Connor Gillispie Explained

Connor Brammer Gillispie (born November 10, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Cleveland Guardians. He made his MLB debut in 2024.

Career

Gillispie attended the Miller School of Albemarle in Charlottesville, Virginia.^[1] He enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and played college baseball for the VCU Rams.

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles selected Gillispie in the ninth round, with the 258th overall selection, of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.^[2] He made his professional debut with the Low–A Aberdeen IronBirds, recording a 1.77 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 14 appearances. Gillispie did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[3]

Gillispie returned to Aberdeen in 2021, now a High–A affiliate, and posted a 4–8 record and 4.97 ERA with 78 strikeouts across 21 games (12 starts).^[4] He returned to Aberdeen for a third season in 2022, compiling an 8–5 record and 3.79 ERA with 113 strikeouts over 25 appearances (14 starts).^[5]

Gillispie spent the 2023 campaign with the Double–A Bowie Baysox. In 27 games (14 starts), he accumulated a 7–4 record and 3.89 ERA with 99 strikeouts and 2 saves across innings pitched.^[6]

Cleveland Guardians

On December 6, 2023, the Cleveland Guardians selected Gillispie from the Orioles in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft.^[7] Gillispie began the 2024 season with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. On August 4, 2024, Gillispie was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.^[8] In 3 appearances during his rookie campaign, he posted a 2.25 ERA with 8 strikeouts across 8 innings of work. Gillispie was designated for assignment by Cleveland on November 19.^[9] On November 22, the Guardians non–tendered Gillispie, making him a free agent.^[10]

Atlanta Braves

On November 29, 2024, Gillispie signed a one–year, major league contract with the Atlanta Braves.^[11]

See also

• Rule 5 draft results

External links

• VCU Rams bio

Notes and References

1. Web site: Former Miller star Connor Gillispie drafted by Orioles. The Daily Progress staff. reports. June 4, 2019. The Daily Progress.
2. Web site: 'Amazing' VCU experience set up Bowie righty Connor Gillispie for pro run. JOHN O’CONNOR Richmond. Times-Dispatch. August 11, 2023. Richmond Times-Dispatch.
3. Web site: 2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled. August 19, 2024. mlb.com. en.
4. Web site: Connor Gillispie - Baseball Stats. August 19, 2024. thebaseballcube.com. en.
5. Web site: Connor Gillispie - Stats - Pitching. August 19, 2024. fangraphs.com. en.
6. Web site: Connor Gillispie Stats & Scouting Report. August 19, 2024. baseballamerica.com. en.
7. Web site: Orioles in agreement with Kimbrel, decline to make selection in major league phase of Rule 5 draft. December 6, 2023. MASNsports.com - Orioles and Nationals on MASNsports.com.
8. Web site: Guardians bolster bullpen with two fresh arms ahead of series finale against Orioles. August 19, 2024. cleveland.com. en.
9. Web site: Guardians Designate Three Players For Assignment. November 21, 2024. mlbtraderumors.com. en.
10. Web site: Guardians Avoid Arbitration With Veteran Righty, Non-Tender 2 Players. November 23, 2024. guardiansnation.com. en.
11. News: Bowman . Mark . Braves take flier on bullpen arm Gillispie . November 30, 2024 . MLB.com . November 29, 2024.