Rich Thompson

Richard Graeme Thompson (born 1 July 1984) is an Australian former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Oakland Athletics.

Playing career Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Thompson was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Anaheim Angels on 13 February .

In , he was part of the Australian Olympic baseball team, which achieved a silver medal at the Athens Olympics.

Thompson had his contract purchased by the Angels' major league club on 1 September, , marking the first time he was on the major league roster. He made his major league debut on that same day against the Texas Rangers

In , Thompson began the season with the Angels after relievers Chris Bootcheck and Scot Shields began the season on the disabled list. However, after allowing five earned runs on four hits in his only outing against the Texas Rangers, Thompson was optioned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees to make way for Shields. He made one more appearance with the Angels, but became hurt pitching in Memphis for the Triple-A team. He spent the majority of his 2008 season rehabbing his shoulder injury in Arizona and finished the season with the Bees.

On 10 September 2010 Thompson picked up his first major league win after the Angels went into extra innings against the Seattle Mariners.

Thompson made his only Australian Baseball League appearances in the 2010–11 season pitching in three games for his native Sydney Blue Sox.

On 14 April 2012, the Angels designated Thompson for assignment.

Oakland Athletics On 20 April 2012, the Oakland Athletics claimed him off waivers. On 25 April 2012, the Athletics designated Thompson for assignment. On 27 April 2012, the Athletics outrighted Thompson to their Triple-A affiliate Sacramento River Cats.

Toronto Blue Jays On 11 December 2012, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that Thompson had been signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.

Thompson injured himself prior to breaking camp with the Blue Jays and is still listed as inactive (not released or retired) with the Triple-A team as of 2019.

Coaching career On January 20, 2026, Thompson was announced as the manager for the Arkansas Travelers, the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.