A. J. Pollock: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Rescuing 2 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5
 
(33 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 7: Line 7:
|image_size = 240px
|image_size = 240px
|caption = Pollock with the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] in 2015
|caption = Pollock with the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] in 2015
|team = Seattle Mariners
|team = Free agent
|number = 8
|number =
|position = [[Outfielder]]
|position = [[Outfielder]]
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|12|5}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|12|5}}
Line 18: Line 18:
|debutyear = 2012
|debutyear = 2012
|debutteam = Arizona Diamondbacks
|debutteam = Arizona Diamondbacks
|statyear = July 14, 2023
|statyear = 2023 season
|statleague = MLB
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value = .273
|stat1value = .273
|stat2label = [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2label = [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2value = 1,030
|stat2value = 1,032
|stat3label = [[Home run]]s
|stat3label = [[Home run]]s
|stat3value = 145
|stat3value = 145
Line 34: Line 34:
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2021}})
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2021}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|2022}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|2022}})
* [[Seattle Mariners]] ({{mlby|2023}}–present)
* [[Seattle Mariners]] ({{mlby|2023}})
* [[San Francisco Giants]] ({{mlby|2023}})
|awards =
|awards =
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2015]])
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2015]])
Line 45: Line 46:
{{MedalSilver| [[Baseball at the 2011 Pan American Games|2011 Guadalajara]] | [[United States national baseball team|National team]]}}
{{MedalSilver| [[Baseball at the 2011 Pan American Games|2011 Guadalajara]] | [[United States national baseball team|National team]]}}
}}
}}
'''Allen Lorenz''' "'''A. J.'''" '''Pollock''' (born December 5, 1987) is an American [[professional baseball]] [[outfielder]] for the [[Seattle Mariners]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], and [[Chicago White Sox]].
'''Allen Lorenz''' "'''A. J.'''" '''Pollock''' (born December 5, 1987) is an American [[professional baseball]] [[outfielder]] who is a free agent. He has previously played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], [[Chicago White Sox]], [[Seattle Mariners]], and [[San Francisco Giants]].


Pollock played [[college baseball]] for the [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish]]. The Diamondbacks selected Pollock in the first round of the [[2009 Major League Baseball draft]]. He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2012. Pollock was an [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star]] and won a [[Gold Glove Award]] in 2015.
Pollock played [[college baseball]] for the [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish]]. The Diamondbacks selected Pollock in the first round of the [[2009 Major League Baseball draft]]. He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2012. Pollock was an [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star]] and won a [[Gold Glove Award]] in 2015.
Line 64: Line 65:
The Diamondbacks invited Pollock to [[spring training]] in 2010. He broke his right elbow while attempting to make a diving catch.<ref name="restrehab">{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Steve|title=Pollock 'going to push for' returning this season|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/170208450/aj-pollock-on-injury-rehab-possible-return|access-date=April 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=April 1, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405070240/http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/170208450/aj-pollock-on-injury-rehab-possible-return|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="broke">{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Steve|title=Pollock breaks elbow, needs surgery|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/170151966/d-backs-aj-pollock-apparent-elbow-injury|access-date=April 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=April 1, 2016}}</ref> Pollock missed the entire season due to the injury.
The Diamondbacks invited Pollock to [[spring training]] in 2010. He broke his right elbow while attempting to make a diving catch.<ref name="restrehab">{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Steve|title=Pollock 'going to push for' returning this season|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/170208450/aj-pollock-on-injury-rehab-possible-return|access-date=April 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=April 1, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405070240/http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/170208450/aj-pollock-on-injury-rehab-possible-return|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="broke">{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Steve|title=Pollock breaks elbow, needs surgery|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/170151966/d-backs-aj-pollock-apparent-elbow-injury|access-date=April 2, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=April 1, 2016}}</ref> Pollock missed the entire season due to the injury.


In 2011 he played for the [[Mobile BayBears]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?id=eb42cf1f&type=bat|title=2011 Southern League Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He batted .307/.358/.444 in 550 at bats with 103 runs (leading the [[Southern League (1964–present)|Southern League]]), 41 doubles (3rd), 36 steals (3rd), and 9 sacrifice flies (3rd).<ref name="auto2"/>
⚫
Pollock was called up to the majors for the first time on April 18, 2012, and made his debut that day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/28989454|title=Pollock called up, makes first big league start|work=Arizona Diamondbacks|access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> Batting as a pinch hitter for [[Justin Upton]], Pollock collected his first career MLB hit, a single, on April 23 against the Phillies. He played in 31 games that season for the Diamondbacks, batting .247 with two home runs and eight RBIs.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}


⚫
Pollock was called up to the majors for the first time on April 18, 2012, and made his debut that day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/28989454|title=Pollock called up, makes first big league start|work=Arizona Diamondbacks|access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> Batting as a pinch hitter for [[Justin Upton]], Pollock collected his first career MLB hit, a single, on April 23 against the Phillies. He played in 31 games that season for the Diamondbacks, batting .247/.315/.395 in 81 at bats with two home runs and eight RBIs.<ref name=br/>
⚫
In 2013, Pollock batted .269 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs the course of 137 games.<ref name=br/>


⚫
In 2013, Pollock batted .269/.322/.409 with eight home runs, 38 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts in the course of 443 at bats over 137 games.<ref name=br/>
⚫
Pollock missed the second half of the 2014 season with an injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.courant.com/2014-06-03/sports/hc-aj-pollock-diamondbacks-0603-20140602_1_a-j-pollock-citi-field-home-game|title=Diamondbacks A.J. Pollock Values Defense Above All Else|work=tribunedigital-thecourant|date=June 3, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> Up to that point in the season, he was batting .302.<ref name=br/>


⚫
Pollock missed the second half of the 2014 season with an injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.courant.com/2014-06-03/sports/hc-aj-pollock-diamondbacks-0603-20140602_1_a-j-pollock-citi-field-home-game|title=Diamondbacks A.J. Pollock Values Defense Above All Else|work=tribunedigital-thecourant|date=June 3, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> Up to that point in the season, he was batting .302.353/.498 with 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts in 265 at bats.<ref name=br/>
⚫
In 2015, he was named a [[National League (baseball)|National League]] [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/07/06/arizona-diamondbacks-aj-pollock-makes-all-star-team/29794395/|title=Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock makes All-Star team|author=Piecoro, Nick |date=July 6, 2015|work=Arizona Republic}}</ref> He ended the season batting .315 with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs. He led the National League in [[power-speed number]] (26.4).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/power_speed_number_leagues.shtml|title=Yearly League Leaders & Records for Power-Speed #|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> Pollock signed to a two-year contract extension worth $10.25&nbsp;million on February 8, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippard, Diamondbacks agree to $12.25M, 2-year contract|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=14742599|access-date=February 9, 2016|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=February 8, 2016}}</ref> Pollock broke his right elbow again at the end of spring training, this time on a slide at home plate, and missed most of the 2016 season.<ref name="restrehab"/><ref name="broke"/> In the 12 games he would appear in during the 2016 season, Pollock would record 10 hits on 41 at bats, a .244 batting average.<ref name=br/>


In 2015, he was named a [[National League (baseball)|National League]] [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/07/06/arizona-diamondbacks-aj-pollock-makes-all-star-team/29794395/|title=Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock makes All-Star team|author=Piecoro, Nick |date=July 6, 2015|work=Arizona Republic}}</ref> He ended the season batting .315(3rd in the NL)/.367/.498 in 609 at bats with 22 runs (2nd in the NL), 39 doubles (3rd), 6 triples (6th), 20 home runs, 76 RBIs, 39 stolen bases (3rd), an 84.78% stolen base success rate (6th), and 8 sacrifice flies (2nd), playing 151 games in center field.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/leader.cgi?id=66bb1df2&type=bat|title=2015 National League Batting Leaders|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He led the National League in [[power-speed number]] (26.4).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/power_speed_number_leagues.shtml|title=Yearly League Leaders & Records for Power-Speed #|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He came in 14th in voting for NL MVP.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polloaj01.shtml|title=AJ Pollock Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> He also won a Gold Glove.<ref name="auto1"/>
⚫
On May 15, 2017, Pollock was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right groin strain.<ref>{{cite web|title=A.J. Pollock lands on DL with groin injury|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/230425368/aj-pollock-goes-on-dl-with-strained-groin/|publisher=MLB|access-date=May 15, 2017}}</ref> Over the course of 112 games in 2017, Pollock would record a batting average of .266, 14 home runs, and 49 RBI.

⚫
Pollock signed to a two-year contract extension worth $10.25&nbsp;million on February 8, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clippard, Diamondbacks agree to $12.25M, 2-year contract|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=14742599|access-date=February 9, 2016|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN|date=February 8, 2016}}</ref> Pollock broke his right elbow again at the end of spring training, this time on a slide at home plate, and missed most of the 2016 season.<ref name="restrehab"/><ref name="broke"/> In the 12 games he would appear in during the 2016 season, Pollock would record 10 hits on 41 at bats, a .244 batting average, playing center field.<ref name=br/>

⚫
On May 15, 2017, Pollock was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right groin strain.<ref>{{cite web|title=A.J. Pollock lands on DL with groin injury|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/230425368/aj-pollock-goes-on-dl-with-strained-groin/|publisher=MLB|access-date=May 15, 2017}}</ref> Over the course of 112 games in 2017, Pollock batted .266/.330/.471 in 413 at bats, with 6 triples (9th in the NL), 14 home runs, and 49 RBIs, playing center field.<ref name="auto1"/>
In 2018, Pollock hit .257 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs over 113 games. He was also 13 for 15 in stolen base opportunities.<ref name=br/>
In 2018, Pollock hit .257/.316/.484 in 413 at bats with 21 home runs, 65 RBIs and 7 sacrifice flies (9th in the NL) over 113 games, playing center field. He was also 13 for 15 in stolen base attempts.<ref name=br/>


===Los Angeles Dodgers===
===Los Angeles Dodgers===
Line 81: Line 86:
On April 30, 2019, the Dodgers placed Pollock on the injured list with a right elbow inflammation.<ref name="auto"/> He did not rejoin the team until July 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/dodgers-activate-pollock-trade-mccreery-and-thole-to-angels-ddf2fb27a419|title=Dodgers activate Pollock, trade McCreery and Thole to Angels|work=mlb.com|first=Rowan|last=Kavner|date=July 12, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019}}</ref> In September, the Dodgers moved Pollock to left field for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2019-09-03/cody-bellinger-center-field-aj-pollock-alex-verdugo-dodgers|title=Dodgers making a change for the playoffs, and Cody Bellinger is at the center of it|newspaper=LA Times|first=Jorge|last=Castillo|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> For the season he appeared in 86 games, batting .266/.327/.468, with 15 homers and 47 RBIs.<ref name=br>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polloaj01.shtml|title=A. J. Pollock Stats|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref>
On April 30, 2019, the Dodgers placed Pollock on the injured list with a right elbow inflammation.<ref name="auto"/> He did not rejoin the team until July 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/dodgers-activate-pollock-trade-mccreery-and-thole-to-angels-ddf2fb27a419|title=Dodgers activate Pollock, trade McCreery and Thole to Angels|work=mlb.com|first=Rowan|last=Kavner|date=July 12, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019}}</ref> In September, the Dodgers moved Pollock to left field for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2019-09-03/cody-bellinger-center-field-aj-pollock-alex-verdugo-dodgers|title=Dodgers making a change for the playoffs, and Cody Bellinger is at the center of it|newspaper=LA Times|first=Jorge|last=Castillo|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> For the season he appeared in 86 games, batting .266/.327/.468, with 15 homers and 47 RBIs.<ref name=br>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/polloaj01.shtml|title=A. J. Pollock Stats|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref>


The 2020 season was shortened because of the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports#Baseball|COVID-19 pandemic]], but Pollock played in 55 of the Dodgers' 60 games. On September 16, Pollock hit his 100th career home run, off of [[Adrián Morejón]] of the [[San Diego Padres]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-highlights-mookie-betts-runs-wild-dustin-may-dominates-and-aj-pollock-crushes/2020/09/17/|title=Dodgers Highlights: Mookie Betts Runs Wild, Dustin May Dominates, and AJ Pollock Crushes|work=Dodgers Nation|first=Brook|last=Smith|date=September 17, 2020|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> He batted .276/.314 (a career low)/.566 (a career high) with 16 home runs and 34 RBIs.<ref name=br/> In the postseason, Pollock had one hit (a double) in five at-bats in the [[2020 National League Wild Card Series|Wild Card Series]], three hits in 10 at-bats in the [[2020 NLDS]], four hits in 20 at-bats in the [[2020 NLCS]] and one hit (a double) in six at-bats in the [[2020 World Series]], which the Dodgers won in six games.<ref name=br/>
The 2020 season was shortened because of the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports#Baseball|COVID-19 pandemic]], but Pollock played in 55 of the Dodgers' 60 games. On September 16, Pollock hit his 100th career home run, off of [[Adrián Morejón]] of the [[San Diego Padres]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-highlights-mookie-betts-runs-wild-dustin-may-dominates-and-aj-pollock-crushes/2020/09/17/|title=Dodgers Highlights: Mookie Betts Runs Wild, Dustin May Dominates, and AJ Pollock Crushes|work=Dodgers Nation|first=Brook|last=Smith|date=September 17, 2020|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> He batted .276/.314 (a career low)/.566 (a career high) with 16 home runs (3rd in the NL), 12.3 at bats per home run (5th), and 34 RBIs.<ref name=br/> In the postseason, Pollock had one hit (a double) in five at-bats in the [[2020 National League Wild Card Series|Wild Card Series]], three hits in 10 at-bats in the [[2020 NLDS]], four hits in 20 at bats in the [[2020 NLCS]] and one hit (a double) in six at bats in the [[2020 World Series]], which the Dodgers won in six games.<ref name=br/>


On May 2, 2021, against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], Pollock hit two home runs (including a grand slam) and drove in a career high eight RBI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-mash-way-to-win-vs-brewers?game_pk=634282|title=LA onslaught: Pollock, Beaty notch 15 RBIs|work=MLB.com|first=Sarah|last=Wexler|date=May 2, 2021|accessdate=May 2, 2021}}</ref> Pollock received player of the week for July 5–11, 2021, during the week he had a four-game hitting streak while batting .391/.462/1.043 with three doubles, four home runs and four RBI.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dodgers News: AJ Pollock Named NL Player Of The Week (July 5–11)|date=July 16, 2021 |url=https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-aj-pollock-named-nl-player-of-the-week-july-5-11/2021/07/16/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716220459/https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-aj-pollock-named-nl-player-of-the-week-july-5-11/2021/07/16/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 }}</ref> For the 2021 season Pollock had a .297 batting average with 21 home runs and 69 RBI.<ref name=br/> In the post-season, he was hitless in three at-bats in the [[2021 National League Wild Card Game|Wild Card Game]], had three hits in 11 at-bats (.273) over four games in the [[2021 NLDS]] and eight hits in 21 at-bats (.381) with two home runs in the [[2021 NLCS]].<ref name=br/>
On May 2, 2021, against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], Pollock hit two home runs (including a grand slam) and drove in a career high eight RBI.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-mash-way-to-win-vs-brewers?game_pk=634282|title=LA onslaught: Pollock, Beaty notch 15 RBIs|work=MLB.com|first=Sarah|last=Wexler|date=May 2, 2021|accessdate=May 2, 2021}}</ref> Pollock received player of the week for July 5–11, 2021, during the week he had a four-game hitting streak while batting .391/.462/1.043 with three doubles, four home runs and four RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dodgers News: AJ Pollock Named NL Player Of The Week (July 5–11)|date=July 16, 2021 |url=https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-aj-pollock-named-nl-player-of-the-week-july-5-11/2021/07/16/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716220459/https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-aj-pollock-named-nl-player-of-the-week-july-5-11/2021/07/16/ |archive-date=July 16, 2021 }}</ref> For the 2021 season Pollock batted .297/.356/.537 in 384 at bats with 27 doubles, 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 9 steals (while being caught once), while playing 103 games in left field and eight games in center field.<ref name=br/> In the post-season, he was hitless in three at-bats in the [[2021 National League Wild Card Game|Wild Card Game]], had three hits in 11 at bats (.273) over four games in the [[2021 NLDS]] and eight hits in 21 at-bats (.381) with two home runs in the [[2021 NLCS]].<ref name=br/>


===Chicago White Sox===
===Chicago White Sox===
Line 90: Line 95:
===Seattle Mariners===
===Seattle Mariners===
On January 12, 2023, Pollock signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the [[Seattle Mariners]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mariners add Pollock to outfield mix|url=https://www.mlb.com/amp/news/aj-pollock-mariners-deal.html|access-date=2023-01-12|website=mlb.com|language=en}}</ref>
On January 12, 2023, Pollock signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the [[Seattle Mariners]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mariners add Pollock to outfield mix|url=https://www.mlb.com/amp/news/aj-pollock-mariners-deal.html|access-date=2023-01-12|website=mlb.com|language=en}}</ref>

Prior to the trade, Pollock appeared in 49 games for Seattle, batting .173/.225/.323 (all career lows), with 5 homers and 15 RBIs.

===San Francisco Giants===
On July 31, 2023, Pollock and [[Mark Mathias]] were traded to the [[San Francisco Giants]] in exchange for cash considerations or a [[player to be named later]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/a-j-pollock-trade-giants-trade-for-veteran-outfielder-utility-man-mark-mathias-from-mariners/|first=Mike|last=Axisa|title=A.J. Pollock trade: Giants trade for veteran outfielder, utility man Mark Mathias from Mariners|website=CBSSports.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Passan |first1=Jeff |title=Seattle Mariners deal AJ Pollock, Mark Mathias to Giants |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38110329/seattle-mariners-deal-aj-pollock-mark-mathias-giants |access-date=September 5, 2023 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=July 31, 2023}}</ref> Pollock went hitless in five games for the Giants before he was released by the team on September 5.<ref>{{cite news |title=San Francisco Giants activate John Brebbia from injured list |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38335307/san-francisco-giants-activate-john-brebbia-injured-list |access-date=September 5, 2023 |agency=Reuters |publisher=ESPN.com |date=September 5, 2023}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
Line 95: Line 105:


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Pollock became engaged to his girlfriend, Kate, in March 2014. They met at Notre Dame, where Kate played for the [[lacrosse]] team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/70090426/pollock-proposes-during-trip-to-australia|title=Pollock proposes during trip to Australia|work=Arizona Diamondbacks}}</ref> They were married after the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Amore|first1=Dom|title=Hebron's A.J. Pollock Was Tearing Up MLB Before Injury|url=http://articles.courant.com/2014-06-03/sports/hc-aj-pollock-diamondbacks-0603-20140602_1_a-j-pollock-citi-field-home-game|access-date=April 2, 2016|work=Hartford Courant|date=June 3, 2014}}</ref> In May 2020, Pollock and his wife welcomed a daughter at only 24 weeks old, and she spent 128 days in the hospital after her birth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-07-17/dodgers-outfielder-aj-pollock-has-had-more-on-his-mind-than-baseball|title=Dodgers outfielder AJ Pollock has had more on his mind than baseball|date=July 18, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The family resides in [[Phoenix, Arizona]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-07-31/dodgers-aj-pollock-diamondbacks-family-daughter-birth-wife|title=With his daughter finally home, AJ Pollock and his family have cause for celebration|date=July 31, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
Pollock became engaged to his girlfriend, Kate, in March 2014. They met at Notre Dame, where Kate played for the [[lacrosse]] team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/70090426/pollock-proposes-during-trip-to-australia|title=Pollock proposes during trip to Australia|work=Arizona Diamondbacks}}</ref> They were married after the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Amore|first1=Dom|title=Hebron's A.J. Pollock Was Tearing Up MLB Before Injury|url=http://articles.courant.com/2014-06-03/sports/hc-aj-pollock-diamondbacks-0603-20140602_1_a-j-pollock-citi-field-home-game|access-date=April 2, 2016|work=Hartford Courant|date=June 3, 2014}}</ref> In May 2020, Pollock and his wife welcomed a daughter at only 24 weeks of gestation, and she spent 128 days in the hospital after her birth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-07-17/dodgers-outfielder-aj-pollock-has-had-more-on-his-mind-than-baseball|title=Dodgers outfielder AJ Pollock has had more on his mind than baseball|date=July 18, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The family resides in [[Phoenix, Arizona]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-07-31/dodgers-aj-pollock-diamondbacks-family-daughter-birth-wife|title=With his daughter finally home, AJ Pollock and his family have cause for celebration|date=July 31, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 106: Line 116:
* {{Instagram|ajpollock_}}
* {{Instagram|ajpollock_}}


{{Seattle Mariners roster navbox}}
{{2009 MLB Draft}}
{{2009 MLB Draft}}
{{Arizona Diamondbacks first-round draft picks}}
{{Arizona Diamondbacks first-round draft picks}}
Line 117: Line 126:
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks players]]
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks players]]
[[Category:Arizona League Diamondbacks players]]
[[Category:Arizona League Diamondbacks players]]
[[Category:Baseball players at the 2011 Pan American Games]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Hartford County, Connecticut]]
⚫
[[Category:Baseball players from Connecticut]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox players]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox players]]
[[Category:Falmouth Commodores players]]
[[Category:Falmouth Commodores players]]
Line 125: Line 133:
[[Category:Major League Baseball center fielders]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball center fielders]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball left fielders]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball left fielders]]
⚫
[[Category:Baseball players at the 2011 Pan American Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2011 Pan American Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2011 Pan American Games]]
⚫
[[Category:Pan American Games silver medalists for the United States in baseball]]
[[Category:Mobile BayBears players]]
[[Category:Mobile BayBears players]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball players]]
[[Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball players]]
[[Category:Pan American Games medalists in baseball]]
⚫
[[Category:Pan American Games silver medalists for the United States]]
[[Category:People from Hebron, Connecticut]]
[[Category:People from Hebron, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players]]
[[Category:Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players]]
[[Category:Reno Aces players]]
[[Category:Reno Aces players]]
[[Category:Sacramento River Cats players]]
[[Category:San Francisco Giants players]]
[[Category:Scottsdale Scorpions players]]
[[Category:Scottsdale Scorpions players]]
[[Category:Seattle Mariners players]]
[[Category:Seattle Mariners players]]
[[Category:South Bend Silver Hawks players]]
[[Category:South Bend Silver Hawks players]]
[[Category:United States national baseball team players]]
[[Category:United States national baseball team players]]
[[Category:Vermont Mountaineers players]]
[[Category:People from Marlborough, Connecticut]]

Latest revision as of 11:13, 10 April 2024

For the evangelist and writer, see Algernon J. Pollock.

A. J. Pollock
Pollock with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015
Free agent
Outfielder
Born: (1987-12-05) December 5, 1987 (age 36)
Marlborough, Connecticut, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 18, 2012, for the Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB statistics
(through 2023 season)
Batting average.273
Hits1,032
Home runs145
Runs batted in485
Stolen bases122
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men’s baseball
Representing  United States
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place 2011 Guadalajara National team

Allen Lorenz "A. J." Pollock (born December 5, 1987) is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and San Francisco Giants.

Pollock played college baseball for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Diamondbacks selected Pollock in the first round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2012. Pollock was an MLB All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award in 2015.

Early life[edit]

A. J. Pollock was born in Marlborough, Connecticut, to parents Al and Karen Pollock.[1] His family lived an hour and forty minutes away from Foxboro, Massachusetts, and Pollock and his father would routinely make the trip to watch New England Patriots' home games.[2]

Pollock attended RHAM High School in his hometown of Hebron, where he played basketball, soccer, and baseball.[3] In his senior year, Pollock was a member of the National Honor Society. That year, he was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut, receiving the most votes for a Connecticut player since 1974, and was also named the state's Player of the Year by the coaches' association. Pollock finished his high school baseball career with a .411 batting average, 55 runs batted in (RBIs), 26 walks, 27 stolen bases, and eight strikeouts over 248 at bats.[4]

College career[edit]

Pollock attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played college baseball for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as an outfielder and third baseman. Pollock was named a Freshman All-American, leading the team with a .372 batting average. In 2007 playing for the NECBL Vermont Mountaineers, he won the 10th Player Award.[5] Pollock was rated by Baseball America before his sophomore season as the league's second-best 2009 MLB prospect and best pure hitter. During his sophomore season, Pollock hit .352 and led the team in hitting and stolen bases and was a First-Team All-Big East Conference as a center fielder. After the 2008 season, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he hit .377 and was named MVP of the league.[6][7] In his junior season at Notre Dame, Pollock hit .365, had an on-base percentage of .443, and a slugging percentage of .610. Pollock also made no errors in 159 chances and stole 21 bases in 25 tries. Pollock became second player ever to lead the team in batting average for three consecutive years.[8]

Professional career[edit]

Arizona Diamondbacks[edit]

Pollock with the Reno Aces in 2012

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Pollock in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft.[9] He was chosen as a compensation pick from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the signing of Orlando Hudson.

The Diamondbacks invited Pollock to spring training in 2010. He broke his right elbow while attempting to make a diving catch.[10][11] Pollock missed the entire season due to the injury.

In 2011 he played for the Mobile BayBears.[12] He batted .307/.358/.444 in 550 at bats with 103 runs (leading the Southern League), 41 doubles (3rd), 36 steals (3rd), and 9 sacrifice flies (3rd).[12]

Pollock was called up to the majors for the first time on April 18, 2012, and made his debut that day.[13] Batting as a pinch hitter for Justin Upton, Pollock collected his first career MLB hit, a single, on April 23 against the Phillies. He played in 31 games that season for the Diamondbacks, batting .247/.315/.395 in 81 at bats with two home runs and eight RBIs.[14]

In 2013, Pollock batted .269/.322/.409 with eight home runs, 38 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts in the course of 443 at bats over 137 games.[14]

Pollock missed the second half of the 2014 season with an injury.[15] Up to that point in the season, he was batting .302.353/.498 with 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts in 265 at bats.[14]

In 2015, he was named a National League All-Star.[16] He ended the season batting .315(3rd in the NL)/.367/.498 in 609 at bats with 22 runs (2nd in the NL), 39 doubles (3rd), 6 triples (6th), 20 home runs, 76 RBIs, 39 stolen bases (3rd), an 84.78% stolen base success rate (6th), and 8 sacrifice flies (2nd), playing 151 games in center field.[17] He led the National League in power-speed number (26.4).[18] He came in 14th in voting for NL MVP.[19] He also won a Gold Glove.[19]

Pollock signed to a two-year contract extension worth $10.25 million on February 8, 2016.[20] Pollock broke his right elbow again at the end of spring training, this time on a slide at home plate, and missed most of the 2016 season.[10][11] In the 12 games he would appear in during the 2016 season, Pollock would record 10 hits on 41 at bats, a .244 batting average, playing center field.[14]

On May 15, 2017, Pollock was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right groin strain.[21] Over the course of 112 games in 2017, Pollock batted .266/.330/.471 in 413 at bats, with 6 triples (9th in the NL), 14 home runs, and 49 RBIs, playing center field.[19]

In 2018, Pollock hit .257/.316/.484 in 413 at bats with 21 home runs, 65 RBIs and 7 sacrifice flies (9th in the NL) over 113 games, playing center field. He was also 13 for 15 in stolen base attempts.[14]

Los Angeles Dodgers[edit]

On January 26, 2019, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they had signed Pollock to a four-year contract, with a player option for another year.[22]

On April 30, 2019, the Dodgers placed Pollock on the injured list with a right elbow inflammation.[22] He did not rejoin the team until July 12.[23] In September, the Dodgers moved Pollock to left field for the rest of the season.[24] For the season he appeared in 86 games, batting .266/.327/.468, with 15 homers and 47 RBIs.[14]

The 2020 season was shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Pollock played in 55 of the Dodgers' 60 games. On September 16, Pollock hit his 100th career home run, off of Adrián Morejón of the San Diego Padres.[25] He batted .276/.314 (a career low)/.566 (a career high) with 16 home runs (3rd in the NL), 12.3 at bats per home run (5th), and 34 RBIs.[14] In the postseason, Pollock had one hit (a double) in five at-bats in the Wild Card Series, three hits in 10 at-bats in the 2020 NLDS, four hits in 20 at bats in the 2020 NLCS and one hit (a double) in six at bats in the 2020 World Series, which the Dodgers won in six games.[14]

On May 2, 2021, against the Milwaukee Brewers, Pollock hit two home runs (including a grand slam) and drove in a career high eight RBI.[26] Pollock received player of the week for July 5–11, 2021, during the week he had a four-game hitting streak while batting .391/.462/1.043 with three doubles, four home runs and four RBIs.[27] For the 2021 season Pollock batted .297/.356/.537 in 384 at bats with 27 doubles, 21 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 9 steals (while being caught once), while playing 103 games in left field and eight games in center field.[14] In the post-season, he was hitless in three at-bats in the Wild Card Game, had three hits in 11 at bats (.273) over four games in the 2021 NLDS and eight hits in 21 at-bats (.381) with two home runs in the 2021 NLCS.[14]

Chicago White Sox[edit]

On April 1, 2022, Pollock was traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Craig Kimbrel.[28] Overall in 2022, Pollock appeared in 138 games hitting to a .245 average with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs. On November 8, Pollock declined his option for the 2023 season and became a free agent.

Seattle Mariners[edit]

On January 12, 2023, Pollock signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Seattle Mariners.[29]

Prior to the trade, Pollock appeared in 49 games for Seattle, batting .173/.225/.323 (all career lows), with 5 homers and 15 RBIs.

San Francisco Giants[edit]

On July 31, 2023, Pollock and Mark Mathias were traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.[30][31] Pollock went hitless in five games for the Giants before he was released by the team on September 5.[32]

International career[edit]

Pollock played for the United States national baseball team at the 2011 Pan American Games.[33]

Personal life[edit]

Pollock became engaged to his girlfriend, Kate, in March 2014. They met at Notre Dame, where Kate played for the lacrosse team.[34] They were married after the 2014 season.[35] In May 2020, Pollock and his wife welcomed a daughter at only 24 weeks of gestation, and she spent 128 days in the hospital after her birth.[36] The family resides in Phoenix, Arizona.[37]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Piecoro, Nick (July 6, 2015). "Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock makes All-Star team". Arizona Republic. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  2. ^ Gilbert, Steve (February 2, 2015). "Pollock thrilled for up-close view to Super Bowl celebration". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  3. ^ Pleskoff, Bernie (April 14, 2013). "Pollock's intangibles enhance his on-field value". MILB.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  4. ^ Bunko, Gary (July 6, 2006). "Baseball Player Of The Year: A.J. Pollock, RHAM-Hebron". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  5. ^ "2007 YEAR END AWARDS". New England Collegiate Baseball League. Archived from the original on May 2, 2008.
  6. ^ "2008 Falmouth Commodores". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  7. ^ Rasmussen, Laura (August 15, 2008). "A.J. Pollock is chosen Most Valuable Player". capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  8. ^ "A.J. Pollock Bio - UND.COM - University of Notre Dame Official Athletic Site". und.com.
  9. ^ Jeffers, Jeff. "AJ Pollock drafted by Diamondbacks". WNDU Channel 16. South Bend, IN. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  10. ^ a b Gilbert, Steve (April 1, 2016). "Pollock 'going to push for' returning this season". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  11. ^ a b Gilbert, Steve (April 1, 2016). "Pollock breaks elbow, needs surgery". MLB.com. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  12. ^ a b "2011 Southern League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com.
  13. ^ "Pollock called up, makes first big league start". Arizona Diamondbacks. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "A. J. Pollock Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  15. ^ "Diamondbacks A.J. Pollock Values Defense Above All Else". tribunedigital-thecourant. June 3, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  16. ^ Piecoro, Nick (July 6, 2015). "Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock makes All-Star team". Arizona Republic.
  17. ^ "2015 National League Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com.
  18. ^ "Yearly League Leaders & Records for Power-Speed #". Baseball-Reference.com.
  19. ^ a b c "AJ Pollock Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com.
  20. ^ "Clippard, Diamondbacks agree to $12.25M, 2-year contract". ESPN. Associated Press. February 8, 2016. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  21. ^ "A.J. Pollock lands on DL with groin injury". MLB. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  22. ^ a b Gurnick, Ken (January 26, 2019). "Dodgers finalize 4-year deal with A.J. Pollock". MLB.com.
  23. ^ Kavner, Rowan (July 12, 2019). "Dodgers activate Pollock, trade McCreery and Thole to Angels". mlb.com. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  24. ^ Castillo, Jorge (September 3, 2019). "Dodgers making a change for the playoffs, and Cody Bellinger is at the center of it". LA Times. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  25. ^ Smith, Brook (September 17, 2020). "Dodgers Highlights: Mookie Betts Runs Wild, Dustin May Dominates, and AJ Pollock Crushes". Dodgers Nation. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  26. ^ Wexler, Sarah (May 2, 2021). "LA onslaught: Pollock, Beaty notch 15 RBIs". MLB.com. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  27. ^ "Dodgers News: AJ Pollock Named NL Player Of The Week (July 5–11)". July 16, 2021. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021.
  28. ^ "Dodgers set to acquire Kimbrel from White Sox for Pollock". mlb.com. April 1, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  29. ^ "Mariners add Pollock to outfield mix". mlb.com. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  30. ^ Axisa, Mike. "A.J. Pollock trade: Giants trade for veteran outfielder, utility man Mark Mathias from Mariners". CBSSports.com.
  31. ^ Passan, Jeff (July 31, 2023). "Seattle Mariners deal AJ Pollock, Mark Mathias to Giants". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "San Francisco Giants activate John Brebbia from injured list". ESPN.com. Reuters. September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  33. ^ "USA Baseball Announces 2011 World Cup/Pan Am Roster and Schedule". collegebaseballdaily.com. September 19, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  34. ^ "Pollock proposes during trip to Australia". Arizona Diamondbacks.
  35. ^ Amore, Dom (June 3, 2014). "Hebron's A.J. Pollock Was Tearing Up MLB Before Injury". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  36. ^ "Dodgers outfielder AJ Pollock has had more on his mind than baseball". Los Angeles Times. July 18, 2020.
  37. ^ "With his daughter finally home, AJ Pollock and his family have cause for celebration". Los Angeles Times. July 31, 2020.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to A. J. Pollock.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A._J._Pollock&oldid=1218205844"