Rick VandenHurk

Rick Vanden Hurk

VandenHurk with the Baltimore Orioles
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks – No. 44
Pitcher
Born: (1985-05-22) May 22, 1985
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Batted: Right Threw: Right
Professional debut
MLB: April 10, 2007, for the Florida Marlins
KBO: April 17, 2013, for the Samsung Lions
NPB: June 14, 2015, for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Last appearance
MLB: October 3, 2012, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
KBO: October 14, 2014, for the Samsung Lions
MLB statistics
Win–loss record 8–11
Home runs 33
Strikeouts 179
KBO statistics
Win-loss record 20-13
Home runs 26
Strikeouts 317
NPB statistics
(through 2016 Season)
Win-loss record 14-0
Home runs 12
Strikeouts 167
Teams

Henricus "Rick" Nicolas VandenHurk (born May 22, 1985, as Henricus van den Hurk) is a Dutch professional baseball pitcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball. He is a member of the Netherlands national baseball team.

Early years

At the age of 16, VandenHurk was scouted by Chicho Jesurun when playing for the Oosterhout baseball team Twins, where his father was coach. He went to Fort Lauderdale Preparatory School where he graduated in 2003.

Professional career

Florida Marlins

VandenHurk was signed by the Florida Marlins as an international free agent in 2002.

Prior to his major league debut in 2007, he had never pitched above Class-A. He underwent ligament replacement surgery on his right arm in 2005.

In 2006, VandenHurk started five games for the Gulf Coast League Marlins in rookie ball and three more games for the Jupiter Hammerheads of High-A. In the rookie league, VandenHurk allowed just two runs on four hits in 15 innings of work, while striking out 26 batters. With the Hammerheads, he allowed three earned runs on five hits through ten innings and striking out 15.

On April 9, 2007, VandenHurk was promoted to the Marlins from the Double-A Carolina Mudcats when pitcher Ricky Nolasco was placed on the disabled list.[1] At the time of his debut, he was the youngest player in the National League. He made his first major league appearance on April 10, starting against the Milwaukee Brewers. A rain delay cut his debut short after 4 2⁄3 innings, in which he allowed one earned run on five hits, with five strikeouts and three walks.[2]

VandenHurk with the Marlins in 2009

VandenHurk was sent back to Double-A after the team's April 24 loss to the Atlanta Braves. In his fourth appearance, he pitched just one inning while giving up six earned runs on four hits and four walks. Pitcher Nate Field was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to take his roster spot.

On June 5, the Marlins called up VandenHurk to throw the second game of a double header. He went six innings without giving up a hit until Yunel Escobar hit a double to lead off the 7th inning. He did not give up a run and earned his first win.[3] He was sent again to Double-A on June 16.

During the 2007 midseason, VandenHurk was selected to the All-Star Futures Game for which he received the win.

He was called back up to the majors on Tuesday July 22, 2008 to start against the Atlanta Braves.

He was brought up again to join the rotation on July 20, 2009 when the Marlins sent struggling left-hander Andrew Miller to the minor leagues. His first opponent was the San Diego Padres with VandenHurk coming away the winner that day in a 3–2 game.

During November 2009, VandenHurk pitched for Gigantes de Carolina of the Puerto Rico Baseball League, a Winter Baseball league. VandenHurk made three starts going 0–0 with an ERA of 2.50 striking out 13 in 18 innings, while walking just one.

Baltimore Orioles

VandenHurk was traded to the Baltimore Orioles on July 31, 2010, in exchange for Will Ohman.

On February 3, 2012, the Orioles released VandenHurk.

Toronto Blue Jays

On February 22, 2012 the Toronto Blue Jays signed VandenHurk to a split contract; he was subsequently waived by Toronto.

Cleveland Indians

VandenHurk was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians on March 21, 2012. He was designated for assignment on March 29, 2012.[4] VandenHurk was subsequently ourighted to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers on April 4, 2012. He declined his minor league assignment and became a free agent.

Pittsburgh Pirates

VandenHurk signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 11, 2012. VandenHurk was promoted to the Pirates on September 10, 2012.[5]

Samsung Lions

VandenHurk signed with the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization for 2013.[6] In 2014, VandenHurk finished with a 13–4 win-loss record, a 3.18 ERA (lowest ERA in KBO), and a league-high 180 strikeouts over 152 2⁄3 innings pitched.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

On December 26, 2014, VandenHurk signed a contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball.[7] In 2015, VandenHurk made 15 starts for the SoftBank Hawks, compiling a perfect 9-0 record, with a 2.52 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. He struck out 120 batters in 93 innings pitched.

References

  1. ↑ "Nolasco goes to disabled list". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  2. ↑ "Marlins, Brewers halted due to rain". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
  3. ↑ "Right-hander allows one hit, notches first Major League win". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  4. ↑ "Indians acquire RHP Jairo Asencio". ESPN.com. March 29, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  5. ↑ Meisel, Zack (September 10, 2012). "Bucs promote three, designate Meek for assignment".
  6. ↑ http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/01/nl-notes-rafael-soriano-posey-marlins.html
  7. ↑ Adams, Steve; Todd, Jeff (December 26, 2014). "Minor Moves: Mitch Lively, Rick VandenHurk". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 27, 2014.

External links

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