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]
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