The Chicago White Sox’s scheduled journeys to Seattle and Oakland, Calif., this week dropped at thoughts some particular moments for Kendall Graveman.
The reliever spent 4 years with the Athletics (2015-18) and components of two seasons with the Mariners (2020-21).
“Some good memories,” Graveman instructed the Tribune on Monday. “Part of the journey.”
The Sox go to Oakland to start a four-game collection Thursday after wrapping up their three-game collection towards the Mariners at T-Mobile Field.
“Thankful for the time at both places and thankful both places presented the opportunity to be able to play and experience the big-league level,” Graveman mentioned. “Thankful for this (Sox) group persevering with to consider in a participant that grew up in a small city in Alabama and continues to be enjoying the sport of baseball.
“Definitely special. Reminisce a little (and) see some people I haven’t seen in a while.”
Graveman entered Tuesday with a 2.54 ERA in 56 aid appearances throughout his first season with the Sox. A worthwhile member of the bullpen, Graveman, 31, is third within the American League with 23 holds. He has six saves, 57 strikeouts and 22 walks in 56⅔ innings.
The right-hander made his major-league debut in 2014, pitching simply 5 aid outings with the Blue Jays earlier than being traded to the A’s that offseason in a deal that despatched Josh Donaldson to Toronto.
Graveman went 23-29 with a 4.38 in 78 begins for the A’s.
“Those were some big learning curves for me when I was in Oakland,” Graveman mentioned. “Taking that step and having to expedite it, time within the minor leagues after which the massive leagues after which Oakland permitting me to fail actually unhealthy generally and succeed generally.
“And the growth process. That’s one thing I’ll remember from that place. Four years of learning and really learned how to pitch at the big-league level.”
Graveman underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in late July 2018. He signed with the Cubs that offseason however spent all of 2019 recovering.
He signed with the Mariners that November and went 5-3 with a 2.61 ERA and 10 saves in 41 appearances (two begins) earlier than being traded to the Houston Astros near the 2021 deadline.
Graveman made two begins within the pandemic-shortened 2020 season earlier than occurring the injured listing with neck spasms. His last 9 appearances after returning have been in aid.
“As a COVID season, it was strange, the first season (with the Mariners),” Graveman mentioned. “Obviously with the path that my career went (from) starting to relieving, I truly believe — and front office could probably speak more to this — but I believe I was about to go on a 60-day IL and be done for that season. But thankfully they allowed me to try to be a reliever.”
Graveman excelled as a reliever final season, posting an 0.82 ERA with 10 saves in 30 appearances with the Mariners earlier than being dealt to the Astros.
Graveman confronted one of many different gamers included in that commerce throughout Monday’s collection opener, placing out Abraham Toro to start the eighth inning. Graveman was the primary reliever used after seven sturdy innings by Lance Lynn, and he allowed one hit in a scoreless inning to assist the Sox to a 3-2 victory.
“The second year (with the Mariners), the trade deadline, I walked right into this (visiting) clubhouse,” Graveman mentioned. “That was an experience and memory that’s kind of ingrained in coming to this place. But that team over there (the Mariners), they were good to me. I’ll remember the good times.”
Graveman’s reminiscences of Seattle and Oakland prolong past the instances on the mound.
“I hope I always leave a place better than I found it,” Graveman mentioned. “Hopefully that’s the impression that was left. And hopefully that would be the similar story written right here (with the Sox). Try to succeed on the sector, however you’re by no means promised success. The one factor you are able to do is attempt to present up and be the identical individual daily and lead by instance and lead individually amongst pitchers and in addition caring and loving for the individuals I’m round.
“That’s the biggest thing, building those relationships and community of people you’re around, people that don’t get noticed in the world of baseball as far as the fans see, such as clubbies and kitchen staff and the people that do all the work that makes this thing happen. Maybe that’s the most I want to be remembered for in any of those places.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com