History of Zach Duke in Timeline

Zach Duke is a retired American professional baseball pitcher with a career spanning several Major League Baseball teams. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds. Duke's career highlights include his time with the Pirates where he established himself as a reliable starting pitcher. He later transitioned into a successful relief pitcher, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in various roles across different teams.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 19, 1983: Zach Duke's Birth

On April 19, 1983, Zachary Thomas Duke was born. He would later become a professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

July 31, 1992: Tim Wakefield's Debut

On July 31, 1992, Tim Wakefield debuted for the Pirates.

July 2, 2005: MLB Debut

On July 2, 2005, Zach Duke made his Major League Baseball debut against the Milwaukee Brewers. He struck out nine batters but received a no-decision in the Pirates' 5-3 loss.

July 2005: Named National League Rookie of the Month

During July 2005, Zach Duke had a 3-0 shutout victory against Greg Maddux and the Cubs on July 16 and recorded 22 consecutive scoreless innings. He was named National League Rookie of the Month for July with a 0.87 ERA.

November 2007: Marriage to Kristin Gross

In November 2007, Zach Duke married Kristin Gross in Evansville, Indiana. They met while she was an emcee for the Indianapolis Indians. Former Pirates closer Matt Capps was his best man.

November 24, 2010: Traded to Arizona Diamondbacks

On November 24, 2010, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Zach Duke to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a player to be named later, who was determined to be César Valdez.

May 28, 2011: First Start with Diamondbacks and First Home Run

On May 28, 2011, Zach Duke was activated off the disabled list and made his first start with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also hit his first major league home run that day, a three-run home run off Bud Norris.

October 31, 2011: Elected Free Agency

On October 31, 2011, Zach Duke elected to become a free agent.

January 27, 2012: Signed Minor League Contract with Astros

On January 27, 2012, Zach Duke signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros and received an invitation to spring training.

March 29, 2012: Signed Minor League Contract with Nationals

On March 29, 2012, Zach Duke signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals, playing for the Syracuse Chiefs.

December 2, 2012: Re-signed with Nationals

On December 2, 2012, Zach Duke re-signed with the Nationals on a one-year deal.

June 4, 2013: Designated for Assignment by Nationals

On June 4, 2013, Zach Duke was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals after posting an 8.71 ERA.

June 10, 2013: Released by Washington

On June 10, 2013, Zach Duke was released by Washington.

June 13, 2013: Signed Minor League Contract with Reds

On June 13, 2013, Zach Duke signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

January 15, 2014: Signed with Milwaukee Brewers

On January 15, 2014, Zach Duke signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and was invited to spring training.

October 30, 2014: Became a Free Agent

On October 30, 2014, Zach Duke became a free agent.

November 18, 2014: Signed with Chicago White Sox

On November 18, 2014, Zach Duke signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

July 21, 2016: Traded to St. Louis Cardinals

On July 21, 2016, the White Sox traded Zach Duke to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Charlie Tilson.

October 14, 2016: Surgery on Left Arm

On October 14, 2016, it was revealed that Zach Duke underwent surgery to repair a forearm flexor muscle and UCL in his left arm, which was expected to sideline him for the entire 2017 season.