John Gant

John Gant
Atlanta Braves – No. 52
Pitcher
Born: (1992-08-06) August 6, 1992
Savannah, Georgia
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 6, 2016, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
(through April 6, 2016)
Win–loss record 0–0
Earned run average 0.00
Strikeouts 1
Teams

John Michael Gant (born August 6, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Professional career

Gant was drafted by the New York Mets in the 21st round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft out of Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Gant had previously committed to play for Long Island University.[1] He signed with the Mets and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Mets. Gant spent 2012 with the Kingsport Mets and pitched one game for the Savannah Sand Gnats. He played 2013 with the Brooklyn Cyclones and 2014 back with Savannah.[2][3] Gant began the 2015 season in the Binghamton Mets starting rotation.[4]

On July 24, 2015, the Mets traded Gant and Rob Whalen to the Atlanta Braves for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson.[5] He was assigned to their Double A affiliate, the Mississippi Braves. The Braves added him to their 40-man roster after the season.[6] Gant was invited to spring training to begin the 2016 season, and pitched well enough for the team to consider placing him in the major league bullpen, though Gant had worked primarily as a starter in the minor leagues.[7] He pitched 15 1⁄3 innings and allowed four earned runs in spring training,[8] making the Opening Day roster as a reliever.[9] He made his Major League debut on April 6, 2016 pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Washington Nationals, giving up one single and striking out one.[10] Four days later, Gant was sent to the minor leagues, and placed in the Gwinnett Braves starting rotation.[11] The Braves recalled him on April 27.[12]

Pitching style

Gant's pitching motion has repeatedly been characterized as "unique." He takes one step forward with his left foot, planting it on the right side of the mound, then moves backward, only to take the same step again before throwing the baseball. The extra movement, which Gant describes as a "false step," does not occur when he pitches from a set position.[13][14][15]

References

  1. ↑ Burns, Bryan (June 11, 2011). "Wiregrass Ranch P John Michael Gant signs with New York Mets". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  2. ↑ Lojacono, Kyle (July 6, 2013). "Gant still enjoys game of baseball as a pro". Tampa Tribune. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  3. ↑ Dominitz, Nathan (April 1, 2014). "Gant the Gnat: Savannah native pitching for hometown team". Savannah Morning News. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  4. ↑ Worthy, Lynn (April 8, 2015). "Binghamton Mets a team full of talent". Press & Sun-Bulletin. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  5. ↑ Sherman, Joel (July 24, 2015). "Offense-needy Mets land Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson from Braves". New York Post. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  6. ↑ Bowman, Mark (November 19, 2015). "Braves add Smith, Gant to 40-man roster". MLB.com. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  7. ↑ Bowman, Mark (April 1, 2016). "Gant sparks several Braves roster discussions". MLB.com. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  8. ↑ Bowman, Mark (April 4, 2016). "Gant ecstatic to realize dream with Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  9. ↑ Bowman, Mark (April 2, 2016). "Gant to bullpen as Braves set opener roster". MLB.com. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  10. ↑ Odum, Charles (April 6, 2016). "Savannah native Gant makes Braves debut against Nationals". Savannah Morning News. Associated Press. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  11. ↑ Bowman, Mark (April 10, 2016). "Braves summon reliever Withrow from Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  12. ↑ Mullen, Maureen (April 27, 2016). "Braves call up Gant, option Weber to Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  13. ↑ Bowman, Mark (March 25, 2016). "Gant becoming potential rotation candidate". Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  14. ↑ O'Brien, David (March 25, 2016). "Gant getting consideration as Braves starting-rotation option". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  15. ↑ O'Brien, David (March 19, 2016). "Braves pitcher Gant has funky motion, good results". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved March 26, 2016.

External links

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