Bumpus, Bud, Bobo … and others … Their First MLB Complete Games Were No-Hitters

James Paxton
Photo by hj_west

Earlier this week (May 8), Seattle Mariners’ southpaw James Paxton threw a no-hitter, topping the Blue Jays 5-0 in Toronto.  The effort was somewhat unique in a number of ways.  Paxton was the first Canadian-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Canada; the no-no was the third no-hitter of the season – each accomplished in a different country (Mexico; Canada; USA); and Paxton threw just 99 pitches, becoming just the 12^th pitcher to complete a no-hitter with less than 100 pitches (the record is held by Addie Joss,  who – on October 2, 1908 – needed just 74 pitches to throw a perfect gamer against the White Sox, as his Cleveland Naps triumphed 1-0).

None of the above spurred this Baseball Roundtable post.  Rather it was the fact that no-hitter was James Paxton’s first complete game, coming in his 82nd major league start. So, to this date, Paxton’s first (and only) complete game was a no-hitter. Paxton, by the way, is the second pitcher to accomplish this feat in 2018.  Sean Manaea of the A’s also pitched a no-hitter in his first complete game (April 21). As is so often the case with BBRT, one thing led to another, and I started to explore how many other pitchers’ first complete games were no-hitters – and, further, how many of those were the only complete game in the no-hit twirler’s career.

There have been 22 no-hitters thrown in a pitcher’s first MLB complete game. Rarer is the player whose ONLY career complete game has been a no-hitter.  There are eight of those among the 22 first-complete game no-hitters – and four of those players are still active, so they could drop off that short list.  As you might anticipate, as the number of complete games has declined, the number of first-compete game no-hitters has risen (you need to give a manager a good reason to keep you in a game, these days). Fourteen of the 22 first-complete game no-hitters have occurred since. 2000.

Before we get into the lists, and later the details on each game and each pitcher’s career, here are a few trivia tidbits:

• The St. Louis Browns’ Alva Lee “Bobo” Holloman is the only player to meet these three criteria: 1) First complete game a no-hitter; 2) Only complete game a no-hitter; Accompishing the feat in his first MLB start. (May 6, 1953 – Browns 6/Athletics 0).
• In addition to Holloman, Ted Breitenstein, St. Louis Browns (October 4, 1891 – Browns 8/Louisville Colonels 0) and Bumpus Jones, Reds (October 15, 1892 – Reds 7/Pirates 1) pitched no-hitters in their first starts. Each, however, also racked up additional complete games and their no-hitters were accomplished when the pitching distance was 50 feet.
• The Chicago White Sox’ Philip Humber threw only one complete game in eight MLB seasons – and it was a perfect game. (April 12, 2012 – White Sox 4/Mariners 0).
• The White Sox’ Philip Humber and A’s Dallas Braden (May 9, 2010) are the only two pitchers to throw a perfect game as their first MLB complete game.
• The Marlins’ A.J. Burnett (May 12, 2001 – Marlins 3/Padres 0) may have thrown the most chaotic first-complete game no hitter. In beating the Padres 3-0, Burnett walked nine (a record for a nine-inning no-no) and hit one batter.

Now, here are the  lists. After the lists, there is a more detailed look at each player’s first career complete game and career accomplishments.

—–FIRST – AND ONLY – COMPLETE GAME A NO-HITTER—-

Asterisk = Still Active

• Bobo Holloman, St. Louis Browns – May6, 1953 – Browns 6/Athletics

• Bud Smith, Cardinals – September 3, 2001 – Cardinals 4/Padres 0

• Jonathan Sanchez, Giants – July 10, 2009 – Giants 8/Padres 0

• Philip Humber, White Sox – April 12, 2012 – White Sox 4/Mariners 0

• Hasahi Iwakuma*, Mariners – August 12, 2015 – Mariners 3/Orioles 0

• Mike Fiers*, Astros … August 21, 2015 – Astros 3/Dodges 0

• Sean Manaea*, A’s – April 21, 2018 – A’s 3/Red Sox 0

• James Paxton*, Mariners – May 8, 2018 – Mariners 5/Blue Jays 0

—–FIRST COMPLETE GAME A NO-HITTER (not only career complete game)—–

• Ted Breitenstein, St. Louis Browns – October 4, 1891 – Browns 8/Louisville Colonels 0

• Charles Leander “Bumpus” Jones, Reds – October 15, 1892 – Reds 7/Pirates 1

• Bill Stoneman, Expos – April 17, 1969 – Expos 7/Phillies 0

• Charlie Lea, Expos – May 10, 1981 – Expos 4/Giants 0

• Wilson Alvarez, White Sox – April 11, 1991 – White Sox 7/Orioles 0

• Kent Mercker, Braves – April 8, 1994 – Braves 6/Dodgers 0

• Jose Jimenez, Cardinals – June 25, 1999 – Cardinals 1/Diamondbacks 0

• A.J. Burnett, Marlins – May 12, 2001 – Marlins 3/Padres 0

• Derek Lowe, Red Sox – April 27, 2002 – Red Sox 10/Rays 0

• Anibel Sanchez*, Marlins – September 6, 2006 – Marlins 2/Diamondback 0

• Clay Buchholz*, Red Sox – Septsember 1, 2007 – RedSox 10/Orioles O

• Jon Lester*, Red Sox – May 19, 2008 – Red Sox 7/Royals 0

• Dallas Braden, A’s – May 9, 2010 – A’s 4/Rays 0

• Francisco Liriano*, Twins – May 3, 2011 – Twins 1/White Sox 0

A POINT OF CONTRAST

Photo by pingnews.com

No one went further in his career – in terms of complete games – before throwing a no-hitter than Walter Johnson. When he threw his only no-hitter on July 1, 1920 – a Senators  1-0 win over the Red Sox – Johnson was in his 14^th MLB season and had 398 complete games under his belt.  Johnson, by the way, pitched 21 MLB seasons and led the American League in wins six times, ERA five times, complete games six times, shutouts seven times, innings pitched five times ans strikeouts 12 times.

Now, a deeper dive into all those first-complete game no-hitters.

____________________

FIRST – AND ONLY – COMPLETE GAME A NO-HITTER

BOBO HOLLOMAN LEADS IT OFF

Holloman gets a box – not just a listing – as the only MLB pitcher who not only can claim a  no-hitter in his first MLB complete game, but also in his very first MLB start (at the current pitching distance of 60’ 6”).   It came in his fifth appearance of the 1953 season (May 6). In that game, Holloman, pitching for the St. Louis Browns, no-hit the Philadelphia Athletics (in St. Louis) and picked up his first MLB win by a 6-0 score.  He walked five and fanned three. Holloman also collected two hits and drove in three runs in the game – his only career MLB safeties and RBI.

The historic no-hitter would be one only three wins for Holloman in 1953 and in his MLB career. Holloman would appear in 22 games that seasons (10 starts) and go 3-7, 5.23. It would make up the sum total of his MLB career – due to a sore arm.

Note: Holloman had built quite a reputation before coming up to St. Louis.  From 1946 through 1952, he had run up 110 wins and 69 losses in 268 minor league games – a workload that may have taken a toll by the time he reached the major leagues.  

Bud Smith … MLB Career: 2001-2002

Bud Smith made only 24 major league starts and had just one complete game – but he made it count.  On September 3, 2001, Smith (pitching for the Cardinals) no-hit the Padres, leading a 4-0 St. Louis win in San Diego. Smith threw 134 pitches (78 strikes), walking four and striking out seven.  It was the rookie’s 13^th MLB game and 11^th big-league start.

Smith finished the season 6-3, 3.83.  In 2002, the southpaw was 1-5, 6.94 in 11 games (10 starts) before a trade to the Phillies (Smith and infielder Placido Polanco for pitchers Mike Timlin and Doug Nickle, third baseman  Scott Rolen and cash).  Smith did not appear in another MLB game.

Jonathan Sanchez … MLB Career: 2006-13

Sanchez tossed a no-hitter on July 10, 2009, as the Giants defeated the San Diego Padres 8-0 in San Francisco. Sanchez truly dominated that day, carrying a perfect game, with nine strikeouts, into the top of the eighth inning. Only a one-out error by third baseman Pablo Sandoval stood between Sanchez and perfection.  He ended throwing 110 pitches to produce a no-hitter, zero walks and eleven strikeouts.

Sanchez’ gem (and first complete game) came at the age of 26, in his fourth MLB season and his 51^st MLB start.  The performance was hardly expected.  He came into the game 15-26 (with a 5.21 ERA) for his career and with a 2-8, 5.30 record on the season. Sanchez ended the 2009 season at 8-12, 4.24, with 177 whiffs in 163 1/3 innings.  He had his best major league campaign the following year, going 13-9, 3.07, with 205 strikeouts in a 193 1/3 innings. For his eight-season MLB career, Sanchez went 39-58, 4.70.  He pitched for the Giants from 2006 through 2011; the Royals and Rockies in 2012; and the Pirates in 2013.

FIRST AND ONLY – AND ABSOLUTELY PERFECT

Photo by Keith Allison

Philip Humber deserves special mention on the “First and Only Complete Game” list. He threw only one complete game in eight MLB seasons – and it was a Perfect Game. It came on April 21, 2012 – in Humber’s second start of the season – as his White Sox beat the Mariners 4-0. Umber used just 96 pitches (67) strikes in  his “perfecto.”  He logged nine strikeouts.  The perfect Game was not a portent of things to come. In his very next outing, the right-hander gave up eight hits, three walks and nine earned runs in five innings. He finished the season 5-5, 6.44 in 26 appearances (16 starts). Humber pitched for the Mets, Twins, Royals, White Sox and Astros during his MLB career (2006-13). His final stat line was 16-23, 5.31 in 97 games (51 starts). Still, he stands alone as the only MLB pitcher whose first AND ONLY complete game was a perfect outing.

Hasahi Iwakuma … MLB Career: 2012 – Still Active (Currently recovering from a shoulder injury)

Iwakuma’s no-hitter came on August 12, 2015, as his Mariners bested the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 in Seattle. The former Japanese League (NPB) All Star threw 116 pitches (77 strikes), walking three and fanning seven.  He was just the second Japanese player to throw a no-hitter in MLB (the first was Hideo Nomo). That season, Iwakuma went 9-5. 3.54 in 20 starts.

Hasahi Iwakuma gets an asterisk on this list, as he threw 48 complete games in 225 starts in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league before coming to MLB.

His no-hitter was his only complete game in 136 starts over six MLB seasons and came in his 88^th career starting assignment. Iwakuma had three seasons of double-digit wins: 14-6, 2.66 in 2113, when he was an All Star; 15-9, 3.52 in 2014; and 16-12, 4.12 in 2016.   His career record:  63-39, 3.42,

Mike Fiers … MLB Career: 2011 – Still Active

Fiers threw his no-hitter on August 21, 2015 – while a member of the Houston Astros. He used 134 pitches (88 strikes) to shut down the Dodgers 3-0 in Houston.  He walked three and fanned ten.  The no-hitter was his first complete game and came in his 59^th MLB start. His 2015 record was 7-10, 3.69 (with the Brewers and Astros).

Fiers’ best season was 2016, when he went 11-8, 4.48 for the Astros (31 games/30 starts). Since the no hitter, he has started an additional 79 games without a complete game.  He has pitched for the Brewers (2011-2015); Astros (2015-2017); and Tigers (2018). His career record (as this is posted):  45-49, 4.18.

Sean Manaea … MLB Career: 2016 – Still Active

Manaea’s no-hitter came on April 21, 2018, as the A’s topped the Red Sox 3-0 in Oakland.  The no-hitter came in the 26-year-old lefty’s 58^th career start. He threw 108 pitches (75 strikes), walking two and fanning ten.  His 2018 record (as this post is written) is 4-4, 2.11.  He will, no doubt, eventually move from the “First and Only Complete Game a No-Hitter” list to the “First Complete Game a No-Hitter” list.  Manaea’s career MLB record (as this is written), all with Oakland: 23-23, 3.81.

James Paxton …. MLB Career: 2013 – still active

Paxton’s no-hitter came on May 8, 2018, as his Mariners topped the Blue Jays 5-0 in Toronto.  It was his first complete game in 82 MLB starts. He threw 99 pitches (64 strikes), walking three and fanning seven. Paxton had his best season in 2017, when he went 12-5, 2.98 in 24 starts.

As this is posted, Paxton’s career record (all with the Mariner) is 32-21, 3.30 – and his 2018 record is 2-1, 3.40.   It’s likely he will soon move from the “First – and Only” list to the “First Complete Game a No-hitter” list very soon.

FIRST (not only) COMPLETE GAME A NO-HITTER

Ted Breitenstein … MLB Career: 1891-1901

Breitenstein made just six appearances – and only one start – in his first MLB season (for the American Association St. Louis Browns in 1891). On October 4, the last day of the 1891 season, he faced off against the Louisville Colonels.  The southpaw came out on the right end of an 8-0 score – and pitched a no-hitter, coming within one walk of a perfect game. Note:  The no-hitter was pitched at a time when the pitchers’ box was 50’ from home plate.

Breitenstein went on to pitch 11 MLB seasons, going 160-170, 4.03 – and tossing 301 complete games in 342 starts (380 appearances). He pitched for St. Louis (1891-96 & 1901) and Cincinnati (1897-1900).

Bumpus Jones … MLB Career: 1892-93

Right-hander Bumpus Jones got only one start in 1892. On October 15, the 22-year-old Jones got his first MLB start, as his Reds faced off against the Pirates.  Jones came away with a no-hit, 7-1 win (one unearned run) in which he walked four and struck out three. Note:  Like Ted Breitenstein’s no-hitter, Jones’ was thrown in the days of the pitching box 50’ from the plate.

The following season, Jones went 1-4, 10.19 for the Reds and Giants (two complete games in six starts) – and his MLB career was over.  Speculation has often been raised that the change in the pitching distance may have contributed to Jones’ inability to continue his career.

Bill Stoneman … MLB Career: 1967-74

Stoneman threw his first MLB complete game in his third big league season and just his fifth start. Stoneman began his MLB career with the Cubs, getting just two starts in 46 appearances in 1967 and 1968. Then came the expansion draft and a trip to Montreal that changed everything – although things did not look that good at first blush.

In his first start for Montreal, the right-hander lasted just one-third of an inning and gave up four runs (all earned). Then, in his second start, he lasted 8 2/3 (one more out and he wouldn’t have made this list), but gave up seven runs (only one earned). Third time out, apparently, was the charm.  On April 17, 1969, Stoneman pitched his first complete game – a 7-0, no-hit, white washing of the Phillies (in Philadelphia). Stoneman walked five and struck out eight in the win. He didn’t wait long for his second career complete game, throwing a six-hit shutout at St. Louis just five days later.

Stoneman finished the 1969 season at 11-19, 4.39, with eight complete games and five shutouts. In his eight MLB seasons, he pitched for the Cubs (1967-68); Expos (1969-73); and Angels (1974). He was an All Stair in 1972 and his best campaign was 1971 (17-16, 3.15 for Montreal).  His final stat line was 54-85, 4.08, with 45 complete games in 169 starts (245 total appearances).

Charlie Lea … MLB Career: 1980-84, 1987-88

Charlie Lea threw his first complete game – a no-hitter against the Giants – in his second MLB season and 22^nd MB start.  It came on May 10, 1981, as his Expos downed San Francisco 4-0. Lea walked four and fanned nine in the contest. Lea finished the season 5-4, 4.62.

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

In May of 1981, Charlie Lea had the San Francisco Giants’ number – and it was zero.  On May 10, Lea pitched his first career complete game, no-hitting the San Francisco squad in a 4-0 win in Montreal. In his next start, six days later in the City by the Bay, he pitched his second career complete game – a four-hit shutout, topping the Giants 5-0.

Lea pitched in seven MLB seasons for the Expos (1980-84 & 1987) and Twins (1988). He went 62-48, 3.54 and had 22 complete games in 144 starts (152 total appearances). His best season was 1984, when he was an All Star and went 15-10, 2.89, with eight complete games for the Expos.

Wilson Alvarez … MLB Career: 1989, 1991-99, 2002-05

Left-hander Wilson Alvarez made his major league debut with the Rangers as a 19-year-old on July 24, 1989.  Things did not go well. He got the start against the Blue Jays and his first big league inning went like this: single; home run; home run; walk; walk.  At this point, he was pulled – without getting an out.  Less than a week later, he was traded to the White Sox with Scott Fletcher and Sammy Sosa for Harold Baines and Fred Manrique.

Alvarez didn’t see a major league mound again for just over two years.  However, on August 11, 1991, he redeemed himself.  In just his second MLB start – this time for the White Sox (at Baltimore) – he no-hit the Orioles in a 7-0 Chicago win. He threw 128 pitches (75 strikes) in his first MLB complete game, walking five and fanning seven.

In his 14 MLB seasons, Alvarez pitched for the Rangers (1989); White Sox (1991-97); Giants (1997); Rays (1998-99 & 2002: and Dodgers (2004-05). He went 102-92, 3.96 in 355 games (263 starts) and pitched 12 complete games.  Alvarez was an All Star in 1994 and had his best season in 1993, when he went 15-8, 2.95 for the ChiSox.

Kent Mercker … MLB Career: 1989-2001, 2002-06, 2008

Mercker was primarily a relief pitcher for the Braves from 1989 through 1993 (11 starts in 184 appearances). Then in 1994, he made 17 starts in 20 appearances and threw his first (of just two) career complete games.  That first complete outing came on April 8, 1994 – the 26-year-old southpaw’s first 1994 start.  He got off to a great beginning, no-hitting the Dodgers in LA, as the Braves won 6-0. Mercker threw 131 pitches (85 strikes), walking four and striking out ten.

In an 18-season MLB career, Mercker made 692 appearances (150 starts), going 74-67, 4.16, with 25 saves. He pitched for the Braves (1989-95 & 2003); Orioles (1996); Indians (1996); Reds (1997, 2003, 2005-06 & 2008); Cardinals (1999); Red Sox (1999); Angels (2000); Rockies (2002); Cubs (2004).

Jose Jimenez … MLB career: 1998-2004

Jimenez went 3-0, 2.95 in a September 1998 call up to the Cardinals.  Then, on June 25, 1999, the rookie pitched a gem – shutting out the Diamondbacks 1-0 in Arizona.  In that game, his first complete game, Jimenez gave up no hits, walked two, hit one batter and struck out eight.  He needed just 101 pitches (62 strikes).  The performance was a bit of a surprise.  Jimenez came into the game with a 1999 record of 4-8, with a 6.69 ERA.

Jimenez pitched in seven MLB seasons: Cardinals (1998-99); Rockies (2000-03); and Indians (2004). He threw two complete games in 38 starts and also picked up 110 saves in 291 relief appearances.  His career stat line:  24-44, 4.92. His best season was 2002 (Rockies), when he went 2-10, but also earned 41 saves and put up a 3.56 ERA.

A.J. Burnett … MLB Career: 1999-2015

Burnett threw his first complete game (for the Marlins) on May 12, 2001 – when he no-hit the Padres (3-0) in San Diego.  It was the 24-year-old righty’s 22^nd career MLB start, coming in his third MLB season.  It wasn’t exactly a classic no-hitter.  Burnett threw 129 pitches (65 strikes), walking nine, hitting a batter and striking out seven. Burnett finished the season 11-12, 4.05.

Burnett went on to a 17-season MLB career – making his first All Star team in his final campaign (at age 38), when he went 9-7, 3.18 for the Pirates.  Burnett pitched for the Marlins (1999-2005); Blue Jays (2006-08); Yankees (2009-11); and Pirates (2012-15). His final record was 164-157, 3.99, with 24 complete games in 430 starts.  He struck 2,513 batters and walked 1,100 in 2,731 1/3 innings. The wildness that typified his early no-hitter was a sign of things to come, as Burnett led his league in walks in 2009 and 2014; hit-by-pitch in 2010; and wild pitches in 2002, 2009 and 2011. His best season was probably 2012, when he went 16-10, 3.51 for the Pirates (although he also went 18-10, 4.07 for the Blue Jays in 2008).

Derek Lowe … MLB Career: 1997-2013

Lowe’s first complete game came in his sixth MLB season and 27^th start (by this time, Lowe had also made 295 relief appearances and had a 42-save season in 2000).   In his first complete game, Lowe no-hit Tampa Bay, as his Boston Red Sox won 10-0 in Boston. He threw just 97 pitches (66 strikes) and recorded one walk and six strikeouts.

Lowe’s 17-season MLB career included time with the Mariners (1997); Red Sox (1997-2004); Dodgers (2005-08); Braves (2009-11); Indians (2012); Yankees (2012); and Rangers (2013.).  He made 377 starts (10 complete games) and 304 relief appearances. His final stat line was 176-157, 4.04, with 86 saves.  His best season was either 2002, when he went 21-8, 2.58 as a starter for the Red Sox or 2000, when he went 4-4, 2.56 and led the American League in saves with 42.

Derek Low, a two-time All Star, led the American league in saves in 2000 (42) and the National League in victories (16) in 2006.

Anibel Sanchez … MLB Career: 2006 – Still Active

Sanchez threw his first complete game September 6, 2006 (his rookie season), no-hitting the Diamondbacks in a 2-0 Florida Marlins win in Miami. It was just his 13^th MLB start. Sanchez threw 103 pitches (67 strikes), walking four and fanning six.

The right-hander finished the 2006 campaign 10-3, 2.83 and threw a second complete game that September. Now in his 13^th MLB season, Sanchez has pitched for the Marlins (2006-12); Tigers (2012-17); and Braves (2018). His career  record, as this is written, is 91-94, 4.07 and he has thrown nine complete games in 264 starts. For the 2018 season, he is 1-0, 1.29. His best season was 2013, when he went 14-8, with a league-low 2.57 ERA for the Tigers (striking out 202 batters in 182 innings).

Clay Buchholz … MLB Career: 2007-2017; active not in the major leagues

Buchholz threw a complete-game, no-hitter in just his second MLB start, after going six-innings and picking up a win in his first start (August 17, 2007). The right-hander’s big game came on September 1, 2007, with his Red Sox beating the Orioles 10-0. Buchholz threw 115 pitches in the game (73 strikes), walking three, hitting one batter and whiffing nine.  He ended the season, after his August call up, at 3-1, 1.59.

Buchholz pitched for the Red Sox from 2007 through 2016 and the Phillies in 2017.  His career stat line is 81-62, 4.01, with nine complete games in 190 starts (a total of 208 appearances). He is a two-time All Star and his best season has been 2010, when he went 17-7, 2.33 for the Red Sox.  Buchholz, who had arm surgery (flexor tendon) in 2017, signed a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks this May.

Jon Lester … MLB Career: 206 – Still Active

Lester threw his no-hitter on May 19, 2008 – handcuffing the Kansas City Royals as his Red Sox won 7-0 in Boston. It came in his third MLB season (first full season) and his 37^th MLB start. Lester tossed 130 pitches (86 strikes) in the game, walking two and fanning nine. The left-hander went 16-6 on the year and picked up his second career complete game, a five-hit shutout – eight starts after his no-no.

Lester pitched for the Red Sox from 2006 through 2014; the A’s in 2014; and the Cubs 2014 to this season. As this is being written, Lester has 161 wins (93 losses) and a 3.50 career ERA in 356 games (355 starts) – and a total of 15 complete games. He is 2-1, 2.82 on the 2018 season. His is a four-time All Star and his best season was 2016, when he went 19-5, 2.44 for the Cubs.

Dallas Braden … MLB Career: 2007-2011

Braden tossed a perfect game and his first MLB complete game on May 9, 2010, as his A’s topped the Tampa Bay Rays 4-0 in Oakland. It came in the 25-year-old right-hander’s fourth MLB season and 53^rd career MLB start. Braden didn’t wait long to secure his next complete game.  He went the distance (eight innings) in his very next appearance (May 14) in a 4-3 loss to the Angels. Braden threw all five of his career complete games in 2010 (in 30 starts), as he put up an 11-14, 3.50 record. In his perfect outing, Braden threw 109 pitches (77 strikes) and fanned six batters.

Braden’s career stat line (all with the A’s)  was 26-36, 4.16 with 94 appearances (79 starts) and eight complete games. His career was cut short early in the 2011 season by a shoulder injury that demanded surgery.

Francisco Liriano, Detroit Tigers … MLB Career: 2005 – Still Active

Liriano’s first major league complete game came on May 3, 2011.  Liriano was with the Twins at the time and he walked six and struck out two while no-hitting the White Sox 1-0 in Chicago. He threw 123 pitches (66 strikes) and fanned just two hitters. The no-hitter and first complete game came in Liriano’s 104^th MLB start. He finished the 2011 season at 9-10, 5.09 in 26 games (24 starts).

As this is written, Liriano has a 3-1, 3.35 record in seven 2018  starts for the Tigers; and a career record of 105-100, 4.13, with three complete games in 281 starts.  He has pitched for the Twins (2005-06, 2008-12); White Sox (2012); Pirates (2013-16); Blue Jays (2016-17); Astros (2017); and Tigers (2018). His best season was 2013, when he went 16-8, 3.02 for the Pirates, fanning 163 batters in 161 innings.

Francisco Liriano may be the Comeback Kid.  He won the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2010 and was the NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2013.

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