Brian Stokes

Brian Alexander Stokes (born September 7, 1979) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball.

Early life

Stokes was born in Montclair, California, and graduated from Jurupa Valley High School. He played college baseball at Riverside Community College in California.

Career

On October 2, 1998, Stokes was signed as an amateur free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He spent his first professional season with the Princeton Devil Rays in 1999. While with Princeton, he led the Appalachian League in games finished with 35. He pitched for Charleston (Single-A) in 2000, allowing one home run in 70.1 innings pitched. Stokes pitched his first complete game at Mudville on June 23, 2001, but lost the game. He played for Bakersfield during the 2002 season, leading the team in wins (10) and strikeouts (154). He threw his first professional shutout on July 14 against San Jose. Stokes started ten games for Orlando (Double-A) before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2003, resulting in his missing the entire 2004 season. In 2005, Stokes pitched for both Visalia (Single-A) and Montgomery (Double-A). A hamstring injury sidelined him for the month of July. He was recalled from Durham (Triple-A) on September 2, 2005. Stokes made his major league debut on September 3, 2006. In 2007, Brian's 59 appearances were fourth among American League rookies.

New York Mets

On November 28, 2007, Stokes was sent from Tampa Bay to the New York Mets for cash considerations and was added to the Mets' 40-man roster. During spring training on the last day, he was designated for assignment. He started the season with the Mets Triple-A affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs. He was called up to the Mets on August 9, 2008, to start in place of injured starting pitcher, John Maine.

Los Angeles Angels

On January 22, 2010, Stokes was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for Gary Matthews, Jr. He was released by the Angels on September 7, 2010 after making 16 appearances with an 8.10 ERA.

Toronto Blue Jays

On December 21, 2010, Stokes signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays.

On February 14, 2011, Stokes' contract was voided by the Blue Jays "due to the results of his physical".

Arizona Diamondbacks

Stokes signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 1, 2011, and was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces.