Successful starting pitchers from 1962 on who were
relievers early in career, 400+ gs:
Nolan Ryan, relieved in 15 of 25 games in 1969, and in 31 of
105 games pitched thru 1971 before settling in as starter in 699 of 702
remaining games.
Phil Niekro, relieved in all but 1 of his first 79 games
pitched, then in 56 of next 179 gp, but only 14 of 506 remaining gp. 148 of 864
total.
Tommy John relieved in 26 of his first 70 gp, in 34 of his
remaining 630 gp.
Gaylord Perry relieved in 79 of first 135 gp, including 27
of 31 gp in 1963, in 8 of remaining 642 gp.
Jamie Moyer relieved in 23 of 33 gp in 1990, his 5th
year; 58 of 696 overall.
Ferguson Jenkins relieved in 56 of his first 68 gp; 14 of
remaining 596.
Joe Niekro relieved in 30 of first 149 gp, then 161 of next
216; 202 of 702 total.
David Wells relieved in all but 2 of first 113 gp, 57 of
next 124; only 3 of final 433; 171 of 660 total.
Luis Tiant relieved in 44 of first 106, incl. 30 of 46 in 3rd
yr (1966); just 45 of remaining 467 (incl. 34 of 64 1971-72); 89 of 573 total.
Kenny Rogers all but 12 of first 286; only 14 of remaining
476 (288 of 762 total).
Charlie Hough relieved all but 1 of first 340; 76 of next 98;
only 3 of last 420; 418 of 858 total.
Curt Schilling started first 4, but only 5 of first 100, 26
of 42 in transition year, then 248 straight and 338 of 339, before coming back
from injury as closer in 2005 (21 of 32 relieved, 9 saves); started last 55;
133 relieved of 569 overall.
David Cone relieved first 11, 19 of first 32, 26 of first
67; only 5 of remaining 383; 31 of 450 total.
Pedro Martinez relieved 64 of first 67; only 3 of 409 rest
of way; 67 of 476 total.
All of above had 400+ gs; next 3 are ones I knew of:
Derek Lowe relieved 12 of first 32 gp, then 273 of next 286
(incl. 85 saves); only 2 of next 357; then 26 of last 26. 304 of 681 total.
Adam Wainwright relieved 63 of first 63 games; only 4 of 285
since so far (67 of 348 so far); was closer in last week of season (3 saves)
and postseason 2006 (4 saves in 9 games in relief 0.00 ERA in 9.67 IP)
David Price only 4 of first 5 games in relief in reg season,
but 5 gr in rookie year postseason (2008) including a save.
Tim Wakefield had a peculiar 4 year stretch in middle of
career: started 17 of 49 1999, 17 of 51 2000, 17 of 45 2001, 15 of 45 2002;
relieved 124 of 190 those 4 yrs; only 40 of 437 before and after those years;
164 of 627 total.
Starters who turned relievers at end of career:
Dennis Martinez relieved in 31 of first 46 gp, and 48 of 53
in last season (51 of 593 in between)
Jim Kaat relieved in 204 of final 223 gp;
273 of 898 overall.
Jerry Koosman relieved 6 of 9 first gp, 47 of 106 from
1981-83 near end of career; 85 of 612 overall.
Mike Flanagan relieved in all but 1 of final 106 (only 17 of
first 420). 122 of 526 total.
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