Dylan Covey

{{Infobox MLB player

| name = Dylan Covey

| image = Dylan Covey pitching for the Chicago White Sox in 2017 (2) (Cropped).jpg

| image_size = 260

| caption = Covey pitching for the Chicago White Sox in 2017

| team = Atlanta Braves

| number =

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|8|14}}

| birth_place = Glendale, California, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = April 14

| debutyear = 2017

| debutteam = Chicago White Sox

| debut2league = CPBL

| debut2date = August 31

| debut2year = 2021

| debut2team = Rakuten Monkeys

| statyear = 2023 season

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 7–32

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 6.18

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 214

| stat2year = 2022 season

| stat2league = CPBL

| stat21label = Win–loss record

| stat21value = 16–10

| stat22label = Earned run average

| stat22value = 3.63

| stat23label = Strikeouts

| stat23value = 138

| teams = * Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2019}})

Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2020}})
Rakuten Monkeys ({{by|2021}}–{{by|2022}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2023}})
Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2023}})

}}

Dylan Charles Covey (born August 14, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies, and in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Rakuten Monkeys.

Covey was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft. However, a physical examination performed by the Brewers diagnosed Covey with Type I diabetes. He, instead, chose to enroll at the University of San Diego, 125 miles from his Pasadena, California, home, and played college baseball for the San Diego Toreros prior to being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft.

The White Sox selected Covey in the Rule 5 draft after the 2016 season and he made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2017. He played for the White Sox through 2019, for the Red Sox in 2020, the Monkeys in 2021 and 2022, and the Dodgers in 2023.

Career

=Amateur career=

Covey attended Maranatha High School in Pasadena, California, where he played for the school's baseball team.{{cite web|date=May 6, 2010|first=Eric |last=Sondheimer |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-06-la-sp-0507-dylan-covey-sondheimer-20100507-story.html |title=Pitcher Dylan Covey is beating odds, not to mention foes|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=August 14, 2013}} He pitched to a 1.30 earned run average (ERA) and a .131 batting average against in his four years at Maranatha. As a senior, Covey had a 7–1 win–loss record, a 0.40 ERA, and 138 strikeouts in {{frac|70|2|3}} innings pitched. However, he lost {{convert|35|lbs}} that year, and could not regain the weight.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Jenkins |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/Feb/09/freshman-not-exactly-sleeper-usd/ |title=Freshman turns down pro ball offer to stay at USD Page 1 of 3 |work=U-T San Diego |date=February 9, 2011 |access-date=August 14, 2013}}

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Covey in the first round, with the fourteenth overall selection, of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. He indicated to the Brewers that he was likely to sign with them, but that he wanted a $2 million signing bonus.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100614&content_id=11183556¬ebook_id=11183872&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Top pick Covey and crew meet Brewers |first=Adam |last=McCalvy |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 14, 2010 |access-date=August 14, 2013}} During his post-draft physical, Covey was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. He decided not to sign with the Brewers, as he needed time to adjust to having this condition.{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/16/first-round-pick-covey-turns-down-brewers-to-attend-college/ |first=D.J. |last=Short|title=UPDATE: Dylan Covey opts not to sign with Brewers due to diabetes |work=HardballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |date=August 16, 2010 |access-date=August 14, 2013}} Covey's party was quoted as saying, "They [Milwaukee] knew they would have to do some special things for Dylan." He ended up turning down a $1.6 million signing bonus offer from Milwaukee.

Covey enrolled at the University of San Diego (USD), and he played college baseball for the San Diego Toreros baseball team. At USD, Covey was near his parents and doctors whom he trusted to help him manage his condition. As Covey regained weight, he struggled as a freshman, pitching to a 1–3 record, a 7.60 ERA, and almost as many walks (28) as strikeouts (29). He improved in his sophomore year, with a 6–3 record and 3.32 ERA, but with 43 walks and 50 strikeouts across 81 innings. In 2012, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=318535 |title=#24 Dylan Covey - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=September 25, 2019}} As a junior, Covey had a 5–4 record, and a 5.05 ERA.{{cite press release|author=Beloit Snappers |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-53733956 |title=Pitcher Dylan Covey Sent to Beloit |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=July 14, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013}}

=Oakland Athletics=

The Oakland Athletics selected Covey in the fourth round, with the 131st overall selection, of the 2013 MLB draft. He signed with the Athletics, receiving a $370,000 signing bonus. The Athletics assigned Covey to the Vermont Lake Monsters of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League,{{cite web |url=http://www.valleybaynews.com/2013/06/22/dylan-covey-oakland-as-4th-round-pick-could-wind-up-being-the-steal-of-the-draft/ |title=Dylan Covey, Oakland A's 4th Round Pick Could Wind up Being the Steal of the Draft |publisher=Valley Bay News |date=June 1, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903140149/http://www.valleybaynews.com/2013/06/22/dylan-covey-oakland-as-4th-round-pick-could-wind-up-being-the-steal-of-the-draft/ |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |df=mdy-all }} and after giving up no earned runs in 12 innings, promoted him to the Beloit Snappers of the Class A Midwest League{{cite web|url=http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20130806/GPG020601/308060387/A-s-prospect-Dylan-Covey-has-no-regrets-passing-up-Brewers-offer|title=A's prospect Dylan Covey has no regrets passing up Brewers' offer|first=Tim|last=Froberg|work=Green Bay Press Gazette|date=August 6, 2013|access-date=August 14, 2013}} where he finished the season, going 1–1 with a 4.75 ERA in 10 starts.

In 2014, Covey began the year with Beloit, before he was promoted to the Stockton Ports of the Class A-Advanced California League.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-91847594|title=Covey flirts with no-hitter in Ports' win: A's right-handed prospect loses bid on two-out single in seventh|first=Kelsie|last=Heneghan|work=Minor League Baseball|date=August 28, 2014|access-date=November 5, 2016}} In 26 games (25 starts) between the two teams, he was 7–14 with a 5.46 ERA. He pitched for Stockton in 2015, compiling an 8–9 record with a 3.59 ERA in 26 games started. Covey began the 2016 season with the Midland RockHounds of the Class AA Texas League,{{Cite web | url=http://www.mrt.com/sports/article/ROCKHOUNDS-Diabetes-doesn-t-deter-Covey-s-rise-7405764.php | title=ROCKHOUNDS: Diabetes doesn't deter Covey's rise in pro baseball | date=April 6, 2016 }} but suffered an oblique muscle strain in May and missed the remainder of the regular season. In six starts prior to his injury, he was 2–1 with a 1.84 ERA.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/player/dylan-covey-592229 |title=Dylan Covey Stats, Highlights, Bio |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=June 8, 2018}} The Athletics assigned Covey to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-208112704|title=Mesa notes: Covey making up for lost time: A's No. 19 prospect regaining confidence after injury-marred season|first=Michael|last=Avallone|work=Minor League Baseball|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 5, 2016}}

=Chicago White Sox=

File:Dylan Covey pitching for the Chicago White Sox in 2017 (1) (Cropped).jpg]]

On December 8, 2016, the Chicago White Sox selected Covey in the Rule 5 draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2016-rule-5-draft-results-c210580878|title=2016 Rule 5 Draft results|work=MLB.com|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/ct-white-sox-dylan-covey-diabetes-20170306-story.html|title=With diabetes under control, pitcher Dylan Covey tries to stick with White Sox|first=Colleen|last=Kane|website=Chicago Tribune|date=March 6, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2017}} Covey made the White Sox' Opening Day roster in 2017,{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2017/04/05/white-sox-dylan-covey-finally-awaits-his-major-league-debut/100092062/|title=After seven-year journey, White Sox's Dylan Covey major-league debut awaits|website=USA Today|access-date=April 14, 2017}} and he made his major league debut on April 14. Aside from five rehab starts with the AZL White Sox and the Charlotte Knights, Covey spent half of 2017 with the White Sox, pitching to a 0–7 record and a 7.71 ERA in 18 games (12 starts).

Covey was outrighted to the minors and removed from the 40-man roster on February 18, 2018.{{Cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/02/white-sox-outright-dylan-covey.html |title = White Sox Outright Dylan Covey| date=February 18, 2018 }} He began the season with Charlotte. His contract was purchased on April 28 to start the second game of a doubleheader.

{{Cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-dylan-covey-will-start-game-2-against-royals/ |title = White Sox's Dylan Covey: Will start Game 2 against Royals| date=April 28, 2018 }} He was optioned back to Charlotte the next day and recalled once again on May 19. Covey finished the 2018 season with a 5–14 record and 5.18 ERA in 27 MLB appearances (21 starts).

In 2019, Covey split time between Chicago and Triple-A Charlotte. He had a particularly difficult outing on July 28, allowing five runs without retiring a batter.{{Cite web | url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2019/7/28/8933831/eloy-jimenez-returns-from-injured-list-chicago-white-sox-jose-rondon-charlie-tilson-kansas-city |title = White Sox activate Eloy Jimenez, option Dylan Covey to Class AAA|date = July 28, 2019}} In his 18 MLB outings (12 starts), he compiled a 1–8 record with a 7.98 ERA. Covey was designated for assignment by the White Sox on January 14, 2020, and outrighted on January 21. On January 22, Covey rejected an assignment to Triple-A Charlotte and became a free agent.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On January 30, 2020, Covey signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/02/rays-sign-dylan-covey-john-curtiss-to-minor-league-deals.html|title=Rays Sign Dylan Covey, John Curtiss To Minor League Deals|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=February 3, 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-03}} Though the 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rays included Covey in their 60-player pool for the shortened season.{{cite web | url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2020/07/01/rays-ready-to-pick-up-where-they-left-off/ | title=Rays ready to pick up where they left off }}

=Boston Red Sox=

On July 21, 2020, Covey was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He made his first appearance for the Red Sox on July 25, allowing two runs in two innings of relief against the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401225689 |title=Orioles vs Red Sox - Box Score |date=July 25, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=August 11, 2020}} He was optioned to Boston's alternate training site on July 26,{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2020/07 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=July 2020 |access-date=September 10, 2020}} recalled for a week during August,{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2020/08 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=August 2020 |access-date=September 10, 2020}} and recalled again on September 10.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/roster/transactions/2020/09 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |date=September 2020 |access-date=September 10, 2020}} Overall with the 2020 Red Sox, Covey appeared in 8 games (all in relief), compiling an 0–0 record with 7.07 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 14 innings pitched.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coveydy01.shtml |title=Dylan Covey Stats |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 27, 2020}} On October 28, Covey was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and assigned to Triple-A.{{cite news |last1=Koch |first1=Bill |title=Red Sox outright 3 players from 40-man roster |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/sports/2020/10/28/red-sox-outright-jose-peraza-cesar-puello-dylan-covey-40-man/6061527002/ |access-date=December 31, 2022 |work=Telegram & Gazette |date=October 28, 2022}}

=Rakuten Monkeys=

On May 18, 2021, Covey signed with the Rakuten Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan.{{cite news |title=Rakuten Monkeys Sign Dylan Covey |url=http://cpblstats.com/rakuten-monkeys-sign-dylan-covey/ |access-date=29 December 2021 |publisher=CPBL Stats |date=19 May 2021}} He started 10 games for the team down the stretch, logging a 3–4 record and 4.01 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 58.1 innings pitched.

On December 28, 2021, he re-signed with the team, agreeing to a contract for the 2022 season.{{cite news |title=Monkeys Re-Sign Ryan Bollinger, Dylan Covey for 2022 Season |url=http://cpblstats.com/monkeys-sign-ryan-bollinger-dylan-covey-2022-season/ |access-date=29 December 2021 |publisher=CBPL Stats |date=28 December 2021}} In 2022, Covey started 23 games for the Monkeys, recording a 13–6 record and 3.47 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 140.0 innings pitched.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On January 27, 2023, Covey signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.{{Cite web|title=Dodgers' Dylan Covey: Gets minor-league deal with Dodgers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-dylan-covey-gets-minor-league-deal-with-dodgers/amp/|access-date=2023-01-27|website=cbssports|language=en}} He began the season with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, where he made seven appearances (six starts) and posted a 4.22 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. On May 17, Covey was called up to the majors.{{cite web|title=Dodgers' Dylan Covey: Called up from Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-dylan-covey-called-up-from-triple-a/|access-date=2023-05-17|website=cbssports.com|date=May 17, 2023 |language=en}} He appeared in one game, allowing two earned runs in four innings before being designated for assignment the following day.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/dodgers-designate-dylan-covey-for-assignment.html|title=Dodgers Designate Dylan Covey For Assignment|first=Darragh|last=McDonald|date=May 18, 2023|accessdate=May 18, 2023|work=mlb trade rumors}}

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On May 20, 2023, Covey was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.{{Cite web|title=Dodgers Lose Hometown Reliever to Phillies on Waiver Wire Deal|url=https://dodgersnation.com/dodgers-lose-hometown-reliever-to-phillies-on-waiver-wire-deal/2023/05/20/amp/|access-date=2023-05-20|website=dodgersnation.com|date=May 20, 2023 |language=en}} In 28 appearances for the Phillies, he compiled a 3.69 ERA with 27 strikeouts across 39 innings pitched.{{Cite web|title=Dylan Covey 2023 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/33309/dylan-covey|access-date=June 1, 2024|website=espn.com|language=en}}

Covey dealt with shoulder tightness during spring training in 2024,{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Dylan Covey: Dealing with shoulder tightness|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-dylan-covey-dealing-with-shoulder-tightness/|access-date=June 1, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} and began the season on the injured list following the diagnosis of a right shoulder strain.{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Dylan Covey: Shelved with shoulder strain|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-dylan-covey-shelved-with-shoulder-strain/|access-date=June 1, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was transferred to the 60–day injured list on June 1.{{Cite web|title=Phillies Claim Freddy Tarnok|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/phillies-claim-freddy-tarnok.html|access-date=June 1, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} Covey was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Lehigh Valley IronPigs on August 27.{{Cite web|title=Phillies Outright Dylan Covey|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/phillies-outright-dylan-covey.html|access-date=August 27, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He elected free agency on October 10.[https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-10 Minor League Baseball]

= Atlanta Braves =

On October 31, 2024, Covey signed a one-year, major league contract with the New York Mets.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-31 |title=Mets Sign Dylan Covey To Major League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/mets-sign-dylan-covey-to-major-league-deal.html |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} However, he was designated for assignment by the Mets on January 30, 2025 after the signing of Ryne Stanek.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-30 |title=Mets Designate Dylan Covey For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/mets-designate-dylan-covey-for-assignment.html |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} Covey cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets on February 5.{{Cite web|title=Mets Outright Dylan Covey, Luis De Los Santos|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/mets-outright-dylan-covey-luis-de-los-santos.html|access-date=February 5, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He elected free agency the next day.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-10 |title=Dylan Covey Elects Free Agency |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/dylan-covey-elects-free-agency-mets.html |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On February 11, 2025, Covey signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite web|title=Braves Sign Jake Diekman, Dylan Covey To Minor League Deals|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/braves-sign-jake-diekman-dylan-covey-to-minor-league-deals.html|access-date=February 11, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

Personal life

Covey was home schooled until high school. He has two older brothers. Covey's father, Darrell, was selected by the New York Mets in the 29th round of the 1968 MLB draft out of Pasadena Junior College, but he did not sign or play professional baseball.{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/season-preview/2013/2614607.html|title=Unsigned First-Rounders Whitson, Covey Have Lots To Prove|publisher=Baseball America|first=Conor|last=Glassey|date=February 1, 2013|access-date=August 16, 2013}}