Adam Plutko

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Adam Plutko

| image = Adam Plutko, Baltimore Orioles 7, Miami Marlins 5, LoanDepot Park, Home of the Miami Marlins, Miami, Florida (51128645012) (cropped).jpg

| image_size =

| team = Cincinnati Reds

| number =

|position=Pitcher

|birth_date={{birth date and age|1991|10|3}}

|birth_place=Upland, California, U.S.

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 24

|debutyear = 2016

|debutteam = Cleveland Indians

|debut2league= KBO

|debut2date = April 2

|debut2year = 2022

|debut2team = LG Twins

| statyear= 2021 season

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 14–14

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 5.39

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 200

| stat2year = 2023 season

| stat2league = KBO

| stat21label = Win–loss record

| stat21value = 26-8

| stat22label = Earned run average

| stat22value = 2.40

| stat23label = Strikeouts

| stat23value = 250

|teams =

Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|2016}}, {{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2020}})
Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2021}})
LG Twins ({{by|2022}}–{{by|2023}})

|awards =

KBO

Korean Series champion ({{by|2023}})

|caption=Plutko with the Baltimore Orioles}}

Adam Gregory Plutko ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|l|ʌ|t|k|oʊ}} {{respell|PLUHT|koh}};[https://pressbox.athletics.com/Publications/MLB%20Media%20Guides/MLB%20Publications/2021%20Player%20Name%20Presentations%20&%20Pronunciation%20Guide.pdf Major League Baseball 2021 Player Name Presentation Preferences and Pronunciations (Cleveland Indians page).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426204855/https://pressbox.athletics.com/Publications/MLB%20Media%20Guides/MLB%20Publications/2021%20Player%20Name%20Presentations%20%26%20Pronunciation%20Guide.pdf |date=April 26, 2021 }} Retrieved June 6, 2021 born October 3, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college baseball for the UCLA Bruins. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles, and in the KBO League for the LG Twins.

Amateur career

Plutko attended Glendora High School in Glendora, California, and then enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).{{cite web|last=Gastelum |first=Andrew |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-ucla-baseball-20130624,0,3139873.story |title=UCLA's Adam Plutko hopes to ride game-day routine to victory at College World Series |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 24, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013}} Though he was selected by the Houston Astros in the sixth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, he opted not to sign with the Astros.{{cite web|last=Levine|first=Zachary |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-sign-first-round-pick-DeShields-1716696.php |title=Astros sign first-round pick DeShields — Houston Chronicle |work=Houston Chronicle |date=August 5, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2013}}

At UCLA, Plutko was a member of the UCLA Bruins baseball team. He was teammates with future MLB All-Stars Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/369522/2018/05/27/while-trevor-bauer-and-gerrit-cole-steal-the-spotlight-dont-overlook-their-college-teammate-adam-plutko/|first=Zack|last=Meisel|title=While Trevor Bauer and Gerrit Cole steal the spotlight, don't overlook their college teammate, Adam Plutko|website=The Athletic}} In 2013, Plutko led the Bruins to their first NCAA Championship in baseball by beating Mississippi State in the 2013 College World Series. During the World Series, he recorded wins against Louisiana State in the opening round of the World Series and in Game 1 of the Championship Series against Mississippi State. He was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player.{{cite web|last=Olson|first=Eric |url=http://www.northjersey.com/sports/UCLA_wins_first_College_World_Series_with_8-0_win_over_Mississippi_State.html |title=UCLA wins first College World Series with 8–0 win over Mississippi State |work=NorthJersey.com |date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013}}

Professional career

=Cleveland Indians=

The Cleveland Indians selected Plutko in the 11th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130608&content_id=50074892&vkey=news_cle&c_id=cle |title=Cleveland proud of its performance in 2013 Draft |work=MLB.com |date=June 8, 2013 |access-date=November 3, 2013}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He signed with the Indians, but did not pitch for their Minor League Baseball affiliates that year due to a stress fracture in his shoulder.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/adam-plutko-cleveland-indians-minor-league-ucla-bruins-051314|title=A year after the draft, Plutko enjoying success with Indians – FOX Sports|author=Fox Sports|work=FOX Sports|date=May 13, 2014|access-date=September 18, 2014}} Plutko made his professional debut in 2014 with the Lake County Captains of the Class A Midwest League.{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2014/05/adam_plutko_gets_first_pro_win.html|title=Adam Plutko gets first pro win; Clint Frazier excels on defense: Cleveland Indians Class A Insider|work=cleveland.com|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=September 18, 2014}} In May, the Indians promoted Plutko to the Carolina Mudcats of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League.{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2014/07/mudcats_pitcher_adam_plutko_mo.html|title=Mudcats pitcher Adam Plutko mows them down: Cleveland Indians Advanced Class A Insider|work=cleveland.com|date=July 18, 2014|access-date=September 18, 2014}} In 28 games started between the two teams he compiled a 7–10 record and 4.03 ERA. He began the 2015 season with the Lynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League,{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-121161446|title=Cleveland Indians' No. 19 prospect Adam Plutko earned first 2015 win with six shutout innings for Lynchburg Hillcats – MiLB.com News – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|work=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 31, 2015}} and was promoted to the Akron RubberDucks of the Class AA Eastern League in May.{{cite web|url=http://www.ohio.com/sports/rubberducks/adam-plutko-is-newest-addition-to-the-akron-rubberducks-1.596160|title=Adam Plutko is newest addition to the Akron RubberDucks|author=Spencer Davies|work=www.ohio.com|access-date=May 31, 2015}} Plutko posted a 13–7 record, a 2.39 ERA, and a 0.93 WHIP in 27 starts between the two clubs.

The Indians invited Plutko to spring training in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_indians_invite_adam.html|title=Cleveland Indians invite Adam Plutko, Eric Stamets, Will Roberts, Todd Hankins to spring training|first=Paul|last=Hoynes|work=cleveland.com|date=January 26, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2016}} He began the 2016 season with Akron and was promoted to the Columbus Clippers of the Class AAA International League on June 16.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-186767530|title=Cleveland Indians' No. 14 prospect Adam Plutko makes quick strides with Columbus Clippers|work=Minor League Baseball|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=September 25, 2016}}

On September 20, 2016, the Indians purchased Plutko's contract from the Clippers and added him to their active roster.{{cite web|url=http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/news/indians-call-adam-plutko-designate-t-j-house-assignment/|title=Indians Call Up Adam Plutko, Designate T.J. House For Assignment|first=FanRag Sports|last=Network|work=Today's Knuckleball|access-date=September 25, 2016}} In 28 starts for Akron and Columbus prior to his call up, he pitched to a 9–8 record and 3.73 ERA. He made his major league debut on September 24 as a relief pitcher.{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/09/cleveland_indians_adam_plutko.html|title=Cleveland Indians Adam Plutko makes his major-league debut, wife snags foul ball|work=The Plain Dealer|date=September 25, 2016|access-date=September 25, 2016}}

Plutko spent all of 2017 with Columbus, going 7–12 with a 5.90 ERA in 24 games (22 starts).{{cite news |url=https://www.milb.com/player/adam-plutko-592644|title=Adam Plutko Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |publisher=Minor League Baseball |access-date=May 23, 2018}} He began 2018 with Columbus, and was recalled on May 3 for one game. He was optioned back to Columbus the day after. He was recalled once again on May 23 to take over as the fifth starter for Cleveland after Josh Tomlin was moved to the bullpen.{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2018/05/a_spot_in_the_cleveland_indian.html|title=A spot in the Cleveland Indians' starting rotation opens for Adam Plutko|first=Paul|last=Hoynes|website=Cleveland.com|date=May 22, 2018}} He was sent back to Columbus, and threw a no-hitter on June 2.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adam-plutko-throws-no-hitter-for-clippers-c279542180|title=Plutko fires Clippers' second no-hitter|website=MLB.com}} He finished with a record of 4–5 in 17 games (12 starts). The following season, Plutko was 7–5 in {{frac|109|1|3}} innings.

Before the 2020 season, Plutko was moved to the bullpen. He got a spot start in the second game of a doubleheader against the White Sox, where he went six innings and struck out four while allowing two runs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE202007282.shtml|title=Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians|website=Baseball Reference}}

With the 2020 Cleveland Indians, Plutko appeared in 10 games, compiling a 2–2 record with 4.88 ERA and 15 strikeouts in {{frac|27|2|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/adam-plutko-592644|title=Adam Plutko Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On March 27, 2021, Plutko was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/orioles-acquire-adam-plutko.html|title = Orioles Acquire Adam Plutko, Release Yolmer Sanchez| date=March 30, 2021 }} In 38 games for Baltimore, Plutko posted a 6.71 ERA with 44 strikeouts. On August 15, 2021, Plutko was designated for assignment by the Orioles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/orioles-announce-several-roster-moves.html|title=Orioles Announce Several Roster Moves|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=August 15, 2021 }} On August 19, Plutko cleared waivers and was assigned outright to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/mlb-minor-transactions-8-18-21.html|title = MLB Minor Transactions: 8/18/21| date=August 18, 2021 }} On October 4, Plutko elected free agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/players-recently-electing-free-agency.html|title=Players Recently Electing Free Agency|website=MLB Trade Rumors|author=Anthony Franco|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 8, 2021}}

=LG Twins=

On December 9, 2021, Plutko signed a one-year contract worth $500,000, with an additional $300,000 in achievable incentives, with the LG Twins of the KBO League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32833529/yasiel-puig-signs-one-year-deal-south-korean-club-kiwoom-heroes|title=Ex-MLB All-Star Puig signs with S. Korean team|date=December 10, 2021|website=ESPN.com}} He had a 15-5 record and a 2.39 ERA for the Twins.{{cite web | url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20221027010300315 | title=Pitcher denies physical problems after rough KBO postseason outing | date=October 27, 2022 }} On December 2, 2022, Plutko re-signed with the Twins on a one-year contract for the 2023 season worth $1.4 million.{{cite web|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/12/26/sports/Baseball/KBO-SSG-Landers-NC-Dinos/20221226163942881.html?detailWord=|title=SSG Landers, NC Dinos left with one spot each to fill on foreign player roster|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=December 26, 2022|accessdate=June 2, 2024}} In 21 starts for the team, he logged an 11–3 record and 2.41 ERA with 101 strikeouts across {{fraction|123|1|3}} innings pitched. On October 27, 2023, Plutko left Korea following a left hip injury.{{Cite web|title=Injured Twins starter Plutko leaves S. Korea before KBO championship series|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231027010100315|access-date=April 5, 2024|website=m-en.yna.co.kr|language=en}} He became a free agent following the season and announced he was hoping to return to Major League Baseball.{{Cite web|title=Adam Plutko Eyeing MLB Return|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/adam-plutko-eyeing-mlb-return.html |access-date=April 5, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

=Minnesota Twins=

On May 3, 2024, Plutko signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web|title=Twins, Adam Plutko Agree To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/twins-adam-plutko-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=May 3, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 14 appearances split between the rookie-level Florida Complex League Twins and Triple-A St. Paul Saints, he posted a cumulative 6-2 record and 4.28 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 61 innings of work. Plutko elected free agency following the season on November 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On April 9, 2025, Plutko signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.{{Cite web|title=Cincinnati Reds Sign Pitcher Adam Plutko to Minor League Deal|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/transactions/cincinnati-reds-sign-pitcher-adam-plutko-minor-league-deal-01jrjzrh2nvh|access-date=April 15, 2025|website=si.com|language=en}}