{{short description|American baseball player (born 1990)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Alan Busenitz |image = A busenitz20190425.jpg |image_size = 250 |caption = Busenitz with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles |team = Free agent |number = |position = Pitcher |bats = Right |throws = Right |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|8|22}} |birth_place = Watkinsville, Georgia, U.S. |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = June 17 |debutyear = 2017 |debutteam = Minnesota Twins |debut2league = NPB |debut2date = May 15 |debut2year = 2019 |debut2team = Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles |statleague = MLB |statyear = 2024 season |stat1label = Win–loss record |stat1value = 5–2 |stat2label = Earned run average |stat2value = 4.90 |stat3label = Strikeouts |stat3value = 57 |stat2league = NPB |stat2year = 2022 season |stat21label = Win–loss record |stat21value = 9-8 |stat22label = Earned run average |stat22value = 2.83 |stat23label = Strikeouts |stat23value = 125 |stat24label = Saves |stat24value = 18 |teams = * Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}}) * Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles ({{npby|2019}}–{{npby|2022}}) * Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2023}}–{{mlby|2024}}) }} '''Alan Paul Busenitz''' (born August 22, 1990) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
==Career== ===Los Angeles Angels=== Busenitz attended Athens Christian School in Athens, Georgia,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://onlineathens.com/stories/050407/prepstars_20070504034.shtml |title=Hangin' with: Athens Christian's Alan Busenitz |publisher=Online Athens |date=May 4, 2007 |access-date=May 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104140446/http://onlineathens.com/stories/050407/prepstars_20070504034.shtml |archive-date=2012-01-04 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Kennesaw State University, where he played college baseball for the Kennesaw State Owls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mdjonline.com/sports/offense-a-plus-for-ksu-roster/article_e7fdfbe3-0655-51a8-a727-abc08b807f42.html |title=Offense a plus for KSU roster | Sports |publisher=mdjonline.com |date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref> The Los Angeles Angels selected him in the 25th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressenterprise.com/2015/08/01/cal-league-development-even-more-of-a-focus-late-in-season/ |title=CAL LEAGUE: Development even more of a focus late in season – Press Enterprise |publisher=Pe.com |date=August 1, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref> He made his professional debut with the rookie ball Orem Owlz, logging a 5–2 record and 2.33 ERA in 21 appearances. The next year, Busenitz played for the Single-A Burlington Bees, pitching to a 4–5 record and 1.94 ERA in 49 games. In 2015, the Angels tried to use Busenitz as a starting pitcher with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, but returned to using him as a relief pitcher with the High-A Inland Empire 66ers after he struggled to a 6.75 ERA in 16 contests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/2015/07/29/alan-busenitz-back-in-bullpen-with-66ers-after-experimenting-as-a-starter-in-double-a/|title=Alan Busenitz back in bullpen with 66ers after experimenting as a starter in Double-A – Orange County Register|website=ocregister.com|date=29 July 2015|access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref> In 2016, the Angels promoted Busenitz to the Salt Lake Bees of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocregister.com/2016/07/20/hard-throwing-salt-lake-relief-pitcher-alan-busenitz-has-the-mentality-to-go-with-his-99-mph-fastball/|title=Hard-throwing Salt Lake relief pitcher Alan Busenitz has the mentality to go with his 99-mph fastball – Orange County Register|website=ocregister.com|date=20 July 2016|access-date=June 2, 2017}}</ref> In 10 games for Salt Lake, Busenitz struggled to a 7.62 ERA, and also logged a 1.93 ERA in 24 appearances for Arkansas.
===Minnesota Twins=== On August 1, 2016, The Angels traded Busenitz to the Minnesota Twins alongside Hector Santiago in exchange for Alex Meyer and Ricky Nolasco.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/08/01/reports-toronto-blue-jays-still-interested-minnesota-twins-ervin-santana/87921154/ |title=Minnesota Twins acquire Hector Santiago, Alan Busenitz from Los Angeles Angels |publisher=Azcentral.com |date=August 1, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref> Busenitz finished the year with the Rochester Red Wings of the Triple-A International League and the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, posting a 2–0 record with 10 strikeouts.
Busenitz began the 2017 season with Rochester, and pitched to a 1.25 earned run average in his first {{frac|29|1|3}} innings pitched of the season. On June 17, 2017, he was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/minnesota-twins-alan-busenitz-adam-wilk-061717|title = Twins select contract of RHP Busenitz, designate Wilk for assignment|date = 17 June 2017}}</ref> He made his MLB debut that day, pitching 2.0 innings of 1-run ball against the Cleveland Indians. He finished his rookie season with a neat 1.99 ERA in 31.2 innings pitched across 28 contests. In 2018, Busenitz could not replicate his success from the previous year, struggling to a 4–1 record and 7.82 ERA in 23 major league appearances. He was granted his unconditional release on November 20, 2018, so he could sign with a team in Nippon Professional Baseball.
===Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles=== On November 20, 2018, Busenitz signed with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/twins-add-nick-gordon-luis-arraez-and-lamonte-wade-to-40-man-roster/500979311/|title=Twins trade Nick Anderson, release Alan Busenitz|website=Star Tribune}}</ref> In his first NPB season, Busenitz logged a 4–3 record and stellar 1.94 ERA in 54 appearances for Rakuten. On December 3, 2019, Busenitz signed a 1-year extension to remain with the Eagles.<ref>{{ cite web | url=https://www.rakuteneagles.jp/news/detail/00002635.html | title=外国人選手の契約更新に関して | work=東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス 公式サイト | language=ja | date=December 3, 2019 | access-date=December 22, 2019 }}</ref> By 2022, Busenitz had pitched in 165 games for the Eagles, recording a 9–8 record and 2.83 ERA in {{fraction|155|2|3}} innings pitched.
===Cincinnati Reds=== On December 27, 2022, Busenitz signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Cincinnati Reds.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/Reds/status/1607804488919797760|title=Cincinnati Reds on Twitter|newspaper=Twitter|access-date=2022-12-27}}</ref> He was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats to begin the 2023 season, where he recorded a 1.80 ERA with 13 strikeouts and 3 saves across 15 appearances. On May 14, 2023, Busenitz's contract was selected to the active roster.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reds' Alan Busenitz: Contract selected from Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-alan-busenitz-contract-selected-from-triple-a/|access-date=2023-05-14|website=cbssports.com|date=May 14, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In 5 games for Cincinnati, he registered a 3.60 ERA with 3 strikeouts in 5 innings of work. On September 1, Busenitz was designated for assignment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds' Alan Busenitz: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-alan-busenitz-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=September 1, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A Louisville on September 4.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds' Alan Busenitz: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-alan-busenitz-outrighted-to-triple-a/amp/|access-date=September 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}</ref> On October 1, the Reds selected Busenitz back to the major league roster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds Select Alan Busenitz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/10/reds-select-alan-busenitz.html|access-date=October 1, 2023|website=thebaseballcube.com|date=October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He struck out two in two perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in Cincinnati's final game of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds' Alan Busenitz: Added to 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-alan-busenitz-added-to-40-man-roster/|access-date=October 10, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=October 3, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On October 9, Busenitz was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Louisville.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds' Alan Busenitz: Removed from 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-alan-busenitz-removed-from-40-man-roster/|access-date=October 10, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=October 9, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He elected free agency on October 12.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-10-12 | title=Transactions }}</ref>
On January 3, 2024, Busenitz re–signed with the Reds organization on a minor league contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds add more pitching depth with another signing|url=https://www.redlegnation.com/2024/01/05/cincinnati-reds-add-more-pitching-depth-with-another-signing/|access-date=January 6, 2024|website=redlegnation.com|date=January 5, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> In 40 games for Louisville, he compiled a 5–2 record and 3.93 ERA with 51 strikeouts over 55 innings pitched. On August 23, the Reds selected Busenitz's contract, adding him to their active roster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds Place Andrew Abbott On Injured List Due To Shoulder Strain|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/reds-place-andrew-abbott-on-injured-list-due-to-shoulder-strain.html|access-date=August 23, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> He allowed 4 runs (3 earned) in one inning pitched and was designated for assignment the following day.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds Select Casey Kelly|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/reds-select-casey-kelly.html|access-date=August 24, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> Busenitz cleared waivers and was sent outright to Louisville on August 29.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds Outright Alan Busenitz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/reds-outright-alan-busenitz-2.html|access-date=August 29, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> On September 20, Busenitz was added back to the major league roster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds Select Alan Busenitz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/reds-select-alan-busenitz-2.html|access-date=September 20, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> After two more outings, he was designated for assignment on September 22.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reds Activate Hunter Greene, DFA Alan Busenitz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/reds-activate-hunter-greene-dfa-alan-busenitz.html|access-date=September 22, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> Busenitz cleared waivers and was sent outright to Louisville on September 24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Reds Outright Alan Busenitz |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/reds-outright-alan-busenitz-nick-martini.html |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>
On October 28, 2024, Busenitz re-signed with the Reds organization on a minor league contract.<ref>{{cite web | last=Eddy | first=Matt | title=Minor League Transactions: Oct. 1–29, 2024 | website=Baseball America | date=2024-10-30 | url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-transactions-oct-1-29-2024/ | access-date=2025-10-31}}</ref> He made 18 appearances for Louisville in 2025, but struggled to a 2-3 record and 6.75 ERA with 21 strikeouts and one save across {{fraction|25|1|3}} innings pitched. Busenitz elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2025|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2025/|access-date=November 29, 2025|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Eddy | first=Matt | title=Minor League Free Agents 2025 | website=Baseball America | date=2025-11-07 | url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2025/ | access-date=2025-11-21}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{baseballstats|mlb=641427|espn=35843|br=b/busenal01|fangraphs=15239|brm=buseni000ala|retro=B/Pbusea001}} *{{Twitter|abooze32}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Busenitz, Alan}} Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:American expatriate baseball players in Japan Category:Arkansas Travelers players Category:Baseball players from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Burlington Bees players Category:Chattanooga Lookouts players Category:Cincinnati Reds players Category:Georgia Perimeter Jaguars baseball players Category:Inland Empire 66ers players Category:Kennesaw State Owls baseball players Category:Louisville Bats players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Mesa Solar Sox players Category:Minnesota Twins players Category:Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers Category:Orem Owlz players Category:People from Watkinsville, Georgia Category:Rochester Red Wings players Category:Salt Lake Bees players Category:Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles players Category:21st-century American sportsmen