Nick Tepesch

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Nick Tepesch

| image = Nick Tepesch on August 30, 2016.jpg

| image_size = 280

| caption = Tepesch with the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2016

| team =

| number =

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|10|12}}

| birth_place = Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = April 9

| debutyear = 2013

| debutteam = Texas Rangers

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = August 19

| finalyear = 2017

| finalteam = Toronto Blue Jays

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 10–20

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 4.71

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 144

| teams =

Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2014}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2016}})
Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2017}})
Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2017}})

}}

Nicholas James Tepesch (born October 12, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Career

=Amateur=

Tepesch was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 28th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft out of the Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Missouri but he did not sign and attended the University of Missouri, where he played college baseball for the Missouri Tigers baseball team. In 2008 and 2009, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|author= |url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |date= |access-date=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2008&T=Falmouth_Commodores |title=2008 Falmouth Commodores |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2009&T=Falmouth_Commodores |title=2009 Falmouth Commodores |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}

=Texas Rangers=

==Minor leagues==

Tepesch was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 14th round, with the 436th overall selection, of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft and signed for $400,000.{{cite news|last1=Nestor|first1=Matt|title=Tepesch finds groove in minors|url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu/tepesch-finds-groove-in-minors/article_d1de7a5f-9682-5b87-862f-8c1a5da6ab90.html|access-date=January 28, 2016|work=Columbia Daily Tribune|date=July 22, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Former Blue Springs pitcher Tepesch wins debut with Rangers|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/k-zone/article317479/Former-Blue-Springs-pitcher-Tepesch-wins-debut-with-Rangers.html|access-date=January 28, 2016|work=Kansas City Star|date=April 10, 2013}}

In 2012, while pitching for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of the High-A Carolina League, Tepesch and Jimmy Reyes combined to throw the second no-hitter in Pelicans history.{{cite news|last1=Emrich|first1=Robert|title=Pelicans' Tepesch, Reyes hurl no-no|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-31746990|access-date=January 28, 2016|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=May 19, 2012}}{{cite news|last1=Althaus|first1=Bill|title=Tepesch keeps eye on big-league goal while enjoying stay in Myrtle Beach|url=http://www.examiner.net/article/20120530/NEWS/305309686|access-date=January 28, 2016|work=The Examiner|date=May 30, 2012}}

==Major leagues==

File:Nick Tepesch on March 12, 2014.jpg

Invited to spring training in 2013, Tepesch won the Rangers' fifth starter job.{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=T. R.|title=Eyeing rotation, Tepesch gets jump-start on a changeup|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-pitcher-nick-tepesch-working-on-improving-changeup-in-bid-to-earn-rotation-spot/c-66903154|access-date=January 28, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=2014}}{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=T.R.|title=Tepesch continues long-shot pitch for rotation|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/42803136|access-date=January 28, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=2013}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On April 9, Tepesch went {{frac|7|1|3}} innings and gave up four hits, three walks, one run, and struck out five while getting the win in his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite news|title=Nick Tepesch comes up big in MLB debut to lift Rangers|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=330409113|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=April 10, 2013}} He ended the 2013 season with a record of 4-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 19 games (17 starts). The following season, he started 22 games for the Rangers, going 5-11 in 126 innings.

Tepesch missed the entire 2015 season with inflammation in his throwing elbow. He also underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.{{cite news|title=Rangers re-sign RHP Nick Tepesch to minor league deal|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=14662623|access-date=January 28, 2016|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com}}

He was non-tendered at the end of the 2015 season, and had previously rejected a minor league deal.{{cite web|url=http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/01/27/rangers-re-sign-rhp-nick-tepesch-minor-league-deal|title=Rangers re-sign Nick Tepesch|work=Dallas Morning News|date=27 January 2016|access-date=January 27, 2016}} However, on January 27, 2016, Tepesch re-signed with the Rangers on a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=T.R.|title=Rangers re-sign Tepesch to Minor League deal|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/162988676/rangers-sign-nick-tepesch-to-minors-contract|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129075351/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/162988676/rangers-sign-nick-tepesch-to-minors-contract|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|work=MLB.com|date=January 27, 2016}} In 11 starts for Round Rock, he compiled a 4-2 record and 4.11 ERA with 31 strikeouts across {{fraction|65|2|3}} innings pitched. On June 5, Tepesch requested and was granted his release from the Rangers.{{Cite web|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 6/4/16|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/06/minor-mlb-transactions-6416.html|access-date=January 26, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 4, 2016 |language=en}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On June 6, 2016, Tepesch signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After three starts for the Triple–A Oklahoma City Dodgers, his contract was purchased by the major league team and he was added to the roster and called up to make a start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 24. He allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings to take the loss and was designated for assignment after the game.{{cite web|url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2016/06/25/chris-taylor-promoted-nick-tepesch-designated/|title=Chris Taylor promoted, Nick Tepesch designated|first=Jon|last=Weisman|date=June 25, 2016|access-date=June 25, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626055201/http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2016/06/25/chris-taylor-promoted-nick-tepesch-designated/|archive-date=June 26, 2016}}

=Oakland Athletics=

On June 27, 2016, Tepesch was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-claim-Nick-Tepesch-off-waivers-designate-8328152.php|title = A's claim Nick Tepesch off waivers; designate Eric Surkamp for assignment| work=SFGate |date = 27 June 2016}} In 3 starts for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, he posted a 1-1 record and 5.51 ERA with 6 strikeouts across {{fraction|16|1|3}} innings pitched. Tepesch was designated for assignment following the promotion of Ryon Healy on July 15.{{Cite web|title=Athletics Designate Nick Tepesch, Option Billy Burns, Promote Ryon Healy|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/athletics-designate-nick-tepesch-option-billy-burns-promote-ryon-healy.html|access-date=January 27, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=July 15, 2016 |language=en}}

=Kansas City Royals=

On July 18, 2016, Tepesch was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals. He was designated for assignment on September 6, and later cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers on September 16. In 5 games (2 starts) for Omaha, Tepesch logged a 3.94 ERA with 8 strikeouts across 16 innings of work. He elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=July 22, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

=Minnesota Twins=

On January 11, 2017, Tepesch signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{Cite web|title=Twins Agree To Minor League Deals With Ryan Vogelsong, Nick Tepesch|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/twins-sign-ryan-vogelsong-nick-tepesch-minors.html|access-date=January 27, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=January 11, 2017 |language=en}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings begin the season. On April 24, the Twins selected Tepesch's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 4/24/17|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/04/twins-select-nick-tepesch.html|access-date=January 27, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=April 24, 2017 |language=en}} He started Minnesota's May 6 game against the Boston Red Sox, allowing 7 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits across {{fraction|1|2|3}} innings. Tepesch was released by Minnesota on June 7.{{cite web|url=http://m.startribune.com/twins-add-reliever-chris-heston-release-nick-tepesch/427098281/|title=Twins add reliever Chris Heston, release Nick Tepesch|first=Phil|last=Miller|work=Star Tribune|date=June 7, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017}} On June 13, Tepesch re-signed with the Twins organization on a minor league contract.{{Cite web|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 6/13/17|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/06/angels-outright-shane-robinson.html|access-date=January 27, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 13, 2017 |language=en}}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On July 23, 2017, Tepesch was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-nick-tepesch-dealt-to-toronto/|title=Blue Jays' Nick Tepesch: Dealt to Toronto|work=cbssports.com|date=July 23, 2017|access-date=July 24, 2017}} He was called up from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on August 9 for a start against the New York Yankees where he took the loss. Tepesch was designated for assignment on September 2. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on September 9. Tepesch elected free agency on October 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/nick-tepesch-519344|title=Nick Tepesch Stats, Highlights, Bio|work=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 9, 2017}}

Tepesch re-signed with Toronto on a minor league contract on March 3, 2018, and was invited to spring training.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/minor-mlb-transactions-3318.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 3/3/18|last=Downing|first=Kyle|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018}} In 10 games (8 starts) for Triple-A Buffalo, he struggled to a 1-6 record and 7.90 ERA with 20 strikeouts across 41 innings pitched.

=Detroit Tigers=

On August 8, 2018, Tepesch was traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations, and assigned to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/08/tigers-acquire-nick-tepesch-from-blue-jays.html|title=Tigers Acquire Nick Tepesch from Blue Jays|last=Byrne|first=Connor|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=August 8, 2018}} Tepesch appeared in just 8 games for the SeaWolves before he was released on August 27.

=Lincoln Saltdogs=

On March 19, 2019, Tepesch signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. In 10 starts for Lincoln, he compiled a 6-4 record and 4.84 ERA with 42 strikeouts across {{fraction|61|1|3}} innings pitched. On August 10, Tepesch retired from professional baseball after securing a victory for the Saltdogs.