Jack Kruger
Timothy John Kruger (born October 26, 1994) is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels.
Jack Kruger | |
---|---|
Free agent | |
Catcher | |
Born: Los Angeles, California | October 26, 1994|
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
MLB debut | |
May 6, 2021, for the Los Angeles Angels | |
MLB statistics (through 2021 season) | |
Batting average | .000 |
Home runs | 0 |
Runs batted in | 0 |
Teams | |
Amateur career
Kruger attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California. In 2013, as a senior, he batted .343 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs.[1] Undrafted out of high school in the 2013 MLB draft, he enrolled at the University of Oregon to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks.
In 2014, as a freshman at Oregon, Kruger appeared in 28 games in which he hit .208 with one home runs and six RBIs.[2] After the year, he transferred to Orange Coast College where he spent his sophomore season in which he batted .310 with 23 RBIs in 46 games.[3][4] Following his breakout sophomore season, he enrolled at Mississippi State University.[5][6] At Mississippi State, Kruger slashed .344/.435/.550 with eight home runs and forty RBIs in 56 games and was named to the All-SEC First Team.[7][8]
Professional career
Los Angeles Angels
After Kruger's junior year, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB draft.[9] He signed for $395,000 and was assigned to the Arizona League Angels.[10]
After playing three games for the AZL Angels, he was promoted to the Orem Owlz, where he finished the year. In thirty games between the two clubs, he hit .310/.354/.388 with 14 RBIs.[11] In 2017, he began the season with the Burlington Bees before being promoted to the Inland Empire 66ers, batting a combined .240 with five home runs and 39 RBIs in 104 games. Kruger returned to the 66ers to begin 2018, with whom he was named a California League All-Star.[12] He was promoted to the Mobile BayBears in June and finished the year there. In 97 games between the two teams, he slashed .299/.357/.413 with seven home runs, forty RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.[13] He returned to Mobile to begin 2019, hitting .240 with three home runs and 34 RBIs over 92 games. He did not play a minor league game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[14]
To begin the 2021 season, Kruger was assigned to the Salt Lake Bees.[15] On May 6, 2021, Kruger was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[16] He made his MLB debut that day as a defensive replacement for Kurt Suzuki but did not register a plate appearance. On May 7, Kruger was designated for assignment following the acquisition of Drew Butera.[17]
Texas Rangers
On May 9, 2021, Kruger was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers.[18] On May 15, Kruger was designated for assignment without having made an appearance for the team.[19] On May 17, Kruger was outrighted to the Round Rock Express.[20] Over 46 games with Round Rock, he batted .267 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.[21]
References
- "2013 All-Area Baseball Team: Harvard-Westlake's Jack Flaherty leads Daily News picks". The Sun. 12 June 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Healthier Jack Kruger a consistent force at the plate". 247sports.com. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Mid-Season Update: Jack Kruger". 247sports.com. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Community College Baseball Preview: OCC restocked, ready". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Baseball: Former Oaks Christian standout Jack Kruger hits big for Mississippi State". Daily News. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Kruger, Lowe earn trust of MSU teammates". The Dispatch. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "MSU's Rooker returns, Kruger signs a professional contract". Clarion Ledger. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Ole Miss, MSU players take home All-SEC baseball honors". WMC 5. 24 May 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Seven locals taken in MLB Draft". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Angels extend to the limit to sign draft pick Jack Kruger". The Orange County Register. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Former Diamond Dawg Update: Jack Kruger". 247sports.com. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "California League Announces 2018 All-Star Rosters". Baseball America. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "Jack Kruger Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved May 5, 2019.
- "2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled". MLB.com.
- Stephen, Eric (2021-05-03). "Angels minors: Triple-A Salt Lake opening day roster includes Jo Adell". Halos Heaven. Retrieved 2021-05-07.
- Connor Byrne. "Angels Make Several Roster Moves". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved 2021-05-07.
- "Angels Acquire Drew Butera From Rangers For Cash Considerations - MLB Trade Rumors".
- "Rangers Place Kohei Arihara on Injured List, Claim Jack Kruger - MLB Trade Rumors".
- "Rangers Select Hunter Wood, Designate Jack Kruger - MLB Trade Rumors".
- "Major League Baseball Transactions | MLB.com".
- "2021 Angels Player Review: Jack Kruger - Halos Heaven". 2 December 2021.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference (Minors)