Layne Somsen

Layne Ronald Somsen

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
• School South Dakota State University
• High School Yankton High School
• Debut May 14, 2016
• Final Game May 16, 2016
• Born June 5, 1989 in Yankton, SD USA

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Biographical Information

Relief pitcher Layne Somsen began his professional career at the relatively old age of 24. He was taken in the 22nd round of the 2013 amateur draft by the Cincinnati Reds and was the first player from that round to debut in the major leagues.

He pitched for the Billings Mustangs in 2014, going 4-1 with a 1.66 ERA in 17 relief appearances. The next year, between the Dayton Dragons and the Bakersfield Blaze, he was 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 32 games, averaging 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings. In 2015, he was 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 27 games between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Triple A Louisville Bats; in his first taste of Triple A, he was 0-1 with a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. He also made nine appearances for the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League that year, striking out 13 in 10 2/3 innings, while posting a 3.38 ERA.

After starting off 2016 strong at Triple A, Somsen was promoted to the majors for the first time. Due to the Reds having a dearth of pitching talent, he was the fifth pitcher to debut for the club when he appeared in his first game on May 14th. Pitching against the Philadelphia Phillies, he faced four batters and allowed a hit, but no earned runs. His next outing was less successful: in 1 1/3 innings against the Cleveland Indians, he allowed five earned runs in three walks and five hits, including two home runs.

Related Sites

• Layne Somsen on mlb.com