NewsIsringhausen files for free agency
Veteran reliever coming off season-ending elbow surgery
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
11/09/09 7:12 PM EST
ST. PETERSBURG -- Jason Isringhausen filed for free agency on Monday, making him the sixth Rays player to become a free agent this offseason.The veteran right-hander signed with the Rays as a free agent in February, but he did not join the team until May 18 after beginning the 2009 season on the disabled list. In nine games he went 0-1 with a 2.22 ERA in before tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in June, which required season-ending surgery.
Troy Percival, Chad Bradford, and Russ Springer declared for free agency last week. Gregg Zaun and Brian Shouse became free agents on Monday, when the Rays elected to not exercise their options for the 2010 season.
Isringhausen has compiled 293 career saves, sixth highest among active players and 22nd on the all-time list. Since 2000, his 284 saves rank tied for third (with Billy Wagner) among Major League pitchers, trailing only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman. He is also the all-time Cardinals leader with 217 saves.
Isringhausen was selected to the National League All-Star Team in 2005 and the American League squad in 2000. He has pitched in five postseasons with St. Louis and Oakland and reached the World Series in 2004. In 23 career postseason appearances, he is 4-5 with 11 saves and a 2.36 ERA; he saved a career-high 47 games in 2004, tied for the National League lead.
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
