Darin Downs

Darin Burton Downs (born December 26, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros, and in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions and Lamigo Monkeys.

His professional career began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2003. He also played in the Tampa Bay Rays' minor league system and during that time, survived a very serious concussion. After spending the 2011 season in the minors for the Florida Marlins organization, Downs joined the Tigers. He was called up to the majors for the first time on July 3, 2012. Downs was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros after the 2013 season.

Playing career

Chicago Cubs Downs was a fifth-round draft choice of the Chicago Cubs in June 2003. As a member of the Arizona League Cubs, Downs appeared in a total of 13 games during the 2003 minor league season, making 11 starts. He posted an earned run average (ERA) of 6.57 and had an 0–2 record.

For the 2004 season, Downs played for another Cubs minor league affiliate, the Boise Hawks. He pitched in 14 games, all but one as a starter. His ERA (4.95) was better than that of the previous year, as was his record of 5–3. Also, he struck out 61 opponents, the most by any Boise pitcher that season.

Downs returned to action in 2010, pitching for Montgomery and the Durham Bulls, Tampa Bay's Triple A team. With Montgomery, Downs posted a 6–2 record and an ERA of 1.69. He was also 6–2 with Durham, but his ERA there jumped to 4.46. Between the two teams, Downs pitched in 41 contests, serving as the starting pitcher four times. In November 2010, Downs reached a deal with the Florida Marlins as a minor league free agent. That same day, he made his MLB debut, facing the Minnesota Twins. A couple of days later, he struck out five Twins batters in three innings. For the season, Downs pitched in 18 games for the Tigers. He had a 2–1 record and his ERA was 3.48.

Houston Astros Downs was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros on November 1, 2013. Downs was placed on the disabled list with an oblique strain on August 19, 2014. At the time, he had a 2–1 record and a 4.31 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 40 appearances with the Astros.

Downs began the 2015 season with the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies, recording a 4.96 ERA 11 strikeouts and two saves across innings pitched. Downs was released by the Astros on May 21, 2015.

Long Island Ducks On July 13, 2015, Downs signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 12 starts for the Ducks, he logged a 4-5 record and 3.86 ERA with 55 strikeouts across innings pitched.

Downs made 17 starts for Long Island in 2016, compiling an 8-5 record and 3.60 ERA with 108 strikeouts over 105 innings of work.

Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions On July 28, 2016, Downs signed with the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League following an injury to Jair Jurrjens. He made 10 starts for the Lions, but struggled to an 0-5 record and 6.75 ERA with 51 strikeouts over 52 innings of work.

Lamigo Monkeys On February 8, 2017, Downs signed with the Lamigo Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He had a 10–3 record and a 3.49 ERA with 143 strikeouts in 25 appearances during the regular season.

Downs re-signed with the club on January 15, 2018. After surrendering 15 runs over innings in 2 starts, he was released on May 27.

Sultanes de Monterrey On July 25, 2018, Downs signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League. In 12 appearances (five starts) for Monterrey, he recorded a 3.42 ERA with 28 strikeouts and one save across innings pitched. Downs became a free agent following the season.

Long Island Ducks (second stint) On April 2, 2019, Downs signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

Acereros de Monclova On June 4, 2019, Downs had his contract purchased by the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League. He made two appearances for Monclova, but struggled immensely, allowing six earned runs across innings. Downs was released by the Acereros on June 10.

Long Island Ducks (third stint) On June 14, 2019, Downs signed back with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season.

Melbourne Aces On December 25, 2019, the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League announced the signing of Downs. He went on to record a 0.95 ERA in 19 innings for the Aces in the 2019 season.

Long Island Ducks (fourth stint) On June 19, 2021, Downs spent the season as the pitching coach for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Downs also signed with the team as a player, and recorded a 6–5 record and 4.50 ERA with 93 strikeouts across 19 starts for the club.

Coaching career On March 4, 2021, Downs was announced as the pitching coach for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2021 season.