Josh Rupe
Joshua Matthew Rupe is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles.
Career
Chicago White Sox
Rupe was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 3rd round, with the 90th overall selection, of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft out of Louisburg College. He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Bristol White Sox, posting a 3-3 record and 5.26 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 17 games. Rupe began the 2003 campaign with the Single-A Kannapolis Intimidators, registering a 5-5 record and 3.02 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 6 saves in innings pitched across 26 games.Texas Rangers
Rupe was acquired by the Texas Rangers along with Frank Francisco and Anthony Webster to complete an earlier trade for Carl Everett on July 25, 2003.On September 16, 2005, Rupe was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. In 4 games during his rookie campaign, he recorded a 2.79 ERA with 6 strikeouts across innings pitched.
Early in the 2006 season, Rupe was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to an inflamed left elbow. Upon his recovery, he spent time rehabbing with the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks. Rupe was promoted to the major leagues on July 28, 2006, and finished the season working out of the bullpen in a middle relief role. In 16 total appearances, Rupe compiled an 0-1 record and 3.41 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 29 innings of work.
Rupe failed to make the big league roster to start the 2007 season, and was optioned to the RedHawks. In 9 starts split between Oklahoma City and the rookie-level Arizona League Rangers, he accumulated a 2-2 record and 4.28 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 40 innings of work. Rupe made 46 appearances out of the bullpen for Texas during the 2008 season, playing a 3-1 record and 5.14 ERA with 53 strikeouts across innings pitched. Rupe's innings total in 2008 would tie J.P. Howell for the most relief innings pitched for the 2008 regular season.
Rupe pitched in 4 games for the Rangers in 2009, struggling to a 15.43 ERA with 2 strikeouts across innings pitched. On April 18, 2009, Rupe was designated for assignment by the Rangers. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City on April 28. Rupe elected free agency following the season on November 9.