Brandon Claussen

Claussen graduated from Goddard High School in Roswell, New Mexico.^[1] He then attended Howard College in Big Spring, Texas.^[2] He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 34th round of the 1998 Major League Baseball draft while in college.^[3] In 2001, he led all minor league pitchers in strikeouts, with 220.^[4] In June 2002, Claussen had Tommy John surgery.^[5]

Claussen was called up to the major leagues on June 28, 2003.^[6] He made his debut against the New York Mets that day.^[5] On July 31, 2003, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds with Charlie Manning and cash for Aaron Boone.^[7] Claussen was invited to spring training in 2004,^[8] and sent to the minors on March 28.^[9] He was recalled on July 20 to make his first start for the Reds.^[10] Claussen finished the 2005 season with a 10–11 record and 4.21 ERA.^[11] He made his final major league appearance on June 16, 2006, and took the loss against the Chicago White Sox.^[12] Two days later, he was diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis and placed on the disabled list.^[13] On August 14, Claussen underwent an operation to repair the rotator cuff and debridement in his throwing shoulder.^[11] On January 12, 2007, he signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals.^[11] He became a free agent at the end of the season.^[14]