Justin Freeman

Justin Michael Freeman

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
• School Kennesaw State University
• High School Mary Persons High School
• Debut April 17, 2013
• Final Game April 17, 2013
• Born October 22, 1986 in Macon, GA USA

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Biographical Information

Justin Freeman made it to the majors in 2013.

Freeman was picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the 32nd round of the 2008 amateur draft; interestingly, the only person from that round to make the majors before him was another pitcher surnamed Freeman, Sam Freeman. Steve Kring was the Reds scout involved. Justin made his debut for the Billings Mustangs, going 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 41 innings. He had a 2-5, 3.49 record for the 2009 Sarasota Reds, walking only 10 in 64 2/3 innings.

Justin split 2010 between the Lynchburg Hillcats (1-2, 7 Sv, 2.91, 7 BB in 55 2/3 IP) and the Carolina Mudcats (3 R in 11 IP). He was 4th in the Reds chain with 53 games pitched that year. He tied for the Carolina League in pitching outings (45). He was with Carolina for all of 2011, going 2-4 with a save, 5.25 ERA, .305 opponent average). Among Reds farmhands, he tied Jerry Gil for third in appearances, behind Donnie Joseph and Brad Boxberger. He was third in the Southern League in games pitched, 3 behind Joseph and two behind Jhan Marinez.

Returning to the SL in 2012, he did much better with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (4-7, 16 Sv, 2.91, .198 opponent average, 68 K in 68 IP). He led the Southern League in games pitched and led the league's relievers in fewest walks per 9 IP (1.72). He was second in fewest baserunners per 9 (8.74) and tied Evan Marshall and Kirby Yates for 6th in saves. Among Reds minor leaguers, he was third in saves (behind Carlos Contreras and Joseph) and first in pitching appearances. He wintered with the Leones del Caracas and was 1-1 with two saves and a 8.64 ERA, allowing 14 hits in 8 1/3 innings.

He allowed one run in five innings to open 2013 with the Louisville Bats then was called up to replace the injured Johnny Cueto. He made one outing, relieving Mike Leake in the 8th inning with a 11-0 lead. He allowed a double to John Mayberry Jr.. Erik Kratz flew out then Freddy Galvis homered to cut it to 11-2. Freeman retired Ben Revere and Laynce Nix to end the inning. In the 9th, he was replaced by Logan Ondrusek. He was demoted afterwards to make room for Tony Cingrani, who would replace Cueto in the rotation.

Sources

• 2013 Reds Media Guide
• Purapelota

Related Sites

• Justin Freeman on mlb.com