Mets sign veteran outfielder Marlon Byrd to minor-league deal
Major league career
[edit]Philadelphia Phillies
Once he reached the big leagues in 2003, Byrd had an outstanding season. He came in fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting, batting .303 with 86 runs scored, 28 doubles, fourtriples, seven home runs and 11 stolen bases in 135 games and 495 at-bats. In 2004, he did not keep his high level performance and was eventually traded to the Washington Nationals.
[edit]Washington Nationalsyrd was traded to the Washington Nationals in 2005 for Endy Chávez. On July 15, 2006, Byrd was designated for assignment and assigned to Washington's Triple-A affiliate, theNew Orleans Zephyrs.
[edit]Texas Rangers
Byrd was signed as a free agent by the Rangers on December 8, 2006, to compete for the starting position in center field.[2] After failing to make the Rangers' major league roster out ofspring training, Byrd was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks. Byrd's contract was purchased on May 26, 2007, following injuries to outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Jerry Hairston, Jr. [3] Making the most of his call-up by hitting over .400 for the month of June,[4] Byrd played his way into the line-up, allowing the Rangers to trade center fielder Kenny Lofton prior to the trading deadline. On August 4, 2008, he hit a walk-off grand slam to help the Rangers beat the Yankees 9–5.
Byrd had a career season in 2009, hitting 20 home runs and collecting 89 RBIs.
Following the 2009 season, Byrd filed for free agency, declining the Rangers' offer of salary arbitration.[5]
[edit]Chicago Cubs
On December 31, 2009, Byrd signed a three year, $15 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.[6] In his first season with the Cubs, Byrd had his best season. He was selected for his first All-Star Game, Byrd entered the game as a substitute and drew a walk off of Matt Thornton. He scored from first base on a double by the Braves' Brian McCann. In the ninth inning, while playing right field, Byrd made an outstanding play, forcing David Ortiz at second after fielding what normally would have been a base hit. Also, a popular saying among Cubs fans is "The Byrd is the Word."
On May 21, 2011, while batting during the 2nd inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Byrd was hit near his left eye by a pitch from Red Sox pitcher Alfredo Aceves. The pitch was, according to Aceves, unintentional. After the pitch hit him, Byrd dropped to the ground, covered the area by his left eye and rolled in pain; he was helped off the field by Cubs medical personnel and taken to the trainer's room in the clubhouse. Byrd did not return to the game. He was taken to Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary atMassachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he stayed overnight to be examined. The incident marked the fifth time that Byrd had been hit by a pitch in a ten-day period.[7] Byrd was placed on the 15-day disabled list the following day. Justin Berg was called up to take his place.[8] Since coming off his stint on the disabled list, Byrd has worn a protective mask customized to his helmet in order to shield his weakened facial bones.
After the 2011 season Byrd began practicing Muay Thai and started a new diet, he has lost 40 pounds and expected to have his best season in 2012.[9]
[edit]Boston Red Sox
On April 21, 2012 Byrd was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Michael Bowden and a player to be named later.[10] Minor league pitcher Hunter Cervenka was the player sent to the Cubs May 15.
On June 9, 2012, Byrd was designated for assignment by the Red Sox in order to make room for Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was returning from the disabled list. On June 12, 2012 Byrd was released.
On June 25, 2012, Byrd was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance.[11] Byrd was placed on the restricted list and remained there until August 20.
[edit]New York Mets
On February 1, 2013, Byrd signed a minor-league deal with the Mets. [12]
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