Adam Russell

Adam William Russell (born April 14, 1983) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, and Tampa Bay Rays.

Amateur career

College Russell was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 26th round (782nd overall) in the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. Opting not to sign, he instead decided to play college baseball at Ohio University, where he did so for three years.

Professional career

Chicago White Sox

Russell was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 2004 MLB draft. He made his professional debut that year, combining to go 4–2 with a 3.75 ERA in 17 appearances (six starts) between the Rookie-Level Great Falls Voyagers and Single-A Kannapolis Intimidators in . Russell went 4–0 with a 2.37 ERA to earn promotion to Kannapolis on August 23. He made two starts at Kannapolis.

Russell split the season between the Triple-A Charlotte Knights of the International League and the Major League White Sox in . He was 4–0 with a 5.19 ERA in 22 relief appearances in his first season in the Major Leagues. The four wins came in his first 10 Major League outings and three of his four wins came at home and all against American League Central opponents. He made his Major League debut on June 17 against the Pittsburgh Pirates with one perfect inning pitched and his first strikeout against José Bautista. Russell earned his first major league win on July 1 as the White Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians 3–2 in 10 innings.

San Diego Padres On July 31, 2009, Russell was traded to the San Diego Padres along with Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard and Dexter Carter for Jake Peavy. In 15 games with the Padres, he went 3–1 with a 3.65 ERA in innings pitched.

Russell was designated for assignment on July 18, 2011. He cleared waivers a week later and was assigned to Triple-A on July 25.

Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves signed Russell to a minor league contract on November 22, 2011. He was released on July 21, 2012.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim On August 1, 2012, Russell signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and was assigned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. He was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides for the 2013 season, going 3–3 with five saves and a 2.37 ERA in 42 games (three starts). The Diamondbacks released him on March 27, 2014.

Cincinnati Reds Russell signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds on May 2, 2014. He made 27 appearances out of the bullpen for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, posting a 2-2 record and 4.33 ERA with 34 strikeouts and two saves across innings pitched.