Dan Wheeler


Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American former professional baseball pitcher.

Early career

Wheeler attended Pilgrim High School in Warwick, Rhode Island. He was drafted in the 1996 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays out of Central Arizona College. After the Devil Rays, he played for the New York Mets, who traded him to the Houston Astros for minor leaguer Adam Seuss in 2004.

Houston Astros

In 2005, Wheeler established himself as a top setup man for the Astros, going 2-3 with a 2.21 ERA in 71 games.
On October 19, 2005 during the National League Championship Series he recorded the last out at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, a fly ball which was caught by Astro Jason Lane in right field off the bat of Yadier Molina. He played on Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic in the offseason.
On April 9, 2007, Wheeler became the Astros' closer, replacing Brad Lidge. However, Wheeler lost the closer's job when Lidge overcame injury and returned to the team.

Tampa Bay Rays

On July 28, 2007, Wheeler was traded back to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in exchange for third baseman Ty Wigginton.
He is one of four pitchers who have pitched in at least 70 games each of the four seasons from 2004 to 08, the others being Scott Schoeneweis, Bob Howry, and Chad Qualls.

Boston Red Sox

On December 17, 2010, the Boston Red Sox signed Wheeler to a one-year, $3 million contract with a club option for 2012.

Cleveland Indians

Wheeler was a non-roster invitee with the Cleveland Indians in 2012. He was added to the opening day roster on April 4, 2012. He struggled early, however, with an 8.76 ERA in 12 games. Wheeler was designated for assignment immediately following the game on May 13, 2012, against the Boston Red Sox in which he gave up six earned runs in one inning. After clearing waivers, Wheeler was outrighted to the triple-A Columbus Clippers on May 16, 2012. He appeared in 36 games for Columbus, posting a 3-3 record and a 2.32 ERA. On October 6, 2012 Wheeler elected free agency.

Kansas City Royals

On December 11, 2012, the Kansas City Royals confirmed they had signed Wheeler to a minor league contract with an expected invite to Major League spring training.
Wheeler retired in February 2014.
Dan Wheeler is married to long time Rays play-by-play broadcaster Dewayne Staats' daughter Stephanie, further deepening his roots to the St. Petersburg based ball club.