Linebrink was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the second round (56th overall) of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft.[1] He made his major league debut with the Giants on April 15, 2000, allowing two hits in a scoreless inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks.[2]
On July 30, 2000, Linebrink was traded to the Houston Astros for Doug Henry.[3] He went on to split the next few seasons between the Astros and the minor leagues. On May 24, 2003, Linebrink was designated for assignment.[4] In nine games (six starts) with the Astros in 2003, he was 1–1 with a 4.26 ERA.[5]
On May 30, 2003, Linebrink was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres.[6] In 2004, he went 7–3 with a 2.14 ERA in 73 relief appearances.[5] In 2005, Linebrink was 8–1 with one save and a 1.83 ERA in 73 games.[5]
On July 25, 2007, Linebrink was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Steve Garrison, Will Inman and Joe Thatcher.[7] He finished the 2007 season with a 5–6 record, one save, and a 3.71 ERA in 71 combined appearances between San Diego and Milwaukee.[5] While with Milwaukee, Linebrink began wearing the number 71 in honor of Mark Merila, former bullpen catcher for the Padres, who had battled a brain tumor.[8] After the season, Linebrink became a free agent.
In November 2007, Linebrink agreed to a four-year, $19 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.[9]
On December 3, 2010, Linebrink was traded to the Atlanta Braves for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield.[10] On August 1, 2011, Linebrink was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.[11] In 64 games with the Braves, he finished 4–4 with one save and a 3.64 ERA.[5]
On February 10, 2012, Linebrink signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, with an invitation to spring training.[12]
He was given his unconditional release on June 8, 2012, after injuries prevented him from pitching with the team.[13]
Currently, Linebrink works as the Director of Stewardship – Southwest Region for Water Mission.
