Chris O?Grady?s low point came April 7, minor league Opening Day, when the Los Angeles Angels, the only professional organization he had ever known, released him. He was freshly unemployed, about to be 27 years old and had a resume that showed only minimal experience at the minors? highest level. The idea that his baseball career might be over crossed his mind.
Three months later, the left-handed O?Grady will make his major league debut Saturday, starting for the Miami Marlins against the San Francisco Giants.
The Marlins are turning to the 6-foot-4, 225-pound O?Grady after moving on from lefty Jeff Locke this week, and after an impressive run from O?Grady with Triple-A New Orleans. He lasted six innings in each of his past five starts, allowing a combined five earned runs (1.50 ERA) with a 0.90 WHIP and .189/.246/.302 opponents? slash line.
O?Grady?s improbable ascent began with a phone call to Scott Budner, New Orleans? pitching coach who worked with O?Grady last year in the Angels? system. O?Grady was hoping for a tryout. Forty-eight hours later, on May 6, he had a contract and was slated to join the rotation in Double-A Jacksonville.
Three months later, the left-handed O?Grady will make his major league debut Saturday, starting for the Miami Marlins against the San Francisco Giants.
The Marlins are turning to the 6-foot-4, 225-pound O?Grady after moving on from lefty Jeff Locke this week, and after an impressive run from O?Grady with Triple-A New Orleans. He lasted six innings in each of his past five starts, allowing a combined five earned runs (1.50 ERA) with a 0.90 WHIP and .189/.246/.302 opponents? slash line.
O?Grady?s improbable ascent began with a phone call to Scott Budner, New Orleans? pitching coach who worked with O?Grady last year in the Angels? system. O?Grady was hoping for a tryout. Forty-eight hours later, on May 6, he had a contract and was slated to join the rotation in Double-A Jacksonville.
