Quick Facts
LeoBiography
Brandon Lee Kintzler (born August 1, 1984) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs.
Career
San Diego Padres
Kintzler was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 40th round of the 2004 amateur entry draft. In 2004, he played for their Rookie Arizona League Padres and Class A (Short Season) Eugene Emeralds. In addition to playing for those teams again in 2005, he also pitched for the Class A Fort Wayne Wizards.
Independent Leagues
After sitting out the 2006 season, he returned to play for the independent Northern League's Winnipeg Goldeyes in 2007 and 2008. He began the 2009 season with the independent American Association's St. Paul Saints.
Milwaukee Brewers
During the 2009 season, Kintzler was signed to a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers and assigned to the Double-A Huntsville Stars. Kintzler started the 2010 season with Huntsville, but was promoted to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds that June. After the conclusion of the 2010 Pacific Coast League season on September 6, Kintzler was promoted to Milwaukee. He made his major league debut on September 10.
During the 2011 season, Kintzler had an ERA of 4.25 over 14.2 innings before injuring his pitching arm.
On June 28, 2012, Kintzler was designated for assignment by the Brewers, removing him from the 40-man roster.
2013
In 2013, Kintzler had a breakout season, establishing himself as a setup man to Brewers closer Jim Henderson. He finished the season with a 2.69 ERA.
2014
Kintzler lost his setup role to Will Smith when he went on the 15-Day DL with a right rotator cuff strain. Despite this, Kintzler retained his effectiveness, pitching in 64 games with a 3.24 ERA for the Brewers.
2015
Kintzler's 2015 season was cut short due to injury. He only appeared in seven games the whole season.
Minnesota Twins
Kintzler signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins in December 2015. Kintzler began the season in the Twins' AAA affiliate. The Twins began the season with Glen Perkins as the closer but after two appearances, he was shut down and Kintzler got the call up to be the setup man to incumbent closer Kevin Jepsen. After numerous blown saves, Jepsen was removed from the closer role and given to Kintzler. He finished the season with 17 saves in 54 games.
2017
Kintzler began the 2017 season as the Twins closer with Glen Perkins still recovering from injury. For the first half of the season, he recorded 24 saves with a 2.29 ERA. He was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
Washington Nationals
On July 31, 2017, Kintzler was traded to the Washington Nationals for minor league pitcher Tyler Watson. On August 6, 2017, he recorded his first win with the Nationals in a 9-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs.
Kintzler signed a two-year contract with the Nationals on December 21, 2017.
Chicago Cubs
On July 31, 2018, Kintzler was traded to the Chicago Cubs, in exchange for Jhon Romero.
Miami Marlins
On January 25, 2020, Kintzler signed with the Miami Marlins.
Personal life
Kintzler is married to Melissa Elgert. Melissa gave birth to the couple's first child, a son, in late 2015.
