Jason Berken


Jason Thomas Berken is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs.

College

Berken graduated from West De Pere High School. He played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers. While at Clemson, he played for the New England Collegiate Baseball League's Keene Swamp Bats. In 186 innings with Clemson, Berken pitched to an 18–6 record, 3.04 ERA, and 156 strikeouts.

Professional career

Baltimore Orioles

Berken was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the 2006 MLB draft. On May 26, 2009, after pitching just 25 innings for Triple-A Norfolk, he was called up to the Orioles' roster to replace injured outfielder Lou Montanez. He earned his first major league win that day, giving up two runs in five innings in a 7-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he finished the year with a 6-12 record, along with a 6.54 ERA in 119 innings pitched. This led to Berken being named the "AL Les Sweetland Award winner" by SI writer Joe Posnanski for finishing the year as the worst starting pitcher in the American League.

Chicago Cubs

On September 7, 2012, Berken was claimed off waivers by the Cubs.

Chicago White Sox

On April 2, 2013, he later signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago White Sox for 2013 season.

San Francisco Giants

On November 15, 2013, Berken signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. On March 31, 2014 he was assigned to the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies.

Philadelphia Phillies

On February 24, 2015, Berken signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. On March 2, 2015 he was assigned to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He elected free agency on November 6.

Toronto Blue Jays

On February 17, 2016, Berken signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He became a free agent on November 7, 2016.