GuideRail Feature: Misiewicz finding groove after whirlwind 2023

Settling In: Misiewicz finding groove after whirlwind 2023

In one summer, Anthony Misiewicz played for seven different teams as a part of three different organizations. After thorough searching and contacting research organizations, no one has found a player who has recorded stat lines for that many different teams in a singular season of affiliated baseball.*

Misiewicz, pronounced Mih-SEV-itch, did not start his career out as a journeyman. He originally began in professional baseball with Seattle after being drafted by the team in the 18th round of 2015 out of Michigan State University. The lefty rose through the ranks, reaching Triple-A in his fifth summer. In 2020, Misiewicz made his Major League debut with the Mariners. On July 24th, he faced a Houston Astros lineup, allowing one run on a pair of hits. He also recorded his first big league strikeout against Jose Altuve.

In 2021, Misiewicz spent the entire season in Seattle’s bullpen. He went 5-5 in 54.2 innings for a 4.61 earned run average. The next season Misiewicz split time between the Majors and Minors before being traded to Kansas City for cash in early August. He began in Triple-A before making fifteen appearances for the Royals. Following the season, he was designated for assignment and that’s really when he started his journey.

To be designated for assignment, or DFA, means that a player is immediately removed from his club’s 40-man roster. According to MLB, within seven days of the transaction, the player can either be traded or placed on outright or unconditional release waivers. There are some specifics to this like what happens when a player is claimed or when he wants to reject an assignment. It is a jarring deal that leaves the person in an awkward limbo.

“It’s a lot, but I'm fine,” Misiewicz said. “It's definitely tough on the mental aspect of the game and just trying to get comfortable,” Misiewicz detailed. “You get to a new spot and each place I went to, I thought they were really helpful and kind of helped me push my career along. Now I'm obviously grateful I'm here with the Yankees. I think it's a good spot to end for a little bit. It can be tough at times moving around, getting the calls you don’t want and the calls you do want. But, I just come back to the ballpark each day with a good, positive mindset so I'll be alright.”

In February of 2023, Misiewicz was traded to St. Louis for cash and began Spring Training with the Cardinals. Just before the season started, he was once again designated for assignment and traded, this time to Arizona. He began last season with Triple-A Reno before joining the Diamondbacks staff. The southpaw dealt with a right calf injury and rehabbed in the lower levels before again being DFA’d.

Detroit claimed him just a few days later and sent him for a short stint in Toledo. Misiewicz pitched just one game with the Tigers allowing three runs while recording just one out. Again, he was promptly designated for assignment. Just one day later, it was the New York Yankees who took a shot on him and added him to their 40-man roster.

Including his time in Spring Training, he pitched in states in the South, Western region, Great Lakes and the Northeast, all in the span of five months. That’s uprooting your life, learning the business and routines of another organization, meeting hundreds of new staff and teammates all while trying to keep your pitching consistent.

Fortunately, Misiewicz seems to have found a home within the Yankees organization. At the end of last year, he began his stint with the squad in SWB. He was successful with the RailRiders, boasting a 3.91 ERA in 25.1 innings and striking out 30 batters. In mid-September, the Yankees called upon him for bullpen reinforcement. Misiewicz made three appearances for a 3.38 earned run average.

His season was unfortunately cut short when he got hit in the head with a 100.6 mph line drive while on the mound in Pittsburgh. It was so sharp the ball ended up ricocheting into right field. The image was traumatizing as he was on the ground in pain clutching just above his left eye. The medical staff was quick to get to Misiewicz, taking him immediately to the hospital. In that moment as he rode off the field with EMS, he gave a thumbs-up to the crowd. Misiewicz was taken to a local hospital for testing and was discharged with concussion symptoms. It was a severe incident, but certainly a blessing that he was okay.

A little later, videos surfaced of Anthony Volpe handing Misiewicz the ball that almost took him out. Misiewicz says he has got that one saved away in his man cave. Thankfully, he is feeling good now although it was a tough road back.

“It was a long recovery process, but with doctors, trainers and staff, everybody was very attentive. I wouldn't say an easy recovery, but it was much easier than if I wasn't with the Yankees and doing it on my own, I'm sure.”

When the moment presented itself to re-sign with New York he jumped at the chance. It was a comfortable transition for him to go into Spring Training this season with some familiar faces. He shared that he was full of gratitude to get the opportunity to be back with the Yankees.

While Misiewicz says that he has enjoyed his experiences with different organizations, the way the Yankees prepare their players is of a different breed.

“Everything from the coaching staff to the nutritionist to, you know, our mental preparation people, there's just somebody in every department we need. It’s crazy,” he explained. “The first day I was here, I believe, Graham [Johnson] came up to me and just gave me some more tips on my fastball and cutter. So it's day one, let's get right to work, and let's keep working throughout the process. I think that's a big push for me.”

And it’s been off and running for Misiewicz to start this season. With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre he has made four appearances as a high-leverage reliever. As of April 10, Misiewicz had faced 18 batters and has struck out ten. That’s over a 50% strikeout rate. This is compared with just four hits allowed and one walk issued. He also is one for one in save opportunities.

While things are going well, Misiewicz is looking to take things to the next level by adding another pitch to his repertoire. He’s been working on a slider that he would like to add when needed. The now 29-year-old says he focuses on being able to throw each pitch for a strike so that every option can be a putaway pitch, although he prefers his curveball for that right now. He pairs that with his fastball and a cutter.

How does he know when the slider is game-ready? Misiewicz says it is about repetition. He has seen it work well so far but wants to first use it in situations that he’s ahead in.

In addition, Misiewicz talks about how important it is that his catcher is on the same page with him. However, that does not seem to be a problem here because he loves all three options on the RailRiders’ roster.

“If you and your catcher are on the right page, which I and our three catchers usually are - they are great guys,” Misiewicz said. “If they have confidence in me to throw it, then I’ve got to put confidence in myself.”

*If a person knows of a player who has been on the roster of more than seven teams in a single season, please email [email protected].