The Los Angeles Angels provided opportunities to many veteran ball players during 2022, and Rob Zastryzny appeared in five games for the club this past season.
Beginning his career with the Chicago Cubs after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft out of the University of Missouri, Zastryzny worked his way through their farm system and eventually made his Major League debut in 2016. After appearing in eight games that season, he logged a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings, flashing a full turnaround from the bumpy Minor League round he had shown prior.
After a mixed bag of results from 2017-2018, Zastryzny bounced around from multiple organizations over the next few seasons. He made stops with the L.A. Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, and the Angels, and he finished the year pitching for manager Phil Nevin out of the bullpen.
The Angels claimed Zastryzny off waivers from the Mets on Aug. 25, sending him to Triple-A with the Salt Lake Bees. He was called up on Sept. 20, making his Angels debut on Sept. 21 against the Texas Rangers.
He would go on to log three complete innings of work over the next few weeks, allowing two earned runs on two hits, good for a 6.00 ERA. Zastryzny was non-tendered by the Angels on Nov. 15 and he elected free agency a few days later.
Rob Zastryzny 2022 highlight
After being sent down to Triple-A by the Mets in mid-June, Zastryzny carried a 2.29 ERA over his next 19.2 innings pitched with the Syracuse Mets during various stops from June 17-Aug. 17. He tallied 34 strikeouts, walking just eight batters during that span.
2023 outlook
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced they had signed Zastryzny to a Minor League contract in late-December for the 2023 season. He was among a crop of left-handers the Pirates will bring to Spring Training with a shot to contribute to their Major League roster.
The 31-year-old hasn’t fared too well in MLB, but on a roster with holes, perhaps he can find a niche and stick aroud.
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