Robbie Weinhardt

Robert Douglas Weinhardt

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 205 lb.
• Schools Oklahoma State University, Hill Junior College
• High School Pearland High School
• Debut July 7, 2010
• Final Game April 10, 2011
• Born December 8, 1985 in Chicago, IL USA

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Biographical Information

Robbie Weinhardt made his major league debut in 2010.

Weinhardt was 5-3 with a 3.30 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings as a college freshman. That summer, he was 2-4 with a 4.50 ERA in the Alaska Baseball League. Transferring to Oklahoma State University, he fanned 47 in 41 innings and had a 3-1, 4.39 record. He was picked by the Houston Astros in the 38th round of the 2007 amateur draft but did not sign. That summer, he was 3-2 with a 1.75 ERA for the Mankato MoonDogs to help them win the Northwoods League title. As a senior, the right-hander improved to 6-0 with four saves, a 3.89 ERA and 70 whiffs in 44 innings. The Detroit Tigers chose him in the 10th round of the 2008 amateur draft. The scout was Chris Wimmer.

Robbie tossed 5 2/3 innings for the 2008 GCL Tigers and allowed 3 unearned runs, then was promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers. He was 3-1 with four saves, a 2.04 ERA, .164 opponent average and 44 K in 35 1/3 innings for Lakeland. Baseball America rated him as Detroit's #22 prospect.

In 2009, Weinhardt was excellent for Lakeland at 1-1, 3 saves, 0.85 in 22 games. He fanned 40 in 31 2/3 innings and allowed a .200 average. Promoted to the Erie SeaWolves, he went 0-1 with two saves and a 2.30 ERA, striking out over a batter per inning. In the Arizona Fall League, the Chicago native saved one game and had a 3.93 ERA for the Peoria Javelinas, whiffing 29 in 18 1/3 innings. He led the prospect-rich AFL in saves. Baseball America upgraded him to the Tigers' 12th-best prospect.

Robbie continued his rise in 2010, from the Connecticut Defenders (1-0, 2.25, 5 K in 4 IP) to the Toledo Mud Hens (1-0, 1.98, 4 BB in 27 1/3 IP). His career minor league ERA to that point was 1.73. He was then called up to the majors to replace Armando Galarraga, who was optioned down despite having nearly pitched a perfect game recently. Weinhardt was the second former Oklahoma State pitcher called up to the 2010 Tigers in under a month, following Andy Oliver.

In his MLB debut, Weinhardt relieved Max Scherzer to open the 8th inning with a 4-1 lead over the Baltimore Orioles. He plunked Miguel Tejada, then got Nick Markakis to hit into a double play and Ty Wigginton on a liner. Adam Jones led off the 9th with a triple off Weinhardt and Phil Coke came in in relief; Jones wound up scoring, leaving Robbie with a 9.00 ERA for the day.

Sources

• 2010 Tigers Media Guide
• Oklahoma State bio

Related Sites

• Robbie Weinhardt on mlb.com