Ross Garrett Wolf (born October 18, 1982) is a former professional baseball relief pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers. He bats and throws right-handed. He has also played for the SK Wyverns of the Korea Baseball Championship.
Wolf attended Newton Community High School in Newton, Illinois and Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Illinois.
Professional career
Wolf was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 47th round (1390th overall) in the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. However, he refused to sign with them and remained a free agent. He was selected the following year by the Florida Marlins in the 18th round (533rd overall) in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft, this time accepting the position. After the 2013 season, he moved to Korea Baseball Championship. SK Wyverns is his new team.
Florida Marlins
Wolf was assigned to Short-Season Jamestown, where in 11 starts, he went 2-4 with a 4.66 ERA, striking out 18 in 46.1 innings. Wolf played 2003 with Single-A Greensboro, where in 27 games, he went 6-1 with a 1.61 ERA, striking out 26 in 50.1 innings. Wolf played 2004 with High-A Jupiter, where in 43 games, he went 11-7 with a 2.60 ERA and 5 saves, striking out 58 in 90 innings, tying for 4th in wins despite not starting a single game. Wolf played 2005 with Double-A Carolina, where in 54 games, he went 5-4 with a 4.96 ERA, striking out 59 in 78 innings. Wolf began 2006 with Carolina, where he pitched in 12 games before earning a promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque in May. He pitched in 48 games with the Isotopes to finish the season. In 60 games in 2006, he went 5-3 with a 4.05 ERA, striking out 41 in 66.2 innings.
Wolf opened 2007 with Albuquerque, where he had a 2.82 ERA in 41 games before earning a promotion to Florida. On August 9, Wolf had his contract purchased. He made his major league debut on August 10 against the Mets, pitching 0.1 scoreless innings. On August 25, Wolf was optioned back to Albuquerque, but he didn't stay for long, returning on September 4 after the rosters expanded. He got his first major league strikeout on September 5, against Wily Mo Peña of the Nationals. In 14 games with the Marlins in 2007, he went 0-1 with an 11.68 ERA, striking out 6 in 12.1 innings.
After beginning 2008 on the disabled list, he made 3 rehab appearances with Jupiter starting on May 19, and was assigned to Albuquerque at their conclusion. On May 31, he was outrighted off the major league roster. In 41 games in 2008, he went 5-2 with a 3.77 ERA, striking out 27 in 43 innings. After the season, he became a minor league free agent.
Baltimore Orioles
On December 1, 2008, Wolf signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Wolf played all of 2009 with Triple-A Norfolk, where in 47 games, he went 4-2 with a 3.95 ERA, striking out a career-high 73 in 82 innings.
He signed another minor league deal with Baltimore for the 2010 season. He began 2010 with Norfolk, going 0-2 with a 1.88 ERA, striking out 26 in 38.1 innings before being traded
Oakland Athletics
On June 22, 2010, Wolf was traded to the Oakland Athletics for Jake Fox. He was assigned to Triple-A Sacramento, where he pitched in 7 games before earning a promotion. On July 7, he was called up by Oakland, replacing Tyson Ross. He made his Athletics debut on July 10 against the Angels. After not pitching since July 29, he was optioned to Sacramento on August 22 when closer Andrew Bailey was reinstated from the disabled list. When the rosters expanded on September 1, Wolf was recalled. In 11 games with Oakland, he had a 4.26 ERA, striking out 9 in 12.2 innings. On October 7, Wolf was outrighted off the roster, and he elected free agency 2 days later.
Houston Astros
On November 9, 2010, Wolf signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros. Wolf played 2011 with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where in 56 games, he went 4-3 with a 4.76 ERA, striking out 55 in 73.2 innings. After the season, he became a minor league free agent.
Return to Baltimore
The Baltimore Orioles signed him on January 9, 2012. After playing 7 games with Double-A Bowie, he was released on April 22.
Texas Rangers
On April 27, Wolf signed a minor league deal with Texas Rangers, and was assigned to Double-A Frisco. After 15 appearances, he was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock on June 12. He bounced between them during June and July before settling with Frisco on July 14. In 50 games in 2012, he went 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA, striking out 58 in 62.1 innings.