History of Ben Lively in Timeline

Edward Bennett "Ben" Lively is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Cleveland Guardians in Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Guardians, Lively played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, and Cincinnati Reds. He also spent time playing in the KBO League for the Samsung Lions. He is an American.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 5, 1992: Birth of Ben Lively

On March 5, 1992, Edward Bennett Lively, known as Ben Lively, was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians

In 2010, Ben Lively was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 26th round of the Major League Baseball Draft, but he did not sign with them.

2012: Played for Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox

After his sophomore season in 2012, Ben Lively played collegiate summer baseball for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2013: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

In 2013, Ben Lively was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft and made his professional debut with the Billings Mustangs and Dayton Dragons.

2014: Named Top Player in Reds' Farm System

In 2014, Ben Lively was named the top player in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system after a successful season with Bakersfield Blaze and the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

December 31, 2014: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

On December 31, 2014, Ben Lively was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Marlon Byrd.

2015: Played for Reading Fightin Phils

In 2015, Ben Lively played for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, recording an 8–7 record with a 4.13 ERA in 25 games.

2016: Received the Paul Owens Award

In 2016, Ben Lively received the Paul Owens Award as the best pitcher in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system and was added to the team's 40-man roster after the season.

June 3, 2017: Major League Debut with Phillies

On June 3, 2017, Ben Lively made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies against the San Francisco Giants, earning his first major league win.

2017: Assigned to Lehigh Valley

In 2017, Ben Lively was assigned to Lehigh Valley to begin the season.

September 3, 2018: Designated for Assignment by Philadelphia

On September 3, 2018, after struggling with an 0–2 record and a 6.85 ERA, Ben Lively was designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies.

September 5, 2018: Claimed off waivers by Kansas City Royals

On September 5, 2018, Ben Lively was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals, who then designated Eric Stout for assignment to add Lively to the 40-man roster.

June 20, 2019: Designated for Assignment by Kansas City

On June 20, 2019, Ben Lively was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals following the promotion of Humberto Arteaga.

June 22, 2019: Traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks

On June 22, 2019, Ben Lively was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations.

August 7, 2019: Signed with the Samsung Lions

On August 7, 2019, Ben Lively left the Diamondbacks organization to sign with the Samsung Lions of the KBO League.

2020: Pitched for Samsung Lions

In 2020, Ben Lively pitched to a 6-7 record and 4.26 ERA in 21 appearances for the Samsung Lions.

June 1, 2021: Released by the Samsung Lions

On June 1, 2021, Ben Lively was released by the Samsung Lions after being diagnosed with a shoulder injury.

January 6, 2022: Signed Minor League Contract with Reds

On January 6, 2022, Ben Lively signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

November 19, 2022: Re-signed with the Reds

On November 19, 2022, Ben Lively re-signed with the Reds on a new minor league contract.

May 9, 2023: Contract Selected to Active Roster

On May 9, 2023, Ben Lively had his contract selected to the active roster for the Cincinnati Reds.

December 12, 2023: Signed with the Cleveland Guardians

On December 12, 2023, Ben Lively signed a major league contract with the Cleveland Guardians.

November 2024: Signed a deal with the Guardians

In November 2024, Ben Lively signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Cleveland Guardians to avoid arbitration.

2024: Pitched for the Cleveland Guardians

During the 2024 season, Ben Lively started 29 games for the Cleveland Guardians, achieving a 3.81 ERA with 118 strikeouts in 151 innings.

May 23, 2025: Surgery Announcement

On May 23, 2025, it was announced that Ben Lively would undergo Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.