Brian Alexander Stokes (born September 7, 1979) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball.

Brian Stokes
Stokes with the New York Mets
Pitcher
Born: (1979-09-07) September 7, 1979 (age 45)
Montclair, California, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 3, 2006, for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Last MLB appearance
September 3, 2010, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB statistics
Win–loss record6–11
Earned run average5.27
Strikeouts137
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Early life

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Stokes was born in Montclair, California, and graduated from Jurupa Valley High School. He played college baseball at Riverside Community College in California.[1]

Career

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On October 2, 1998, Stokes was signed as an amateur free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.[2] He spent his first professional season with the Princeton Devil Rays in 1999. While with Princeton, he led the Appalachian League in games finished with 35. He pitched for Charleston (Single-A) in 2000, allowing one home run in 70.1 innings pitched. Stokes pitched his first complete game at Mudville on June 23, 2001, but lost the game. He played for Bakersfield during the 2002 season, leading the team in wins (10) and strikeouts (154). He threw his first professional shutout on July 14 against San Jose. Stokes started ten games for Orlando (Double-A) before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2003, resulting in his missing the entire 2004 season. In 2005, Stokes pitched for both Visalia (Single-A) and Montgomery (Double-A). A hamstring injury sidelined him for the month of July. He was recalled from Durham (Triple-A) on September 2, 2005. Stokes made his major league debut on September 3, 2006. In 2007, Brian's 59 appearances were fourth among American League rookies.[3]

New York Mets

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On November 28, 2007, Stokes was sent from Tampa Bay to the New York Mets for cash considerations and was added to the Mets' 40-man roster.[3] During spring training on the last day, he was designated for assignment. He started the season with the Mets Triple-A affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs. He was called up to the Mets on August 9, 2008, to start in place of injured starting pitcher, John Maine.[4]

Los Angeles Angels

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On January 22, 2010, Stokes was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Gary Matthews, Jr.[5] He was released by the Angels on September 7, 2010, after making 16 appearances with an 8.10 ERA.[6]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On December 21, 2010, Stokes signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays.[7]

On February 14, 2011, Stokes' contract was voided by the Blue Jays "due to the results of his physical".[8][9]

Camden Riversharks

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On April 9, 2011, Stokes signed with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 31 games (1 start) he threw 36.1 innings going 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 11 saves.

Arizona Diamondbacks

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On August 1, 2011, Stokes signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces. He became a free agent following the season on November 2.

References

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  1. ^ "Brian Stokes Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
  2. ^ "Brian Stokes". Baseball-Reference.Com. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Mets acquire RHP Brian Stokes". MLB.com. November 28, 2007. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  4. ^ Blau, Jon (August 9, 2008). "Stokes gets chance to fill in for Mets". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  5. ^ "Angels acquire RHP Brian Stokes from Mets in exchange for Gary Matthews Jr" (Press release). Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. January 22, 2010. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
  6. ^ Drellich, Evan (September 7, 2010). "Trumbo, Conger among Angels' callups". MLB.com. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
  7. ^ "Blue Jays sign six" (Press release). Toronto Blue Jays. December 21, 2010. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
  8. ^ "John Farrell has same issues as Blue Jays' predecessors: Yankees and Red Sox". February 15, 2011.
  9. ^ http://gregorchisholm.mlblogs.com/archives/2011/02/updated-list-of-players-attending-camp.html[permanent dead link]
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