Former MLB pitcher Scott Sauerbeck died at 53 years old on Thursday.
Sauerbeck, who pitched for four teams across his seven-year big-league career, including for the Boston Red Sox, suffered a heart attack, according to WKNB. The left-hander finished making 471 career appearances, logging a 3.82 ERA and 389 strikeouts across 386 1/3 innings pitched before pitching his final time in the MLB — for the Oakland Athletics — in 2006. Sauerbeck then accepted a few minor-league deals with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox, calling it a career officially in 2008.
His best season came in 2022 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates when he recorded a 2.30 ERA over 78 relief appearances. The following season, Sauerbeck was traded from Pittsburgh to the Red Sox — along with pitcher Mike González — in exchange for relief pitcher Brandon Lyon and minor leaguer Anastacio Martinez. Sauerbeck proceeded to toss 16 2/3 innings for Boston’s “Cowboy Up” team that fell short to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, notching a 6.48 ERA in 26 games.
The Pirates, who drafted Sauerbeck in the Rule 5 draft in 1998, released a statement following his passing.
“The Pirates family mourns the passing of Scott Sauerbeck,” the organization’s statement read. “Scott played for the Bucs from 1999-2003 and shares the club record for most games pitched by a LHP in one season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
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Sauerbeck leaves behind his wife, Carly, and two children, Jackson and Calvin.
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