Jays call up Adam Peterson
by Matthew NameeJune 24, 2004
I can't believe I forgot to mention this. On Friday, Toronto called up minor league closer Adam Peterson, a Wichita State alum. Peterson was a starter in his Shocker days, but was converted to the bullpen with the Jays organization.
Peterson did alright in his first couple pro seasons, but he's really broken through this year. In 28.1 innings of relief with AA New Hampshire, Peterson has a 2.54 ERA and a 38-10 K-BB ratio (that's 12 strikeouts per 9 innings). He's the first Ricciardi-era Jays draft pick to make the majors.
Unfortunately, Peterson got lit up in his first taste of big-league action yesterday. In a ludicrous 19-13 loss to the Devil Rays, Peterson pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits. The first batter he faced, Rey Sanchez, hit an RBI double to drive in an inherited runner. A couple batters later, Carl Crawford hit a 3-run home run.
Peterson got out of the inning without allowing any more runs, but his ERA now stands at 40.50. Welcome to the big leagues, Adam.
Matthew Namee cofounded The Hardball Times in 2004, when he was working as the assistant to baseball author and Red Sox executive Bill James. Matthew still lives in Kansas, where he is currently pursuing a law degree. He can be reached at mfnamee [at] gmail [dot] com.