Kyle Lohse - Major Leagues

Major Leagues

In 1997, the Chicago Cubs drafted Lohse, later trading him to the Minnesota Twins, where he made his Major League Baseball debut in 2001. During his career in Minnesota, Lohse dedicated himself to working with Cars for Courage, an organization that serves disabled children through sports programs and activities.

2002 was Lohse's first full year as a starter, when he posted a 13–8 record with an ERA of 4.23. He followed that with success in 2003, starting 33 games and going 14–11 with a 4.61 ERA. In 2004, he did not fare as well, going 9–13 with a 5.34 ERA. Lohse has been to one ALCS, with the Twins in 2002.

Lohse has a fastball in the low 90s and his dominant pitch is his curveball. On May 17, 2006, he was sent down to AAA Rochester, and the Twins called up replacement pitcher Boof Bonser. On June 9, Matt Guerrier broke his thumb and Lohse was recalled.

On July 31, 2006, Lohse was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for minor league pitcher Zach Ward. Lohse made his first start for the Reds on August 17, 2006.

On July 30, 2007, Lohse was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor league pitcher Matt Maloney. After his departure from the Reds, Lohse's performance improved dramatically, and in 10 starts with the Phillies, Lohse went 2–0, receiving a large number of non-decisions due to late offensive rallies by the Phillies lineup. His ERA as a Phillie fell to 4.44.

On March 14, 2008, Lohse signed a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals worth $4.25 million.

Lohse was one of the biggest surprises for the Cardinals in the first half of the 2008 season, going 11–2 with a 3.39 ERA. He was later suspended for five games for throwing at Reds' pitcher Edinson Volquez. Lohse appealed the ruling and pitched as he awaited a decision on his appeal: however, Lohse eventually dropped his appeal and served his suspension in full.

Lohse and the Cardinals agreed to a four-year, $41-million contract extension on September 29, 2008.

On April 17, 2010, in a 20-inning game against the New York Mets, Lohse entered the game playing left field in the 18th inning while shortstop Felipe López pitched.

On August 28, 2011, Lohse won his 100th game as a pitcher when the Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 7–4. That year, he led the Cardinals with 14 wins and a 3.39 ERA.

Lohse was named the Cardinals' Opening Day starting pitcher in 2012. In that game, Lohse didn't give up a hit until the 7th inning, when José Reyes hit a single to right field. In total, Lohse threw 7 1⁄₃ innings, giving up 2 hits while allowing 1 run and striking out 3. Thus, Lohse became the first ever pitcher to earn a win at the new Marlins Park.