Quick Facts
Biography
David Kent Purcey (born April 22, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox.
Amateur career
Purcey attended high school at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Texas, and then attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played for the Sooners baseball team. In 2003, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Cardinals of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Professional career
Draft
Purcey originally was drafted in the 2001 entry draft by the Seattle Mariners in the 20th round. He then was drafted again by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of the 2003 entry draft, and finally drafted once again by Toronto in the first round (16th overall) during the 2004 MLB entry draft.
Toronto Blue Jays
Purcey made his major league debut on April 18, 2008, starting against the Detroit Tigers and allowing one earned run over 4 ⁄3 innings. He was returned to the minor leagues after two major league appearances, but was recalled to the Blue Jays in July, and ended the 2008 season in the team's starting rotation.
On Wednesday August 27, 2008, Purcey started against the Tampa Bay Rays and pitched his first career major league complete game. Purcey recorded 11 strikeouts, scattering five hits through eight innings of work.
Following spring training 2009, Purcey earned the third spot in the rotation, but switched spots with Jesse Litsch to separate the left-handers. Purcey was second in the rotation until Friday, May 1, 2009 when he was assigned to the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate Las Vegas 51s. Purcey had a record of 0–2 and an ERA over seven with Toronto in 2009, as he struggled with his command, which has improved somewhat with Las Vegas.
On May 24, 2010, Purcey was recalled by Toronto and moved to the bullpen as a relief pitcher after Dana Eveland was designated for assignment.On July 26, 2010, Purcey recorded his first major league save against the Baltimore Orioles in a 9–5 win.
Oakland Athletics
Purcey was traded by the Blue Jays on April 18, 2011, to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league relief pitcher Danny Farquhar. Purcey was acquired after injuries to Rich Harden and Dallas Braden.
Detroit Tigers
On May 27, 2011, Purcey was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Scott Sizemore. Purcey was designated for assignment on August 2, 2011.
Philadelphia Phillies
Purcey signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on December 9, 2011. He also received an invitation to spring training. Purcey spent the year with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, going 1–4 with a 4.37 ERA in 47 games while striking out 63 in 57.2 innings
Chicago White Sox
On November 21, 2012, Purcey signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. He started the 2013 season with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. On July 3, 2013, his contract was purchased by the White Sox to replace Jesse Crain who was placed on the disabled list. While with the White Sox, He strained his UCL in the last week of the 2013 season. He was outrighted to Charlotte on October 18, 2013.
The White Sox signed Purcey to a minor league contract with spring training invitation on November 8, 2013. On May 12, 2014, Purcey was released by the White Sox.
Taiwan
Purcey signed with the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions in March 2015.