Tyler Higgins
| Tyler Higgins | |
|---|---|
 Higgins with the Orix Buffaloes | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: April 22, 1991 Flint, Michigan | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| NPB debut | |
| June 26, 2020, for the Orix Buffaloes | |
| Last NPB appearance | |
| October 21, 2021, for the Orix Buffaloes | |
| NPB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 4-5 |
| Earned run average | 2.46 |
| Strikeouts | 81 |
| Teams | |
Tyler E. Higgins (born April 22, 1991) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix Buffaloes. He currently serves as the pitching coach for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Playing career[edit]
Florida/Miami Marlins[edit]
The Florida Marlins chose Higgins in the 23rd round, 703rd overall, in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. Higgins made his professional debut with the GCL Marlins. In 2012, Higgins split the year between the GCL Marlins and the High-A Jupiter Hammerheads, pitching to a 2.57 ERA in 23 appearances. He spent the 2013 season in Jupiter, recording a 2-7 record and 4.01 ERA in 45 games. He spent the 2014 season in Double-A with the Jacksonville Suns, registering a 4.97 ERA in 29.0 innings of work. In 2015, he split the year between Jacksonville and Jupiter, accumulating a 3.55 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 50.2 innings pitched. He spent the entirety of the 2016 season in Jacksonville, pitching to a 3-5 record and 3.45 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 44 appearances. In 2017, Higgins again spent the year in Jacksonville, posting a 3-3 record and 3.43 ERA in 60.1 innings pitched across 34 games.[1] He elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2017.[2]
New Britain Bees[edit]
On March 27, 2018, Higgins signed with the New Britain Bees of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[3] Higgins pitched to a stellar 1.88 ERA in 14 appearances for New Britain.
Seattle Mariners[edit]
On June 1, 2018, Higgins' contract was purchased by the Seattle Mariners organization and he was assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.[4][5] In 28 games for Tacoma, Higgins posted a 2.83 ERA with 38 strikeouts. On November 2, 2018, he elected free agency.
San Diego Padres[edit]
On December 21, 2018, Higgins signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres organization.[6] He split the season between the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas and the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, recording a 5-1 record and 4.75 ERA between the two clubs. On December 18, 2019, Higgins was released by the Padres.
Orix Buffaloes[edit]
On December 23, 2019, Higgins signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).[7] On June 26, 2020, Higgins made his NPB debut. In 41 appearances for Orix, Higgins pitched to a 2.40 ERA with 45 strikeouts. On February 11, 2021, Higgins tested positive for COVID-19.[8] Higgins made 49 appearances for Orix in 2021, logging a 2.53 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 46.1 innings of work. Higgins became a free agent following the season.
San Diego Padres (second stint)[edit]
On March 7, 2022, Higgins signed a minor league contract to return to the San Diego Padres organization.[9] In 24 games for the Triple–A El Paso Chihuahuas, he posted a 4.97 ERA with 24 strikeouts across 25+1⁄3 innings of work. Higgins was released by San Diego on July 12.
High Point Rockers[edit]
On August 4, 2022, Higgins signed with the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 15 relief appearances for the Rockers, he posted a strong 1.72 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 4 saves across 15+2⁄3 innings pitched. Higgins became a free agent after the season.
Coaching career[edit]
On February 5, 2024, Higgins was hired by the Philadelphia Phillies to serve as the pitching coach for their Triple–A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.[10]
References[edit]
- ^ "Tyler Higgins Minor, Winter, Independent & Japanese Leagues Statistics & History".
- ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2017". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ "New Britain Herald - New Britain Bees re-sign Hepple, while adding Higgins, Hamburger to pitching staff".
- ^ "Bees Pitcher Tyler Higgins' Contract Purchased by Mariners".
- ^ "Minor MLB Transactions: 6/1/18".
- ^ "The Kennel: Tyler Higgins".
- ^ "新外国人選手獲得のお知らせ". オリックス・バファローズ オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). December 23, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ "ヒギンス投手 新型コロナウイルス陽性判定について". オリックスバファローズ オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
- ^ "Tyler Higgins Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
- ^ "Phillies Announce 2024 IronPigs Coaching Staff". milb.com. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
External links[edit]
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- 1991 births
- Living people
- Amarillo Sod Poodles players
- American expatriate baseball players in Japan
- American expatriate baseball players in Mexico
- Baseball players from Flint, Michigan
- El Paso Chihuahuas players
- Gulf Coast Marlins players
- Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players
- Jacksonville Suns players
- Jupiter Hammerheads players
- Lake Elsinore Storm players
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo players
- Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers
- Orix Buffaloes players
- People from Alma, Michigan
- New Britain Bees players
- Tacoma Rainiers players
- Baseball players from Gratiot County, Michigan