Nick_Tropeano

Nick Tropeano

Nick Tropeano

American baseball player

Nicholas Paul Tropeano (born August 27, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. Tropeano played college baseball for the Stony Brook Seawolves, and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB draft by the Astros.

Quick Facts Free agent, MLB debut ...

Amateur career

Tropeano attended West Islip High School in West Islip, New York, where he played baseball as a pitcher and American football as a quarterback.[1][2] He enrolled at Stony Brook University, where he played college baseball for the Stony Brook Seawolves baseball team in the America East Conference. After his freshman season, Tropeano pitched for the Riverhead Tomcats in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate summer baseball league, and was named its Most Valuable Player.[3]

In his sophomore season, Tropeano had an 8–4 win–loss record with a 2.44 earned run average (ERA) and led the conference with 106 strikeouts en route to being named the America East co-Pitcher of the Year and a finalist for Pitcher of the Year by the College Baseball Hall of Fame. He pitched in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Cotuit Kettleers between his sophomore and junior seasons at Stony Brook.[4][5][6] As a junior, Tropeano had a 12–1 win–loss record and a 1.84 ERA en route to a second conference Pitcher of the Year award (becoming the first pitcher to do so).[7]

Professional career

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros drafted Tropeano in the fifth round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.[8] After signing with the Astros, he pitched that season with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League.[9]

In 2012, he pitched for the Lexington Legends of the Class A South Atlantic League (SAL), where he was twice named the SAL pitcher of the week,[7] and the Lancaster JetHawks of the Class A-Advanced California League.[10] Between the two, he was 12–7 with a 3.76 ERA.[11]

He began the 2013 season with the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Class AA Texas League.[12] On August 1, Tropeano struck out Midland RockHounds infielder Vinnie Catricala with one pitch.[13]

Tropeano with the Oklahoma City RedHawks in 2014

Tropeano opened the 2014 season with the Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL).[14] Tropeano pitched to a 2.09 ERA by mid-June, but missed a month after he experienced forearm soreness in late June.[15] After pitching to a 9–5 record with a 3.03 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 124+2⁄3 innings, the Astros promoted Tropeano to the major leagues on September 1.[16] His ERA led the PCL. Tropeano made his MLB debut on September 10, recording the win.[17]

Los Angeles Angels

On November 5, 2014, the Astros traded Tropeano and Carlos Perez to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Hank Conger.[18] Tropeano pitched in 8 games for the Angels, starting 7 of them, and had an ERA of 3.82 in 37 innings. In 2016, after a rash of injuries to their rotation, Tropeano got called up and in 10 starts went 3–2 and at the time had the best ERA of the rotation with a 3.25 ERA before being placed on the disabled list. Despite his success, he was activated and sent down to AAA after the Angels called up Tim Lincecum.

In August 2016, it was revealed that Tropeano underwent Tommy John surgery, ending his 2016 season and all of 2017 as well.[19]

After missing a full season, Tropeano entered the 2018 season competing for a spot in the rotation. He was sent down to AAA to begin the season but after injuries to the Angels rotation, he was called up and made 4 starts before going on the disabled list with elbow inflammation. He was shut down for the season on September 11 after feeling discomfort in his right shoulder.[20] He ended the 2018 season with the Angels making 14 starts, with a record of 5–6 and an ERA of 4.74 and 64 strikeouts in 76 innings.[21] Tropeano elected free agency following the 2019 season.[22]

New York Yankees

Tropeano signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees for the 2020 season that included a non-roster invitation to spring training.[23] The Yankees promoted him to the major leagues on August 6.[24] However, he never made an appearance for them and was designated for assignment on August 8, 2020.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On August 11, 2020, Tropeano was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates and sent to its alternate training site after Joe Musgrove was placed on the injured list.[25] In his Pirates debut on August 25, Tropeano threw four scoreless innings in relief.[26] Tropeano earned his first win with the Pirates on August 30.[27] Tropeano ended the year with a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched, while striking out 19. He set career-highs in strikeout rate and walk rate.[28]

New York Mets

On October 30, 2020, Tropeano was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.[29] On December 2, Tropeano was non-tendered by the Mets.

San Francisco Giants

On February 16, 2021, Tropeano signed a minor league contract worth $1.1 million with the San Francisco Giants organization that included an invitation to spring training.[30] On May 21, Tropeano was selected to the active roster[31] and he made his Giants' debut the following day in relief against the Dodgers.[32] Tropeano recorded a 1.50 ERA across 4 appearances for the Giants, but was designated for assignment on June 4.[33]

New York Mets (second stint)

On June 11, 2021, Tropeano was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets and assigned to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.[34] After splitting time between Syracuse and New York, where he gave up 1 run in 2 innings pitched, Tropeano was designated for assignment on July 30. On August 2, Tropeano elected free agency[35]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On August 6, 2021, Tropeano signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[36] He pitched in nine games (five starts) for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers and was 1–0 with a 4.91 ERA.[37]

Texas Rangers

On January 26, 2022, Tropeano signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.[38] He opted out of his deal and became a free agent on June 1, 2022.

Acereros de Monclova

On April 9, 2023, Tropeano signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.[39] In 13 starts, he posted a 4–5 record with a 5.94 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 63.2 innings. Tropeano was waived on July 6, 2023.[40]

References

  1. [1]
    Sarra, Gregg (November 17, 2007). "Tropeano leads West Islip's late rally". Newsday. Retrieved February 16, 2013. (subscription required)
  2. [2]
    Haynes, Stephen (June 3, 2008). "SUFFOLK CLASS AA FINALS: WEST ISLIP 12, COMMACK 6: Tropeano ends it with a flourish". Newsday. Retrieved February 16, 2013. (subscription required)
  3. [3]
    Mauser, Brett. "Greskoff Named ACBL Co-MVP; Tropeano Selected Most Valuable Pitcher – Riverhead, NY". Hamptons.com. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  4. [4]
    "#43 Nick Tropeano". pointstreak.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  5. [5]
    "Tropeano, SBU in midst of finest season". Newsday.com. May 14, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  6. [6]
    Cape Cod Times (July 22, 2010). "Cape League: Tropeano helps Cotuit take West". CapeCodOnline.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  7. [7]
    Ballew, Bill. "SAL notes: Tropeano off to strong start | MiLB.com News | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  8. [8]
    "Nick Tropeano And Matthew Colantonio, Both Long Island Natives Headed To The Big Leagues, Drafted By The Houston Astros And San Diego Padres « CBS New York". Newyork.cbslocal.com. June 9, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  9. [9]
    "Tropeano pitches gem in ValleyCats shutout". Times Union. July 25, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  10. [10]
    "Astros announce Minor League Players of the Month for August | astros.com: News" (Press release). Houston.astros.mlb.com. September 7, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  11. [11]
    "Nick Tropeano Amateur, College, Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com.
  12. [12]
    "Pitching strong, but Hooks' bats dormant in loss to Springfield » Corpus Christi Caller-Times". Caller.com. April 6, 2013. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  13. [13]
    Boyer, Anthony (August 2, 2013). "The Anatomy of a One-Pitch Strikeout". Retrieved August 2, 2013.
  14. [14]
    Baldwin, Michael (April 12, 2014). "Oklahoma City RedHawks start season with several top prospects from Astros' deep minor league system". The Oklahoman. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  15. [15]
    Seiner, Jake (August 19, 2014). "Tropeano hits stride, shuts down River Cats". MILB.com. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  16. [16]
    "Astros report: Call-up a dream come true for Tropeano". Houston Chronicle. September 2, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  17. [17]
    Drellich, Evan. "Astros take series, Tropeano his first win as Altuve reaches milestone". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  18. [18]
    "Angels acquire RHP Nick Tropeano and C Carlos Perez from Houston". MLB.com. November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  19. [19]
    "Angels' Nick Tropeano to have Tommy John surgery". Usatoday.com. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  20. [20]
    Guardado, Maria (September 11, 2018). "Nick Tropeano shut down for season". MLB.com. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  21. [21]
    "Nick Tropeano Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  22. [22]
    Rhett Bolinger (October 28, 2019). "Bour 1 of 5 players cut from Angels' roster". MLB.com. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  23. [23]
    "West Islip's Nick Tropeano is feeling good and has a chance to make Yankees' roster". Newsday. March 1, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  24. [24]
    "Yankees fill-out roster by calling up Nick Tropeano after farming out Miguel Andujar, 2 others". nj. August 6, 2020.
  25. [25]
    Mackey, Jason. "Pirates claim pitcher Nick Tropeano, place Joe Musgrove on 10-day IL". post-gazette.com/. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  26. [26]
    Tam, Ethan (August 28, 2020). "Former Stony Brook star Nick Tropeano shines in Pittsburgh Pirates debut". The Statesman. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  27. [27]
    "Homers and bullpen bounce-back carry Pirates to a 5-1 win". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
  28. [28]
    "Pittsburgh Pirates: Nick Tropeano Has Earned a 2021 Bullpen Spot". Rum Bunter. October 2, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  29. [29]
    "Mets claim RHPs Jacob Barnes and Nick Tropeano off waivers". sports.yahoo.com.
  30. [30]
    "Giants Sign Nick Tropeano". MLB Trade Rumors. February 16, 2021.
  31. [31]
    "Giants Designate Trevor Hildenberger For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. May 21, 2021.
  32. [32]
    "Dodgers vs. Giants - Play-By-Play - May 22, 2021 - ESPN". ESPN.com.
  33. [33]
    "Giants Designate Nick Tropeano, Reinstate Scott Kazmir". MLB Trade Rumors. June 4, 2021.
  34. [34]
    "Mets Claim Nick Tropeano Off Waivers From Giants". MLB Trade Rumors. June 11, 2021.
  35. [35]
    "Nick Tropeano Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  36. [36]
    "Dodgers, Nick Tropeano Agree To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. August 6, 2021.
  37. [37]
    "Nick Tropeano Amateur, College, Minor and Fall League Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  38. [38]
    "Rangers agree to terms with RHP Nick Tropeano on Minor League contract". MLB.com. January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  39. [39]
    "ACEREROS REFUERZA SU PITCHEO CON NICK TROPEANO". acereros.com.mx (in Spanish). April 9, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  40. [40]
    "Nick Tropeano Stats, Fantasy & News". milb.com. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
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