:Tyler Clippard

Clippard was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His family moved to Florida when he was a toddler.{{Cite news |last=McCarron |first=Anthony |date=2007-05-22 |title=Clippard Gives Yanks Solid Debut |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-clippard-gives-y/166147912/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader |page=B4 |via=Newspapers.com}} Clippard played baseball in Little League; in eleven years, he won seven district titles, but was never able to reach the Little League World Series.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/082301/NorthPinellas/Chemistry_leads_team_.shtml |title=Chemistry leads team to triumph: The Palm Harbor baseball team of 15- and 16-year-olds tossed aside their egos and frustrations, and won a world championship title|first=John|last=Schwarb|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=August 23, 2001 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} He learned to pitch when he was eight years old. In 2001, he was a member of the Palm Harbor team that won the Senior League World Series.

Clippard began his high school career at Palm Harbor University High School in Palm Harbor, Florida. After failing to make the varsity baseball team in his first two seasons, he transferred to J. W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, Florida,{{cite news |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/former-tampa-bay-area-player-tyler-clippard-writes-storybook-ending/1180356 |title=Former Tampa Bay area player Tyler Clippard writes storybook ending with major-league All-Star selection, win |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |first=John |last=Romano |date=July 11, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717131407/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/former-tampa-bay-area-player-tyler-clippard-writes-storybook-ending/1180356 |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/100901/Sports/Palm_Harbor_U_builds_.shtml |title=Sports: Palm Harbor U. builds powerhouse |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |first=Rodney|last=Page|date=October 9, 2001 |access-date=July 4, 2012}} where he played for the school's baseball team. As a junior, in 2002, he won six games. He was named to the All-Conference first team.{{cite news|first=Alex|last=Gyr|work=MLB.com |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-113129 |title=Clippard making up for lost time: Yankees prospect started pro career close to home in Tampa |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 2, 2006 |access-date=July 4, 2012}}

In 2003, his senior season, Clippard had a 1–1 record with an 0.81 ERA and 31 strikeouts in {{frac|17|1|3}} innings pitched. However, he was dismissed from the school's baseball team after being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.{{Cite news |last=Auman |first=Greg |date=2003-03-20 |title=Mitchell irked to learn of suspended pitcher's DUI arrest |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-mitchell-irked-to-learn/166147964/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=St. Petersburg Times |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}} Clippard transferred to Dunedin High School in Dunedin, Florida, which had a nationally ranked baseball team. Clippard attempted to play for their team, but the move was blocked by the Florida High School Athletic Association, as players are not allowed to transfer during the course of a season, nor are they allowed to transfer to avoid sanctions given for disciplinary reasons.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2003/03/28/Pasco/Ex_Mustang_transfers_.shtml |title=Pasco: Ex-Mustang transfers but will be ineligible |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |first=Greg|last=Auman |date=March 28, 2003 |access-date=July 4, 2012}} After taking classes at Dunedin for a month, Clippard transferred back to Mitchell in order to graduate from high school with his friends.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2005/06/03/Sports/Ex_Mustang_named_to_F.shtml |title=Sports: Ex-Mustang named to FSL all-star team |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |first=Bob|last=Putnam |date=June 3, 2005|access-date=July 4, 2012}}

Clippard competed for the Central Florida Renegades in Connie Mack Baseball, an amateur 18-and-under competition organized by the American Amateur Baseball Congress. He earned pitcher of the week honors in the Florida State Elite Baseball League in June 2003.{{cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2003/06/14/lakers-10-under-team-enters-tourney/ |first=Joe|last=Williams|title=Lakers' 10-under Team Enters Tourney|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=June 14, 2003 |access-date=July 4, 2012}}

Clippard also played golf at Mitchell. As a sophomore, in 2001, Clippard was named one of the ten best golfers in Pasco County. He registered the best individual score in the Sunshine Athletic Conference tournament that year.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/101701/Sports/_Dogs_defend_another_.shtml |title=Sports: 'Dogs defend another title |first=Jamal|last=Thalji|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=October 17, 2001 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} He was named to the All-Conference first team as a junior{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/112301/news_pf/Pasco/High_school_sports_ho.shtml|first=Jamal|last=Thalji |title=Pasco: High school sports honors |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=November 23, 2001 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} and to the All-County as a senior,{{Cite news |last=Auman |first=Greg |date=2002-12-19 |title=Boy's Team |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-boys-team/166148023/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=St. Petersburg Times |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}} and helped lead Mitchell to victory in the Sunshine Athletic Conference tournament during his senior year.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/10/23/Sports/Mitchell_wins_wild_to.shtml |title=Sports: Mitchell wins wild tournament |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=October 23, 2002 |access-date=July 4, 2012}}

Without the benefit of a full senior season to show himself off to scouts, Clippard proactively sent scouts a schedule of when he was throwing and attended as many showcases as he could. He trained with Roy Silver, a retired professional baseball player, who worked with Clippard on his mechanics and his maturity. Clippard's father, Bob, teamed up with Tom Kotchman, father of Florida high school player Casey Kotchman, to form showcases with past teammates of Clippard.

Clippard was drafted in the ninth round of the 2003 MLB draft, with the 274th overall selection, by the New York Yankees. Though he had signed a National Letter of Intent in the fall of 2002 to attend the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship, allowing him to play college baseball for the South Florida Bulls,{{Cite news |last=Auman |first=Greg |date=2002-11-21 |title=Mitchell's catcher signs with Tampa |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-mitchells-catcher-signs/166148142/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=St. Petersburg Times |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}} he chose to turn professional due to his draft position and the opportunity to play for the Yankees.{{Cite news |last=Auman |first=Greg |date=2003-06-04 |title=Clippard a ninth-round pick |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-clippard-a-ninth-round-p/166148161/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=St. Petersburg Times |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Clippard made his professional debut that year in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League (GCL) with the GCL Yankees, pitching to a 3–3 win–loss record with a 2.89 ERA. In {{frac|43|2|3}} innings, he allowed 33 hits and five walks while striking out 56. Moving up to the Battle Creek Yankees of the Class A Midwest League for the 2004 season,{{Cite news |last=Magner |first=Howie |date=2004-04-05 |title=Local Yankees announce '04 roster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-local-yankees-anno/166148178/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=Battle Creek Enquirer |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com}} Clippard had a 10–10 record with a 3.44 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.53:1 in 25 starts.{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Alex |date=2011-08-06 |title=Yanks come to town |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-yanks-come-to-town/166148211/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=Battle Creek Enquirer |page=B1 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Clippard was 10–9 with a 3.18 ERA for the Tampa Yankees of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League (FSL) in 2005. He was named to the West team in the FSL All-Star Game.{{cite news |last=Simonetti |first=Thomas |date=August 9, 2005 |title=Clippard gets back on pace |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3-hRAAAAIBAJ&pg=6369,4311378&dq=tyler-clippard+mitchell&hl=en |access-date=July 4, 2012 |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |page=4 |via=Google News Archive}} However, he did not appear in the game, as the Charleston RiverDogs of the Class A South Atlantic League needed another pitcher that day. Clippard was named FSL pitcher of the week for the week of July 10 through 17.{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/22/Sports/FSL__Yankees_finally_.shtml |title=Sports: FSL: Yankees finally hit stride |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=July 22, 2005 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} For the season, opponents batted .219 against him and he struck out 169 batters in {{frac|147|1|3}} innings, while walking 34. He led Yankees farmhands in strikeouts and finished fifth in the affiliated minor leagues, behind Francisco Liriano, Joel Zumaya, Rich Hill and Chuck James. He also led the FSL in strikeouts and was seventh in ERA. However, he did not make the FSL post-season All-Star team{{cite news|first=Jason |last=Ratliff |work=MLB.com |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-24100 |title=FSL All-Stars: Tigers, Dodgers galore; First-half champs claim nine of 18 spots on postseason roster |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=August 30, 2005 |access-date=July 8, 2012}} and Baseball America did not rank him as one of the league's top prospects.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/05league20s/fsl.html |title=2005 Top 20 Prospects: Florida State League |publisher=Baseball America |date=September 28, 2005 |access-date=July 8, 2012}}

Baseball America ranked Clippard as the Yankees' tenth best prospect heading into the 2006 season.{{Cite press release |title=Clippard named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week |date=2006-08-21 |publisher=Trenton Thunder |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/clippard-named-eastern-league-pitcher-of-the-week/n-3366354 |language=en-US |via=OurSports Central |access-date=2025-02-19}} Promoted to the Trenton Thunder of the Class AA Eastern League in 2006, Clippard again led Yankee farmhands in strikeouts (175). He allowed just a .200 batting average and had three times as many strikeouts as walks. Clippard was 12–10 with a 3.35 ERA for the Trenton Thunder. He threw the first no-hitter in franchise history on August 17, shutting down the Harrisburg Senators.{{cite news |date=August 18, 2006 |title=Trenton's Clippard tosses no-hitter |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-trentons-clip/166148268/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |page=C3 |via=Newspapers.com}} He was named the Eastern League's pitcher of the week for his accomplishment. Earlier in the season, Clippard flirted with a perfect game, retiring the first 21 batters in a game against the Binghamton Mets.{{Cite press release |title=B-Mets Break Up Perfecto, But Lose In The Ninth |date=2006-05-29 |publisher=Binghamton Rumble Ponies |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/b-mets-break-up-perfecto-but-lose-in-the-ninth/n-3318496 |language=en-US |via=OurSports Central |access-date=2025-02-19}} Clippard also won nine straight games at one point, breaking the club record of eight shared by Tomo Ohka and Carl Pavano. He teamed with Phil Hughes to form one of the best pitching duos in minor league baseball.{{cite news|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-127512|title=Eastern League playoff preview: Portland vs. Trenton/Altoona vs. Akron|first=Jonathan|last=Mayo|work=MLB.com|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=September 5, 2006|access-date=September 14, 2012}} Clippard again was fifth in the affiliated minors in strikeouts, trailing Yovani Gallardo, Francisco Cruceta, Matt Maloney and Franklin Morales. He led the Eastern League in strikeouts and was seventh in ERA. Baseball America ranked him as the tenth-best prospect in the Eastern League.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2006/262558.html|title=Eastern League Top 20 Prospects List: Hughes stands out in deep EL pitching crop|first=Alan|last=Matthews|publisher=Baseball America|date=October 5, 2006|access-date=July 10, 2012}}

Clippard began 2007 with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees of the Class AAA International League. He was 3–2 with a 2.72 ERA in his first eight starts, striking out 41 in 39 2/3 innings but allowing 40 hits and 17 walks. Though the Yankees experienced injuries in the starting rotation, they called on Matt DeSalvo and Chase Wright before Clippard. When Darrell Rasner broke his finger in May, Clippard was called up to New York. He became the seventh rookie to start a game for the 2007 New York Yankees, following Hughes, DeSalvo, Rasner, Wright, Kei Igawa and Jeff Karstens.{{cite news|last=Matuszewski |first=Erik |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a024fXvdHKak&refer=home |title=Yankees Face First Sweep Against Mets Since July 2004 |publisher=Bloomberg |date=May 20, 2007 |access-date=July 6, 2012}}

Making his MLB debut on May 20, 2007, in an interleague game against the New York Mets, Clippard recorded his first MLB win. He pitched six innings, giving up one run off the bat of David Wright and three hits. The first time major league hitter he faced was José Reyes; Clippard struck him out on three pitches. Clippard also recorded his first career hit that night, in his first plate appearance since high school. He asked for the lightest bat that the clubhouse manager could find, then

doubled in his second at-bat, off Mets pitcher Scott Schoeneweis, a drive to right center in the sixth inning.{{cite news| last=Hoch| first=Bryan| title=Clippard neutralizes Mets in debut| url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070520&content_id=1976925&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy| work=MLB.com|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media |date=May 21, 2007| access-date=May 21, 2007}} Clippard was optioned back to the minor leagues in June.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pPlRAAAAIBAJ&pg=6495,3314059&dq=tyler-clippard+mitchell&hl=en|title=Baseball Notebook: Orioles end 7-year odyssey|first=John C.|last=Cotey|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=6|date=June 19, 2007|access-date=July 10, 2012}} He struggled in his return to the minor leagues for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre,{{cite news |last=Rose |first=Van |date=July 22, 2007 |title=Charlotte Snaps SWB Streak At 5 |url=https://www.timesleader.com/archive/1137751/charlotte-snaps-swb-streak-at-5 |access-date=2025-02-19 |newspaper=Times Leader |page=1C}} and was demoted to Trenton in July.{{cite news|first=Bryan|last=Hoch|work=MLB.com |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-279494 |title=Chamberlain, Kennedy promoted: Yankees move top pitching prospects to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=July 24, 2007 |access-date=July 6, 2012}} Though he was a member of the Trenton team as they won the Eastern League championship, Clippard struggled in the playoffs.{{cite web |url=http://www.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071017&content_id=1440168&oid=36977&vkey=44&print=true&print=true |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130418232711/http://www.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071017&content_id=1440168&oid=36977&vkey=44&print=true&print=true |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 18, 2013 |title=News: Yankees' top prospects |work=SNY.tv |publisher=SportsNet New York |first=Nate |last=Freiberg |date=November 15, 2007 |access-date=July 5, 2012 }} The Yankees recalled him in September.{{cite news |date=September 18, 2007 |title=Transactions |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-for-the-record/166148330/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |newspaper=The Sun |page=D3 |via=Newspapers.com}} Overall, he had a 3–1 record and a 6.33 ERA with the Yankees.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3143069 |title=Yankees trade RHP Tyler Clippard to Nationals for reliever Jonathan Albaladejo |work=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN |date=December 5, 2007 |access-date=July 5, 2012}}

File:Tyler Clippard 2011.jpg]]

Clippard was traded on December 4, 2007, to the Washington Nationals for relief pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo.{{cite news|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|title=Clippard dealt to Nats for Albaladejo|work=MLB.com|date=December 4, 2007|url =http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317008&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071205181152/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071204&content_id=2317008&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |url-status =dead |archive-date =December 5, 2007 |access-date=December 3, 2007}} The Nationals viewed him as a contender for a spot in the starting rotation.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jI80AAAAIBAJ&pg=4262,8933800&dq=tyler-clippard&hl=en|title=Remade Nationals mix of young, old|newspaper=Reading Eagle|page=D5|date=December 12, 2007|access-date=July 10, 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://www.fcnp.com/arts/2563-picking-splinters-a-few-nats-notes.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123003313/http://www.fcnp.com/arts/2563-picking-splinters-a-few-nats-notes.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |title=Picking Splinters: A Few Nats Notes | Falls Church News-Press Online |first=Mike |last=Hume |newspaper=Falls Church News-Press |date=February 20, 2008 |access-date=July 5, 2012 }} However, he began the season with the Columbus Clippers, Washington's Class AAA affiliate.{{cite news |date=March 11, 2008 |title=Balester, Clippard headed to minors |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/mar/11/balester-clippard-headed-to-minors/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |newspaper=The Washington Times}} He pitched his first game for the Nationals on June 9, 2008, after Odalis Pérez was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He was optioned to the minor leagues after this start,{{cite news |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=June 9, 2008 |title=Belliard activated from DL |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080609&content_id=2878739&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021143703/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080609&content_id=2878739&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnered=rss_mlb |archive-date=2013-10-21 |work=MLB.com}} but was given a second start a few days later, as Pérez was not yet ready to return.{{cite news |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=June 12, 2008 |title=Clippard expected to pitch Saturday |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080612&content_id=2898799&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021154836/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080612&content_id=2898799&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=2013-10-21 |work=MLB.com}} The Nationals then optioned Clippard to Columbus after his second start, in which Clippard pitched to a 1–1 record and 4.35 ERA.{{cite news |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=June 16, 2008 |title=Clippard optioned to Triple-A Columbus |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080616&content_id=2943211&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021143712/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080616&content_id=2943211&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=2013-10-21 |work=MLB.com}} He was recalled later in June as Shawn Hill was placed on the disabled list.{{cite news |last=Goessling |first=Ben |date=June 26, 2008 |title=Clippard likely to start |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/26/clippard-likely-to-replace-hill-in-the-rotation/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |newspaper=The Washington Times}} He spent most of the season with Columbus, going 6–13 with a 4.66 ERA. He tied Yorman Bazardo and Charlie Haeger for the most losses in the International League that season.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com:8080/minors/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=6d94d0d7 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117171946/http://www.baseball-reference.com:8080/minors/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=6d94d0d7 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |title=2008 International League Pitching Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 8, 2012 }}

During spring training in 2009, the Nationals optioned Clippard to the Syracuse Chiefs, Washington's new Class AAA affiliate.{{cite news |date=March 16, 2009 |title=Nationals send Clippard, Maxwell to Triple A |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2009-03-16-3396424881_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205063501/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2009-03-16-3396424881_x.htm |archive-date=2013-02-05 |access-date=2025-02-19 |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}} Despite starting six games with the Yankees in 2007 and two for the Nationals in 2008, he was converted to a relief pitcher for the 2009 campaign.{{cite web |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Clippard adjusting well to bullpen move |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090504&content_id=4554684&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021143700/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090504&content_id=4554684&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb |archive-date=2013-10-21 |work=MLB.com}} Nationals' pitching coach Steve McCatty told Clippard that his future was pitching in relief, because his pitch count tended to get too high in starts, and opposing batters hit Clippard well by the third time the lineup turned over in a game. Clippard at first resisted the transition to the bullpen, but conversations with both his father as well as his agent, Casey Close, reassured him to continue pursuing his dream.{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Goessling|url=http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/07/with-all-star-selection-clippards-faith-pays-off.html|title=The Goessling Game: With All-Star selection, Clippard's faith pays off|publisher=MASN|work=Masnsports.com|date=July 11, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914121337/http://www.masnsports.com/the_goessling_game/2011/07/with-all-star-selection-clippards-faith-pays-off.html|archive-date=September 14, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Clippard appeared in 20 games for Syracuse in 2009, posting a 4–1 record, 0.92 ERA, and 42 strikeouts in 39 innings. Clippard pitched in 14 consecutive scoreless appearances before being promoted to the Nationals on June 21, 2009, replacing Kip Wells in the Nationals' bullpen.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4284898 |title=Washington Nationals designate Kip Wells, call up Tyler Clippard for 'pen|work=Espn.com |date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} Used sparingly in the first weeks after his promotion,{{cite news|last=Harlan |first=Chico|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/07/burnett_and_the_rest_of_the_bu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305020230/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2009/07/burnett_and_the_rest_of_the_bu.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |title=Burnett And The Rest Of The Bullpen |newspaper=The Washington Post; Nationals Journal|date=July 11, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2013}} he posted a 2.69 ERA through {{frac|60|1|3}} innings, with 67 strikeouts.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/06/nats-want-a-lot-from-a-little/|title=Nats want a lot from a little|first=Mark|last=Zuckerman|newspaper=The Washington Times|date=October 6, 2009|access-date=July 10, 2012}}

From 2010 onward, Clippard pitched exclusively out of the bullpen, primarily in the eighth inning.{{cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/07/drew_storen_tyler_clippard_wil.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026111937/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/07/drew_storen_tyler_clippard_wil.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |title=Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard will be sharing roles |newspaper=The Washington Post; Nationals Journal |date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=October 21, 2013}} That season, Clippard and Drew Storen served as setup pitchers to Matt Capps.{{cite web |last=Cockcroft |first=Tristan H. |date=June 16, 2010 |title=Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen are waiting in the wings should Matt Capps fail to hold his closer's gig |url=https://www.espn.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=re100610 |access-date=July 5, 2012 |work=ESPN}} After pitching effectively in the first half of the season, Clippard and Capps earned the nickname "Clip and Save".{{cite news|last=Kilgore |first=Adam |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/06/the_return_of_clip_save.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209111321/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/06/the_return_of_clip_save.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |title=Nationals Journal – The return of Clip & Save |newspaper=Washington Post |date=June 22, 2010 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} Clippard finished eighth in the National League in appearances, with 78.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2010-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=2010 National League Pitching Leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=July 5, 2012}} He won eleven games on the season,{{cite news|first=Jim |last=Caple |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/allstar11/story/_/id/6764567/clippard-gets-all-star-win-out |title=Clippard gets All-Star win without an out|work=Espn.com |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} which led the team.{{cite news|last=Kilgore |first=Adam |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/09/tyler_clippard_and_the_nationa.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121002900/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/09/tyler_clippard_and_the_nationa.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 21, 2010 |title=Tyler Clippard, and the Nationals bullpen, win again |newspaper=The Washington Post; Nationals Journal|date=September 23, 2010 |access-date=October 21, 2013}}

In the first half of the 2011 season, Clippard had a 1–0 record and 1.73 ERA. He struck out 63 batters and allowed only 26 hits in {{frac|51|1|3}} innings pitched, and allowed only six of 32 inherited runners to score. For his achievements, Clippard was selected to appear in the All-Star Game. He earned the victory for the National League as the game's winning pitcher, despite not retiring a batter.{{cite news|last=Kepner |first=Tyler |url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/16/from-yankees-rotation-to-nationals-bullpen-and-thriving/ |title=From Yankees' Rotation to Nationals' Bullpen, and Thriving|newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 16, 2011 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} Adrián Beltré, the only batter Clippard faced, singled, but Hunter Pence threw out José Bautista at home plate, and the NL took the lead in the next inning. Clippard finished the season with a 3–0 record, a 1.83 ERA, and 104 strikeouts in {{frac|88|1|3}} innings pitched across 72 appearances.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=385371 |title=Zimmermann, Gorzelanny agree to deals with Nationals |publisher=Tsn.ca |access-date=July 5, 2012}} He led the National League in win probability added.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2011-pitching-leaders.shtml|title=2011 National League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=June 11, 2012}}

Before the 2012 season, Clippard and the Nationals agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.65 million, avoiding salary arbitration.{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/zimmermann-gorzelanny-clippard-agree-with-nats/article/feed/336702?custom_click=pod_headline_mlb-national-league-news |title=Zimmermann, Gorzelanny, Clippard agree with Nats |publisher=Newsok.com |date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2012}} Clippard became the de facto closer for the Nationals in the first half of the 2012 season. After injuries to Storen and Brad Lidge, Henry Rodríguez became the closer, but Rodriguez lost the job to Clippard due to his struggles.{{cite web|url=http://www.csnwashington.com/baseball-washington-nationals/nationals-talk/Clippard-stays-as-closer-Lidge-setting-u?blockID=721794&feedID=6358|title=Clippard stays as closer, Lidge setting up|last=Zuckerman|first=Mark|date=June 8, 2012|publisher=Comcast Sportsnet|access-date=June 11, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}{{cite news |last=Wagner |first=James |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/thrust-into-new-roles-because-of-injuries-sean-burnett-tyler-clippard-are-excelling/2012/06/22/gJQA49tXvV_blog.html |title=Thrust into new roles because of injuries, Sean Burnett, Tyler Clippard are excelling |newspaper=The Washington Post; Nationals Journal |date=July 22, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2013}}{{cite news |last=Kilgore |first=Adam |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/nationals-move-henry-rodriguez-out-of-closers-role-and-tyler-clippard-wants-the-job/2012/05/22/gIQA6wSyiU_blog.html |title=Nationals move Henry Rodriguez out of closer's role, and Tyler Clippard wants the job |newspaper=The Washington Post; Nationals Journal |date=May 22, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2013}} The Nationals kept Clippard as their closer even after Storen returned to the team.{{cite news |last=Wagner |first=James |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/tyler-clippard-to-remain-nationals-closer-even-when-drew-storen-returns-from-injury/2012/06/24/gJQAtAamyV_blog.html |title=Tyler Clippard to remain Nationals closer even when Drew Storen returns from injury |newspaper=The Washington Post; Nationals Journal |date=June 24, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2013}} He received the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award for his performance in June 2012, recording ten saves in ten opportunities, and allowing zero runs in {{frac|11|2|3}} innings pitched.{{cite press release |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120702&content_id=34325478&vkey=pr_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals named the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month for June |work=MLB.com|date=July 2, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2012}}

Clippard earned $4 million in 2013. He had a 6–3 record with a 2.41 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched. Clippard and the Nationals agreed on a $5.875 million salary for the 2014 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10433121/washington-nationals-tyler-clippard-reach-deal-avoid-arbitration|title=Washington Nationals, Tyler Clippard reach deal, avoid arbitration – ESPN|work=ESPN.com|date=February 10, 2014|access-date=February 12, 2015}} He appeared in 20 of the Nationals' first 40 games and struggled with poor command of his pitches. His command improved as his workload decreased,{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2014/06/05/tyler-clippard-returns-to-form-in-nationals-bullpen/|title=Tyler Clippard returns to form in Nationals' bullpen|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=February 12, 2015}} and he was named to the appear in the 2014 All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jul/13/tyler-clippard-named-national-league-all-star-team/|title=Tyler Clippard named to National League All-Star team|work=The Washington Times|access-date=February 12, 2015}} He ended the season with a 2.18 ERA,{{cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/athletics/ci_27508179/new-reliever-tyler-clippard-avoid-arbitration|title=A's, new reliever Tyler Clippard avoid arbitration|work=San Jose Mercury News|agency=Associated Press|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=February 12, 2015}} and led MLB with 40 holds.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-trade-talks-closer-tyler-clippard-article-1.2305587|title=Mets get closer Tyler Clippard, cash considerations from A's in exchange for minor league pitcher Casey Meisner|first=Kristie|last=Ackert|work=New York Daily News|date=July 27, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2016}}

File:DSC 0142a Tyler Clippard.jpg]]

The Nationals traded Clippard to the Oakland Athletics for Yunel Escobar on January 14, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/athletics/ci_27321915/send-yunel-escobar-nationals-reliever-tyler-clippard|title=A's send Yunel Escobar to Nationals for reliever Tyler Clippard|work=San Jose Mercury News|first=John|last=Hickey|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=January 15, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106443446/source-as-trade-infielder-yunel-escobar-to-nationals-for-reliever-tyler-clippard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212232026/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106443446/source-as-trade-infielder-yunel-escobar-to-nationals-for-reliever-tyler-clippard|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 12, 2015|title=A's acquire reliever Clippard, send infielder Escobar to Nats|work=Major League Baseball|access-date=January 15, 2015}} Clippard and the Athletics agreed on an $8.3 million salary for the 2015 season.{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/11/as-avoid-arbitration-with-reliever-tyler-clippard/|title=A's avoid arbitration with reliever Tyler Clippard – HardballTalk|work=nbcsports.com|date=February 11, 2015|access-date=February 12, 2015}} With Athletics' closer Sean Doolittle beginning the season on the disabled list, Clippard served as the team's closer.{{cite web|url=http://www.sacbee.com/sports/mlb/oakland-as/article21209817.html|title=A's unable to capitalize on closer Tyler Clippard's success|first=Matt|last=Kawahara|work=The Sacramento Bee|date=May 16, 2015|access-date=May 30, 2015}} Clippard saved 17 games for the Athletics, pitching to a 2.79 ERA in {{frac|38|2|3}} innings.

On July 27, 2015, the Athletics traded Clippard to the New York Mets for pitching prospect Casey Meisner.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/as-trade-reliever-tyler-clippard-to-mets/c-139065222|title=A's trade Clippard to Mets for Minors arm|work=MLB.com|date=July 27, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2015}} Clippard returned to a setup role, with Jeurys Familia remaining the Mets' closer.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2015/07/27/mets-making-serious-push-for-as-closer-tyler-clippard/|title=Mets land A's closer Tyler Clippard as bridge to Familia|first1=Ken|last1=Davidoff|first2=Joel|last2=Sherman|work=New York Post|date=July 27, 2015 |access-date=July 28, 2015}} In {{frac|32|1|3}} innings with the Mets, Clippard pitched to a 3.06 ERA. In the 2015 MLB postseason, Clippard allowed five earned runs in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2016/02/mlb_hot_stove_mets_still_interested_in_tyler_clipp.html|title=MLB hot stove: Mets still interested in Tyler Clippard?|work=NJ.com|first=Maria|last=Guardado|date=February 1, 2016|access-date=February 8, 2016}} He became a free agent following the season.

File:Tyler Clippard on February 27, 2016.jpg

On February 8, 2016, After receiving fewer contract offers than he had expected,{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2016/02/09/tyler-clippard-happy-land-arizona-diamondbacks/80064690/|title=Tyler Clippard happy to land with Arizona Diamondbacks|first=Nick|last=Piecoro|work=The Arizona Republic|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=February 12, 2016}} Clippard signed a two-year, $12.25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{cite web|url=http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/163933534/d-backs-sign-tyler-clippard-to-two-year-deal|title=D-backs sign reliever Clippard to 2-year deal|last=Gilbert|first=Steve|work=MLB.com|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=February 8, 2016}} Through July 31, 2016, Clippard pitched to a 4.30 ERA in {{frac|37|1|3}} innings with one save.

On July 31, 2016, the Diamondbacks traded Clippard to the Yankees for Vicente Campos.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17185228/new-york-yankees-acquire-reliever-tyler-clippard-arizona-diamondbacks|title=Yankees add Tyler Clippard to replenish bullpen|work=ESPN.com|date=July 31, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016}} He had a 2.49 ERA in {{frac|25|1|3}} innings pitched for the Yankees in the remainder of the 2016 season. He began the 2017 season with a 1.57 ERA in 23 innings. He then struggled with his command,{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/tyler-clippard-completely-lost-booed-mound-stadium-article-1.3275108|title=Tyler Clippard still completely lost for Yankees, gets booed off the mound after giving up four more runs|work=New York Daily News|first=Justin|last=Tasch|date=June 25, 2017|access-date=April 1, 2018}} pitching to a 13.06 ERA over his next {{frac|10|1|3}} innings, though he followed the All-Star break with two scoreless appearances.{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2017/07/bummed_tyler_clippard_knows_he_slumped_his_way_out.html|title=Bummed Tyler Clippard knows he slumped his way out of Yankees plans|first=Randy|last=Miller|work=NJ.com|date=July 19, 2017|access-date=August 14, 2017}} As a result, his ERA rose to 4.95.{{cite web|url=http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-white-sox/white-sox-deal-tyler-clippard-houston|title=White Sox deal Tyler Clippard to Houston|first=Tim|last=Goldrick|work=CSN Chicago|date=August 13, 2017|access-date=August 14, 2017}}

On July 18, 2017, the Yankees traded Clippard, Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, and Tito Polo to the Chicago White Sox for David Robertson, Todd Frazier, and Tommy Kahnle.{{cite web|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/amid-trade-rumors-white-sox-todd-frazier-scratched-from-lineup/|title=White Sox trade Robertson, Frazier, Kahnle to Yankees, call up Moncada|work=chicago.suntimes.com|date=July 18, 2017|access-date=July 18, 2017|first=Daryl|last=Van Schouwen}} Clippard made 11 appearances with the White Sox, earning two saves, and pitching to a 1.80 ERA.

On August 13, 2017, The White Sox traded Clippard to the Houston Astros in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Clippard broke the news himself by changing his biographical information on Twitter and Instagram. With the Astros to finish 2017, Clippard made 16 more appearances out of the bullpen, having a 0–2 record and a 6.43 ERA. Overall, in 2017, combined with all three teams he had played for, Clippard's total stats came to 67 appearances out of the bullpen, a 2–8 record, and a 4.77 ERA. The Astros finished the 2017 season with a 101–61 record, clinching the AL West. Clippard, however, was not part of any postseason action, although he was still on the Astros 40-man roster at the time. The Astros won their first World Series in franchise history as they bested the Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 games of the 2017 World Series. Clippard would still receive his first career World Series ring after 11 seasons of service in the Majors.{{cite web|last1=McTaggart|first1=Brian|last2=Gurnick|first2=Ken|title=Houston Astros win 2017 World Series|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-beat-dodgers-to-win-first-world-series-c260380704|publisher=MLB|access-date=November 2, 2017}} He became a free agent following the season.

On March 7, 2018, Clippard signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-sign-right-handed-reliever-tyler-clippard/|title=Blue Jays sign right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard|last=Zwelling|first=Arden|work=Sportsnet|date=March 7, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2018}} His contract was purchased by the Blue Jays on March 29, 2018, and he was assigned to the Opening Day roster.{{cite web |title=Blue Jays' Tyler Clippard: Wins spot on Opening Day roster |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-tyler-clippard-wins-spot-on-roster/ |access-date=March 29, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com|date=March 29, 2018 }} After Roberto Osuna, the Blue Jays' closer, was placed on administrative leave in May, Clippard began receiving save opportunities.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-clippard-seeing-blue-jays-closer-work/c-278013742|title=Clippard first up for Blue Jays' 9th-inning work: Veteran logs 2 saves with closer Osuna away from team|first=Gregor|last=Chisholm|work=MLB.com|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2018}} Clippard received his World Series ring on June 25, when the Blue Jays visited Houston.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-hernandez-clippard-appreciative-time-astros/|title=Blue Jays' Hernandez, Clippard appreciative of time with Astros|access-date=June 25, 2018|date=June 25, 2018}} On August 2, Clippard made his first start since 2008 against the Seattle Mariners. His 680 relief appearances between starts established a new major league record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/hauschild-helps-blue-jays-get-away-unsustainable-approach/|title=Hauschild helps Blue Jays get away with unsustainable approach|last=Davidi|first=Shi|work=Sportsnet|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 3, 2018}} Clippard finished the 2018 season with a 3.67 ERA, seven saves, 15 holds, and 85 strikeouts over 68{{frac|2|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/documents/4/7/4/296661474/Game_162_at_TB.pdf#page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001103947/http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/documents/4/7/4/296661474/Game_162_at_TB.pdf#page=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 1, 2018|title=2018 Game Notes|work=MLB.com|date=September 30, 2018|access-date=September 30, 2018}} He became a free agent following the season.

On February 23, 2019, Clippard signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians, worth $1.75 million if he pitched at the major league level. He also received a non-roster invitation to spring training{{cite web|url=https://www.letsgotribe.com/2019/2/20/18233770/tyler-clippard-joins-the-indians-on-a-minor-league-deal|title=Tyler Clippard joins the Indians on a minor league deal|date=February 20, 2019|publisher=letsgotribe.com|access-date=February 20, 2019}} Clippard strained a pectoral muscle during spring training, and was shut down for the remainder of spring training. To avoid paying Clippard a $100,000 retention bonus,{{cite web|last=Bell |first=Mandy |url=https://www.mlb.com/indians/news/tyler-clippard-shut-down-for-few-weeks-with-pectoral-strain |title=Tyler Clippard shut down for few weeks with pectoral strain | Cleveland Indians |work=Mlb.com |date=2019-03-15 |access-date=2019-12-31}} the Indians released and re-signed Clippard on March 20.

The Indians selected Clippard's contract from the Columbus Clippers on April 25, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Noga |first=Joe |date=April 25, 2019 |title=Cleveland Indians promote veteran reliever Tyler Clippard, option Jefry Rodriguez to Triple-A Columbus |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/04/cleveland-indians-promote-veteran-reliever-tyler-clippard-option-jefry-rodriguez-to-triple-a-columbus.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=cleveland}} He became an integral part of Cleveland's bullpen, and was used as an opener twice.{{Cite web |last=Noga |first=Joe |date=September 7, 2019 |title=Tyler Clippard's consistency and veteran presence play a key role for Cleveland Indians' bullpen |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/09/tyler-clippards-consistency-and-veteran-presence-play-a-key-role-for-cleveland-indians-bullpen.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=cleveland}} Clippard became a free agent following the 2019 season.

On December 20, 2019, Clippard signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Matt |title=Twins add Clippard, Romo to 2020 bullpen |url=https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/tyler-clippard-sergio-romo-sign-with-twins |publisher=Twins.com |date=December 20, 2019}} With the 2020 Minnesota Twins, Clippard appeared in 26 games, compiling a 2–1 record with 2.77 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched.{{Cite web |title=Tyler Clippard Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/tyler-clippard-461325 |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=MLB.com}}

On February 22, 2021, Clippard agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that included a mutual option for the 2022 season.{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2021 |title=Reports: Clippard, D-backs agree to 1-year deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30947495/reports-tyler-clippard-agrees-1-year-deal-arizona-diamondbacks |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=ESPN.com}} On March 21, 2021, Clippard was shut down for six weeks with a capsule sprain in his throwing shoulder, causing him to be placed on the injured list to begin the 2021 season, the first stint on the injured list in his MLB career.{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=2021-03-21 |title=Tyler Clippard Shut Down Six Weeks With Capsule Sprain |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/tyler-clippard-shut-down-six-weeks-with-capsule-sprain.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} On March 29, the Diamondbacks placed Clippard on the 60-day injured list.{{Cite web |last=Byrne |first=Connor |date=2021-03-29 |title=Diamondbacks Select Chris Devenski, Place Tyler Clippard On 60-Day IL |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/diamondbacks-select-chris-devenski-place-tyler-clippard-on-60-day-il.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} Clippard was activated off of the injured list on July 21.{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=2021-07-21 |title=Diamondbacks Activate Tyler Clippard, Claim Ty Tice From Braves |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/diamondbacks-activate-tyler-clippard-claim-ty-tice-from-braves.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On March 31, 2022, Clippard signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/nationals-sign-tyler-clippard-to-minors-contract.html|title = Nationals Sign Tyler Clippard To Minors Contract|website=MLBTradeRumors|last=Polishuk|first=Mark|date=March 26, 2022|access-date=March 26, 2022}} On July 13, the Nationals selected Clippard's contract. He was designated for assignment on August 23.{{cite web |last=Zuckerman |first=Mark |date=2022-08-23 |title=Clippard designated for assignment as Abbott moves to bullpen |url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/clippard-designated-for-assignment-as-abbott-moves-to-bullpen |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=MASN Sports}} Two days later Clippard cleared waivers, refused an outright assignment, and elected for free agency according to a team announcement.

On September 28, 2023, Clippard announced his retirement from professional baseball.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-29 |title=Tyler Clippard: Retires from baseball |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tyler-clippard-retires-from-baseball/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=CBS Sports |language=en-US |agency=RotoWire}}

Clippard played for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, helping the team win the tournament. He pitched 4 and a third innings giving up only one run and recording six strikeouts.{{cite web

| title = Team USA Slays the Dragon That Is the Dominican Republic

| url = https://elitesportsny.com/2017/03/19/world-baseball-classic-team-usa-slay-dragon-dominican-republic-highlights/

| website = elitesportsny.com

| date = March 19, 2017

| access-date = October 14, 2020 }}

Clippard was listed at {{convert|6|ft|4|in}} and {{convert|170|lbs}}.{{cite news|last=Kepner|first=Tyler|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B03E4DB1E31F933A15756C0A9619C8B63|title=Baseball — Farm-Fresh Products|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 20, 2007|access-date=July 5, 2012}} He had an unorthodox pitching delivery,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KMsNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4945,932188&dq=tyler-clippard+mitchell&hl=en|title=Ex-Pasco star makes pitch for glory|first=Izzy|last=Gould|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=1|date=May 22, 2007|access-date=July 10, 2012}} rocking forward while sticking his gloved hand high in the air,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/21/sports/baseball/21yankees.html?ref=baseball|title=Magical Night for Rookie Pitcher|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 21, 2007|access-date=July 5, 2012}} which created an unusual arm angle while pitching, making it difficult for hitters to pick up the ball in their line of vision.{{cite web |author=Comak |first=Amanda |date=July 11, 2011 |title=Nats' Clippard set up to succeed |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/11/nats-clippard-set-up-to-succeed/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=Washington Times}} Clippard's father taught him to pitch this way when Clippard was eight years old by having him throw his baseball glove. McCatty nicknamed Clippard's delivery "The Funk".

Clippard primarily threw a fastball and a changeup. His hard, straight four-seam fastball averaged about {{convert|92-93|mph}}, topping out at {{convert|96|mph}}, and set up a deceptive changeup in the high 70s to low 80s. He periodically threw a cutter early in the count to right-handed hitters and a curveball in the mid 70s.{{cite web|title=PITCHf/x Player Card: Tyler Clippard|url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=461325|publisher=BrooksBaseball.net|access-date=April 27, 2012}} Nardi Contreras, who worked with Clippard as the Yankees' minor league pitching coordinator, indicated that Clippard's greatest success came from his curveball and changeup.

Clippard compiled a strikeout rate of nearly 10 per 9 innings over his career. According to Clippard, "I don't try to strike out everyone that I face. Strikeouts just kind of happen with the way I pitch."{{cite web|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/qa-nationals-closer-tyler-clippard/|title=Q&A: Nationals Closer Tyler Clippard|last=Laurila|first=David|date=June 15, 2012|work=Fangraphs|access-date=August 3, 2012}}

Clippard was raised by his parents, Bob and Debbie Clippard. He has a brother named Colin, who played Little League baseball with Tyler. He is from Tampa, Florida.{{Cite news |last=McKnight |first=Wayne |date=1995-07-12 |title=Battaglia, Butler team to lead Countryside |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-battaglia-butler-team-t/166148496/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=St. Petersburg Times |page=5C |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}

• List of Major League Baseball All-Star Game winners
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{{United States roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clippard, Tyler}}

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