Former MLB reliever Scott Sauerbeck dies at 53

Former major league reliever Scott Sauerbeck has died, the Pirates announced on Thursday morning.

He was 53.

Sauerbeck was a Cincinnati native who attended Miami University in Ohio.

The Mets selected him in the 23rd round of the 1994 draft.

Sauerbeck pitched four years in the New York system.

They lost him to the Pirates in the 98 Rule 5 draft.

The 63 southpaw would spend the majority of his career in Pittsburgh.

As a rookie, Sauerbeck fired 67 2/3 innings with an even 2.00 earned run average.

He tossed a career-high 75 2/3 frames the following season, posting a 4.04 ERA.

He struggled in 01 but rebounded with arguably his best season the year after that.

Sauerbeck pitched to a 2.30 ERA across 62 2/3 innings while striking out nearly 28% of opposing hitters.

Pittsburgh dealt Sauerbeck to the Red Sox at the 03 trade deadline.

While he struggled down the stretch in Boston, the deal allowed him to pitch in the postseason for the only time.

He made one appearance in that years ALCS loss to the Yankees.

Sauerbeck missed the following season to injury.

He concluded his career with brief stints in Cleveland and Oakland.

Over parts of seven seasons, Sauerbeck pitched to a 3.82 ERA.

He recorded 20 wins, struck out 389 hitters, and finished 98 games.

MLBTR sends our condolences to his family, loved ones, former teammates and friends.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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