Wagner played college baseball at the University of Utah for the Utah Utes from 2010 to 2012 as a relief pitcher. As a sophomore in 2011, Wagner set the Utes single-season saves record with 12 and finished his career with a school record 17 saves.[1] Overall, he appeared in 57 games in his three seasons in Utah, going 6–10 with a 2.73 earned run average (ERA) and 90 strikeouts in 99 innings.
Professional career
Milwaukee Brewers
Minor leagues
Wagner was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth round, with the 155th overall selection, of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.[2] He signed with the Brewers and was converted to a starting pitcher. made his professional debut that season with the rookie-level Helena Brewers. Wagner struggled posting a 7.77 ERA in 48+2⁄3 innings. Wagner pitched for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 2013 going 10–8 with a 3.21 ERA with 116 strikeouts. He played for the Brevard County Manatees in 2014,[3][4] and finished the season with 13 wins and a 1.86 ERA.[5] After the regular season, he was promoted to the Double-A Huntsville Stars for the Southern League playoffs.[6]
Major leagues
The Brewers promoted Wagner to make his major league debut on May 31.[7] After one start, they optioned him back to the Biloxi Shuckers of the Southern League.[8] Wagner made 3 starts for the Brewers in 2015, posting an 0–2 record, 7.24 ERA, and 5 strikeouts in 132⁄3 total innings.[9]
Arizona Diamondbacks
On January 30, 2016, Wagner was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with Jean Segura in exchange for Aaron Hill, Chase Anderson, Isan Díaz, and cash considerations.[10] Wagner made three total appearances for the Diamondbacks during the regular season, compiling a 1-0 record and 1.80 ERA with seven strikeouts across 10 innings pitched.[11]
Texas Rangers
Wagner was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers on November 18, 2016.[12][13] On April 19, 2017, Wagner was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Round Rock Express.[14] He made 29 appearances (21 starts) for Round Rock, struggling to a 3-11 record and 6.25 ERA with 88 strikeouts and three saves across 125+1⁄3 innings pitched.
In 2018, Wagner played in 25 games (including 18 starts) for the Double–A Frisco RoughRiders and Triple–A Round Rock, accumulating a 4.76 ERA with 59 strikeouts across 104 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 2, 2018.[15]
