Kody Funderburk (born November 27, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.

Career

Funderburk graduated from Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek, Arizona.[1] He began his college baseball career at Mesa Community College.[2] He then transferred to Dallas Baptist University.

The Minnesota Twins selected Funderburk in the 15th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He made his professional debut with the rookie–level Elizabethton Twins, recording a 4.93 ERA in 10 games. Funderburk spent the 2019 season with the Single–A Cedar Rapids Kernels, also appearing in one game for the High–A Fort Myers Miracle. In 12 games (10 starts) for Fort Myers, he posted a 4.68 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 50.0 innings pitched.[4]

Funderburk did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] He returned to action in 2021, splitting the year between Cedar Rapids and the Double–A Wichita Wind Surge. In 18 games (10 starts) split between the two affiliates, Funderburk combined to a 4–3 record and 2.55 ERA with 82 strikeouts and 4 saves in 67.0 innings pitched.[6] He spent the entire 2022 season back in Wichita, registering a 10–5 record and 2.94 ERA with 103 strikeouts in 107.0 innings of work.[7]

Funderburk began the 2023 season with Double–A Wichita, and was promoted to the Triple–A St. Paul Saints after 5 games. In 37 appearances for the Saints, he registered a 2.60 ERA with 75 strikeouts and 5 saves in 52.0 innings of work.[8]

On August 28, 2023, Funderburk was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[9] He made his MLB debut the same day and earned his first win after pitching two perfect innings in relief of Kenta Maeda in a 10–6 home victory over the Cleveland Guardians.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Reusse: Kody Funderburk climbs to Twins and MLB, with twists along the way". Star Tribune.
  2. ^ "Arizona junior colleges offer viable route to pro baseball". eastvalleytribune.com. 28 July 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  3. ^ "Minnesota Twins 2018 MLB draft pick capsules".
  4. ^ "Kody Funderburk Stats & Scouting Report". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  5. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  6. ^ "Kody Funderburk - Stats - Pitching". fangraphs.com. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  7. ^ "Kody Funderburk - Baseball Stats". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  8. ^ "The No. 1 Twins' prospect headlines Opening Day for Wichita Wind Surge Baseball". kansas.com. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  9. ^ Park, Do-Hyoung. "Twins option Ober to Triple-A, activate Funderburk," MLB.com, Monday, August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  10. ^ Campbell, Dave. "Royce Lewis hits his 2nd slam in 2 days; Twins top the Guardians 10–6 for 7-game lead," The Associated Press (AP), Monday, August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

External links