^ "Blue Crabs Roster Grows With Four Signings". www.atlanticleague.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  41. ^ "Atlantic League Professional Baseball: News". www.atlanticleague.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  42. ^ "Regional Digest: U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team To Play Exhibition Game At Yale". Hartford Courant. May 27, 2017.
  43. ^ IndyBallIsland (July 3, 2017). "Atlantic and Frontier League All-Star Rosters Announced". Indy Ball Island. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  44. ^ "BLUE CRABS ANNOUNCE OPENING DAY ROSTER". Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. April 27, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  45. ^ "RELIEF ACE EPPLEY REJOINS 'STORMERS – Lancaster Barnstormers". Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  46. ^ Gross, Mike (April 20, 2019). "Lancaster Barnstormers ready to get 2019 season started". LancasterOnline. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  47. ^ @gobarnstormers (March 12, 2020). "Welcome Cody Eppley and Caleb Gindl to our 2020 Coaching Staff!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ "BARNSTORMERS VETERANS JOIN COACHING STAFF – Lancaster Barnstormers". Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  49. ^ "Cody A Eppley". Edward Jones. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  50. ^ Epler, Eric F. (May 21, 2011). "Q&A: Texas Rangers reliever Cody Eppley". PennLive. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  51. ^ "Throwing sidearm works for RedHawks relievers Clay Rapada and Cody Eppley". The Oklahoman. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  52. ^ "Player Card: Cody Eppley". www.brooksbaseball.net. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  53. ^ "Caitlin Eppley and Cody Eppley's Wedding Website - The Knot". www.theknot.com.
  54. ^ "Two Broncs Tapped in Major League Baseball Draft". Rider University. July 23, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
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