Dan Runzler
Encyclopedia
Daniel Joseph Runzler listed as 6'4", 230 pounds, is a left-handed pitcher currently on the San Francisco Giants 25-man roster. Runzler grew up in Simi Valley, California and graduated from Chaminade College Prep before attending the University of California, Riverside
, and was selected by the Seattle Mariners
in the 17th round (501st overall) of the 2006 amateur entry draft but did not sign. In the 2007 amateur entry draft, he was selected by the San Francisco Giants
in the 9th round (284th overall).
, striking out center fielder Jody Gerut
on three pitches. Runzler appeared in 11 games with San Francisco in 2009, striking out 11 batters in eight innings with an ERA of 1.04. During the Giants' 2010 World Series
season, he pitched in 41 games, going 3-0 with an ERA of 3.03.
On May 28, 2011, Runzler was optioned to Triple-A Fresno
to make room for Santiago Casilla
, who was activated from the disabled list. On August 16, 2011 Runzler was recalled when Sergio Romo
was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
University of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside, commonly known as UCR or UC Riverside, is a public research university and one of the ten general campuses of the University of California system. UCR is consistently ranked as one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the United...
, and was selected by the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
in the 17th round (501st overall) of the 2006 amateur entry draft but did not sign. In the 2007 amateur entry draft, he was selected by the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
in the 9th round (284th overall).
Minor leagues
In 2009, Runzler played for four different teams within the Giants farm system. He began the season with the Augusta Greenjackets, where he earned a spot on the South Atlantic League mid-season all star team. He was unable to attend the game because he was promoted to Class A San Jose in the California League. Runzler spent two months before moving on to AA and pitching for the Connecticut Defenders in the Eastern League. After two weeks, he was promoted to AAA Fresno in the Pacific Coast League before being called up to the Giants in September 2009. It is believed that Runzler is the only player in Giants' history to play minor league ball at all four full season levels and make the major leagues in the same season.Major Leagues
On September 4, 2009, Runzler made his Major League debut against the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, striking out center fielder Jody Gerut
Jody Gerut
Joseph Diego Gerut is a former Major League Baseball center fielder. He attended Jackson Middle School, Willowbrook High School, and later Stanford University...
on three pitches. Runzler appeared in 11 games with San Francisco in 2009, striking out 11 batters in eight innings with an ERA of 1.04. During the Giants' 2010 World Series
2010 World Series
The 2010 World Series was the 106th occurrence of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff, played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion San Francisco Giants, began on Wednesday, , and ended on Monday, , with the Giants...
season, he pitched in 41 games, going 3-0 with an ERA of 3.03.
On May 28, 2011, Runzler was optioned to Triple-A Fresno
Fresno Grizzlies
The Fresno Grizzlies are a minor league baseball team based in Fresno, California. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League , is the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club. The Grizzlies play in Chukchansi Park , located in downtown Fresno and built in 2002...
to make room for Santiago Casilla
Santiago Casilla
Santiago Casilla is a right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.-Baseball career:...
, who was activated from the disabled list. On August 16, 2011 Runzler was recalled when Sergio Romo
Sergio Romo
Sergio Francisco Romo is a American right-handed professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League baseball.-Early life:Romo was born in Brawley, California to Mexican immigrant parents...
was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Awards
- Selected to South Atlantic League All-Star team representing Augusta Greenjackets in July 2009.
- Named the 2009 This Year in Minor League Baseball AwardsThis Year in Minor League Baseball AwardsThe Minor League Baseball Yearly Awards are given annually to the most outstanding players, teams, and single-game performances of the year. Initiated by Minor League Baseball in as the "This Year in Minor League Baseball Awards", the awards were re-named the "MiLBY Awards" in 2008...
"Overall Reliever of the Year".