Justin Thompson was one of the top young lefthanders in MLB in 1997, but then he hurt his shoulder. Thompson had a 15-11 record with a 3.02 ERA, allowed just 118 hits in 223 1/3 innings, struck out 151, while allowing only 66 walks. The following season with the Tigers he slipped to 11-15, 4.05 ERA, 227 hits allowed in 222 innings, walked 79, but still managed to strike out 149. 1999 was the last time he pitched in the big leagues before shoulder ailments shut him down. His record in 1999 was a dismal 9-11, 5.11 ERA, he let up 152 hits in 142 2/3 innings, he walked 59, but struck out only 83.
Then after six years and four shoulder surgeries he resurfaced. Former Tiger Justin Thompson might not be done, after all. Thompson, 31, had a 3.07 ERA in 14 2/3 innings for Frisco, the Texas Rangers’ Double-A team in the Texas League, and got a callup to the big leagues.
Because of arm problems, Thompson hasn’t pitched in the majors since 1999. After that season, he was traded to Texas in the deal for Juan Gonzalez.
But then I was reading today’s transactions and saw where the Rangers farmed out Justin Thompson after he allowed two home runs in his two appearances, with an ERA of 21.60, four hits, and four earned runs in an inning & two thirds. Thompson was dejected when he got the news of his demotion. But this guy is not a quitter and I wish him luck in his quest for a return to the show!