Michael Petersen

Michael Kenechukwu Petersen (born May 16, 1994) is a British-American professional baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. He made his MLB debut in 2024.

Early life

Petersen was born in London to an American father and Nigerian mother. At age one, Petersen moved to California, his father's home state. Petersen grew up in San Jose and attended Saint Francis High School. Career Amateur Petersen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 19th round of the 2012 MLB draft out of Saint Francis High School but did not sign. He was later drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 31st round of the 2013 MLB draft out of West Valley College but also did not sign.

After one year at West Valley, Petersen transferred to Riverside City College, playing one game in the 2014 season, for innings pitched, two strikeouts, and no runs allowed. He was again drafted, but did not sign, this time by the San Francisco Giants in the 24th round of the 2014 MLB draft.

Milwaukee Brewers

He was then drafted for a fourth time by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 17th round of the 2015 MLB draft, and this time he did sign, receiving a $100,000 bonus. Petersen began his professional career in 2015 with the Arizona League Brewers and then played for the Helena Brewers in 2016 and 2017. In 2018 with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, he made 32 appearances to a 3.72 earned run average (ERA) and in 2019 with the Carolina Mudcats he had a 3.17 ERA in 41 games. He did not play in 2020 as a result of the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic and missed the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 5, 2021. He made his MLB debut two days later against the Rockies, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two in two innings to pick up the win. His first strikeout was of Elehuris Montero. He pitched 14 innings over 11 games for the Dodgers, with three wins, a 6.43 ERA, and 11 strikeouts. Petersen also appeared in 35 games for Oklahoma City, with a 1.64 ERA, 10 saves, and 44 strikeouts.

Miami Marlins On September 10, 2024, Petersen was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins. In 5 appearances for the Marlins, Petersen logged a 4.76 ERA with 3 strikeouts across innings pitched.

Los Angeles Angels On November 4, 2024, Petersen was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. He was designated for assignment following the signing of Max Scherzer on February 4, 2025. On February 11, Petersen was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels. He was optioned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees to begin the season. Petersen made one appearance for Salt Lake before he was designated for assignment on March 31.

Atlanta Braves On April 1, 2025, Petersen was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations. In four appearances for the Braves, he accumulated a 4.05 ERA with five strikeouts across innings pitched. Petersen was designated for assignment by Atlanta on July 13.

Miami Marlins (second stint) On July 16, 2025, Petersen was traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations.

International career Petersen pitched for Great Britain at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.