Phil Coke

{{short description|American baseball pitcher (born 1982)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Phil Coke |image = Phil Coke on June 9, 2013.jpg |image_size = 240 |caption = Coke with the Detroit Tigers in 2013 |position = Pitcher |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|7|19}} |birth_place = Sonora, California, U.S. |bats = Left |throws = Left |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = September 1 |debutyear = 2008 |debutteam = New York Yankees |debut2league= NPB |debut2date = April 1 |debut2year = 2017 |debut2team = Orix Buffaloes |finalleague=MLB |finaldate=September 26 |finalyear=2016 |finalteam=Pittsburgh Pirates |final2league=NPB |final2date=May 13 |final2year=2017 |final2team=Orix Buffaloes |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Win–loss record |stat1value = 22–27 |stat2label = Earned run average |stat2value = 4.19 |stat3label = Strikeouts |stat3value = 323 |stat2league = NPB |stat21label = Win–loss record |stat21value = 2–3 |stat22label = Earned run average |stat22value = 4.56 |stat23label = Strikeouts |stat23value = 16 |teams = * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2008}}–{{mlby|2009}}) * Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2014}}) * Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2015}}) * Toronto Blue Jays ({{mlby|2015}}) * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2016}}) * Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2016}}) * Orix Buffaloes ({{npby|2017}}) |awards = * World Series champion ({{wsy|2009}}) }}

'''Phillip Douglas Coke''' (born July 19, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Pitching primarily in relief, he played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Coke's MLB career spanned from 2008 to 2016. He won a World Series championship as a member of the Yankees in 2009.

==Amateur career == Coke pitched and played outfield and first base at Sonora High School in California. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 49th round (1,450th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Florida Marlins Draft Class - The Baseball Cube |url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/draft_class/2001~12/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629135326/https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/draft_class/2001~12/ |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=TheBaseballCube.com |language=en}}</ref> He did not sign, choosing to attend San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton instead.<ref name=":1" />

==Professional career==

===New York Yankees===

Coke was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 26th round (786th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 New York Yankees Draft Class - The Baseball Cube |url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/draft_class/2002~20/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=TheBaseballCube.com |language=en}}</ref> He signed with the Yankees for $80,000.<ref name=":1" />

He began his baseball career with the GCL Yankees in 2003. In 2004, he was promoted to the Short Season A Staten Island Yankees, but suffered an elbow injury after just three games.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=May 29, 2009 |title=Phil Coke Is a Go-To Guy in Yankees' Depleted Bullpen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/sports/baseball/29yankees.html |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Coke moved to Low-A with the Charleston RiverDogs in 2005, pitching to a 5.42 ERA in 24 games (18 starts). He was promoted to High-A with the Tampa Yankees, compiling a 3.60 ERA in 22 games (18 starts). He returned to Tampa in 2007 and missed time with another elbow injury,<ref name=":2" /> compiling a 3.09 ERA in 99 innings as a starter.

In 2008, Coke made his Double-A debut with the Trenton Thunder, going 9–4 with a 2.54 ERA in 23 games (20 starts) and was an Eastern League All-Star.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2008 |title=Jackson And Coke Win Eastern League Player Of The Week Awards |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/jackson-and-coke-win-eastern-league-player-of-the-week-awards/n-3686027 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=OurSports Central |language=en}}</ref> He soon became a coveted prospect and was very nearly traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a package for Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady.<ref name=":2" /> On August 1, he was promoted to Triple-A and moved to the bullpen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bontemps |first=Tim |date=August 8, 2008 |title=COKE GLAD HE'S STILL A YANKEE |url=https://nypost.com/2008/08/10/coke-glad-hes-still-a-yankee/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}</ref> He went 2–2 with a 4.67 ERA in 13 games with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

Coke made his major league debut on September 1, 2008, for the Yankees, against the Detroit Tigers, with a scoreless inning and strikeouts of Curtis Granderson and Miguel Cabrera.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 1, 2008|title=A-Rod's early offense paces Yankees' outburst vs. Tigers|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/280901106|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203438/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/280901106|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en}}</ref> He allowed one run on eight hits and two walks while striking out 14 batters in 14.2 innings for the Yankees that year. For his performance in the minors that year, the Yankees named Coke the organization's Pitcher of the Year in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King III |first=George A. |date=March 1, 2009 |title=JOBA WORKS ON FASTBALL, GETS POUNDED |url=https://nypost.com/2009/03/01/joba-works-on-fastball-gets-pounded/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}</ref>

Coke remained with the Yankees for the entire 2009 season, pitching to a 4.50 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 60 innings. He led the Yankees in appearances by pitching in 72 games that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 New York Yankees Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/2009.shtml |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Coke was included on the team's playoff roster<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 7, 2009 |title=Yankees Announce Roster for ALDS |url=https://nesn.com/2009/10/yankees-announce-roster-for-alds/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=NESN |language=en-US}}</ref> and won a World Series ring after the Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.

===Detroit Tigers=== On December 9, 2009, Coke and Austin Jackson were traded to the Detroit Tigers, and Ian Kennedy was sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks, as part of a three-team trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=December 9, 2009|title=Granderson joins Yanks in three-way trade|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212232947/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091208&content_id=7774692&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091208&content_id=7774692&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=December 12, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2014|work=New York Yankees|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref>

Coke's first season in Detroit proved to be successful, as he finished 2010 with a 3.76 ERA (his career best to date) with 17 holds and two saves in 21 hold/save situations. The Tigers decided that he would be a starter for the 2011 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kornacki |first=Steve |date=February 16, 2011 |title=Tigers' Phil Coke moves into rotation, utilizes advice from Dwight Gooden, Charlie Hough |url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/02/tigers_phil_coke_moves_into_ro.html |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=mlive |language=en}}</ref> He pitched to a 1–8 record with a 4.82 ERA through 14 starts. On June 30, Detroit announced that Coke would be moved back to the bullpen.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beck|first=Jason|date=June 30, 2011|title=Tigers move Coke to 'pen, Furbush to rotation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703003012/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110630&content_id=21206152&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110630&content_id=21206152&vkey=news_det&c_id=det|archive-date=July 3, 2011|access-date=July 3, 2011|work=Detroit Tigers|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> He would finish 2011 with a 3–9 record and a 4.47 ERA. After the season, Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed that Coke would not return to the rotation the next year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmehl |first=James |date=November 2, 2011 |title=Tigers left-hander Phil Coke will not return to starting rotation next season |url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2011/11/tigers_left-hander_phil_coke_w.html |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=mlive |language=en}}</ref>

On January 16, 2012, Coke signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Tigers to avoid arbitration. He was eligible to earn an additional $50,000 based on appearances in the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dierkes|first=Tim|date=January 16, 2012|title=Players Avoiding Arbitration: Monday|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/players-avoiding-arbitration-monday.html|access-date=January 16, 2012|website=MLB Trade Rumors|publisher=}}</ref> That year, Coke pitched to 4.00 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP in 66 games, yet was the Tigers' most reliable reliever in the 2012 playoffs. Pressed into duty as the team's closer after José Valverde surrendered seven runs in his previous two appearances, Coke pitched two shutout innings in Game 2 of the 2012 ALCS against the Yankees to earn a save.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Waldstein|first=David|date=October 15, 2012|title=Yanks' Offense, Still Asleep, Fails to Support Kuroda|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/15/sports/baseball/solid-outing-by-hiroki-kuroda-isnt-enough-as-yankees-minus-derek-jeter-fall-to-tigers.html|access-date=June 20, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He then saved Game 3 by striking out Raúl Ibañez on a 3–2 slider to preserve a 2–1 victory after allowing back-to-back two-out singles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waldstein |first=David |date=October 17, 2012 |title=Yankees Fall to the Tigers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/17/sports/baseball/behind-verlander-tigers-take-3-0-lead-over-yankees.html |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=New York Times}}</ref> In Game 4, Coke pitched two perfect innings to finish off the Tigers' 8–1 win over his former team and send Detroit to the World Series for the first time in six years.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 22, 2012|title=MLB: Detroit 8, New York Yankees 1|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2012/10/22/MLB-Detroit-8-New-York-Yankees-1/29201350603753/|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=UPI|language=en}}</ref>

In the 2012 World Series against the San Francisco Giants, Coke struck out a record-setting seven consecutive batters in {{frac|3|1|3}} innings.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |author=Cassidy |first=Jack |date=October 29, 2012 |title=Phil Coke sets Tigers, MLB records in World Series |url=http://detroit.sbnation.com/2012/10/29/3572558/phil-coke-records-world-series |access-date=October 30, 2012 |work=SB Nation Detroit |publisher= |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927012715/https://detroit.sbnation.com/2012/10/29/3572558/phil-coke-records-world-series |url-status=dead }}</ref> After striking out the side in the 9th inning of Game 4, he allowed the series-winning run in the 10th and took the loss.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Giants Win 2012 World Series With 4-Game Sweep - CBS San Francisco |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/world-series-game-4/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Coke finished the 2012 Postseason allowing one run in {{frac|10|2|3}} innings (0.84 ERA) and striking out 13 batters, setting a Tigers record.<ref name=":3" />

Coke struggled throughout the 2013 season, failing as a setup man and lefty specialist. He suffered a groin injury in late April and was placed on the disabled list on May 1.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calcaterra |first=Craig |date=May 1, 2013 |title=The Tigers send Phil Coke to the disabled list |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/the-tigers-send-phil-coke-to-the-disabled-list |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> Tossing only {{frac|38|1|3}} innings on the year, Coke's ERA ballooned to a career-high 5.40. On August 20, the Tigers demoted him to Triple-A and promoted left-handed pitcher José Álvarez to the major league roster.<ref>{{cite news|last=Iott|first=Chris|date=August 21, 2013|title=Detroit Tigers send Phil Coke to Triple-A Toledo to work on command, recall left-hander Jose Alvarez|work=MLive Media Group|publisher=|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2013/08/detroit_tigers_sent_phil_coke.html|access-date=August 21, 2013}}</ref> He returned as a September call-up, but suffered an elbow injury on September 18.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunkak |first=Ashley |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Phil Coke Shut Down With Elbow Tenderness After Two More Shaky Outings - CBS Detroit |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/phil-coke-shut-down-with-elbow-tenderness-after-two-more-shaky-outings/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Following a setback, he was unable to return for the regular season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=R.J. |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Phil Coke has setback with elbow |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/phil-coke-has-setback-with-elbow/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> Coke was added to the Tigers roster for the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mensching |first=Kurt |date=October 11, 2013 |title=Tigers ALCS roster named |url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/10/11/4828994/detroit-tigers-alcs-roster |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Bless You Boys |language=en}}</ref> He was used exclusively against left-handed batters, allowing one run in an inning of work spread across four games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phil Coke 2016 Postseason Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=cokeph01&t=p&year=2016 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, his final season with the Tigers, Coke posted a 5–2 record with 41 strikeouts and a 3.88 ERA in 58 innings pitched.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phil Coke 2014 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=cokeph01&t=p&year=2014 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He became a free agent following the season.

===Chicago Cubs=== On March 7, 2015, Coke signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, receiving a non-roster invitation to spring training.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Iott|first1=Chris|date=March 5, 2015|title=Phil Coke agrees to minor league deal with Cubs: 'No bull, I'm going to miss being a Tiger'|work=MLive Media Group|publisher=|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2015/03/phil_coke_signs_minor_league_d.html|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> Coke earned a $2.25&nbsp;million salary upon making the team.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Muskat|first1=Carrie|date=March 8, 2015|title=Coke, Cubs finalize Minor League deal|work=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310070520/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/111755616/phil-coke-cubs-finalize-minor-league-deal|access-date=March 9, 2016|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/111755616/phil-coke-cubs-finalize-minor-league-deal|archive-date=March 10, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Gonzales|first=Mark|date=March 6, 2015|title=Phil Coke stingy on right-handed talk|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-phil-coke-stubborn-20150306-story.html|access-date=May 31, 2015|work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> He had his contract selected to the major league roster on March 30. Coke had a 6.30 ERA in 16 appearances, allowing left-handed batters to hit .304 (7-for-23) against him. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on May 18, and released by the club on May 26.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gonzales|first1=Mark|date=May 18, 2015|title=Phil Coke loses fizz in Cubs' bullpen|work=Chicago Tribune|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-phil-coke-loses-job-20150518-story.html|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=June 12, 2015|title=Phil Coke back in AL with Toronto|newspaper=The Union Democrat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310005842/http://www.uniondemocrat.com/csp/mediapool/sites/UnionDemocrat/Sports/story.csp?cid=3808488&sid=751&fid=151 |access-date=March 9, 2016|url=http://www.uniondemocrat.com/csp/mediapool/sites/UnionDemocrat/Sports/story.csp?cid=3808488&sid=751&fid=151|archive-date=March 10, 2016}}</ref>

===Toronto Blue Jays=== On May 30, 2015, Coke signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.<ref>{{cite web|last=Baer|first=Bill|date=May 30, 2015|title=Report: Blue Jays sign Phil Coke to a minor league deal|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/30/report-blue-jays-sign-phil-coke-to-a-minor-league-deal/|access-date=May 30, 2015|work=NBC Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/report-blue-jays-sign-coke-to-minor-league-deal/|title=Blue Jays sign LHP Coke to minor-league deal|last=Davidi|first=Shi|work=Sportsnet|date=May 30, 2015|access-date=May 30, 2015}}</ref> On June 11, the Blue Jays purchased Coke's contract from Triple-A.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/11/blue-jays-call-up-reliever-phil-coke-from-triple-a/|title=Blue Jays call up reliever Phil Coke from Triple-A|last=Gleeman|first=Aaron|work=hardballtalk.nbcsports.com|date=June 11, 2015|access-date=June 11, 2015}}</ref> He took the mound for the first time with Toronto on June 14, pitching two scoreless innings in a 13–5 win over the Boston Red Sox.<ref>{{cite web|last=Davidi|first=Shi|date=June 14, 2015|title=Blue Jays completely humiliate Red Sox with sweep|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-completely-humiliate-red-sox-with-sweep/|access-date=June 20, 2021|work=Sportsnet}}</ref> He became a free agent again on June 22, after he declined his minor-league assignment by the Blue Jays.<ref>{{cite web|last=d'Oliveira|first=Sean|date=June 22, 2015|title=Phil Coke become free agent after declining minor-league option|url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25222176/phil-coke-become-free-agent-after-declining-minor-league-option|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623023656/http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25222176/phil-coke-become-free-agent-after-declining-minor-league-option|archive-date=June 23, 2015|access-date=June 22, 2015|work=CBS Sports}}</ref>

===Oakland Athletics=== On June 27, 2015, Coke signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2015 |title=A's take a flier on veteran Phil Coke |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/as-take-a-flier-on-veteran-phil-coke |access-date=June 20, 2021 |website=Fox Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> He was initially assigned to High-A Stockton.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koo |first=Jeremy F. |date=June 27, 2015 |title=Vogt in A's lineup, Burns 2nd consecutive day off |url=https://www.athleticsnation.com/2015/6/27/8856929/athletics-stephen-vogt-injury-lineup-billy-burns-day-off-sign-phil-coke |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Athletics Nation |language=en}}</ref> He later joined the Triple-A Nashville Sounds<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Alex |date=July 24, 2015 |title=What does Kazmir trade mean for rest of 2015? |url=https://www.athleticsnation.com/2015/7/24/9027371/oakland-athletics-trade-scott-kazmir-deadline-ben-zobrist |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Athletics Nation |language=en}}</ref> but was released on August 18.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Phil Coke Trades and Transactions by Baseball Almanac|url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=cokeph01|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=Baseball Almanac}}</ref>

===Atlanta Braves=== On March 11, 2016, Coke signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |date=March 9, 2016 |title=Pitch variety key to Wisler's spring success |url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/166685154/matt-wisler-on-spring-debut-new-changeup |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310005841/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/166685154/matt-wisler-on-spring-debut-new-changeup |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=March 9, 2016 |work=Atlanta Braves |publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> On March 26, 2016, he was released.<ref name=":0" />

===Lancaster Barnstormers=== On April 10, 2016, Coke signed with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.<ref>{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Steve|date=April 11, 2016|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 4/11/16|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/04/white-sox-sign-david-holmberg.html|access-date=April 11, 2016|work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Navaroli|first=Steve|date=April 14, 2016|title=Lancaster Barnstormers: Phil Coke brings major league fire, experience to lineup|url=http://lancasteronline.com/sports/baseball/barnstormers/lancaster-barnstormers-phil-coke-brings-major-league-fire-experience-to/article_4f1b0270-01d5-11e6-873f-9f806108b25b.html|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=Lancaster Online}}</ref> He made 1 start throwing 4 innings giving up 6 hits 2 ER (4.50 ERA) 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.

===New York Yankees (second stint)=== On April 25, 2016, the Yankees acquired Coke from the Atlantic League, and assigned him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.<ref>{{cite web|author=Axisa|first=Mike|title=Yankees bring back Phil Coke, send him to Triple-A|url=http://riveraveblues.com/2016/04/yankees-bring-back-phil-coke-send-him-to-triple-a-136812/|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=River Avenue Blues|date=April 25, 2016 }}</ref> The Yankees promoted Coke to the major leagues on May 6.<ref>{{cite web|date=May 6, 2016|title=Tuolumne County native Phil Coke back in major leagues|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508111706/http://www.uniondemocrat.com/home/4297109-151/tuolumne-county-native-phil-coke-back-in-major|url=http://www.uniondemocrat.com/home/4297109-151/tuolumne-county-native-phil-coke-back-in-major|archive-date=May 8, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2016|work=The Union Democrat}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=David |date=May 6, 2016 |title=Coke promoted to provide depth in bullpen |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-promote-left-hander-phil-coke-c176601044 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> After allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks in six innings, he was designated for assignment on May 17.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baer|first=Bill|date=May 17, 2016|title=Yankees designate Phil Coke for assignment|url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2016/05/17/yankees-designate-phil-coke-for-assignment/|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=NBC Sports|language=en-US}}</ref> On May 20, he was outrighted from the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 20, 2016|title=Yankees' Phil Coke: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-phil-coke-outrighted-to-triple-a/|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=CBS Sports|language=en}}</ref>

===Pittsburgh Pirates=== On September 22, 2016, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Coke from the Yankees for cash considerations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Todd|first=Jeff|date=September 22, 2016|title=Pirates Acquire Phil Coke|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/09/pirates-acquire-phil-coke.html|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}}</ref> He was designated for assignment on October 5. He cleared waivers and elected free agency on October 11.

===Orix Buffaloes=== On December 13, 2016, Coke signed with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.<ref>{{cite web|last=Todd|first=Jeff|date=December 13, 2016|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 12/13/16|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/minor-mlb-transactions-121316.html|access-date=December 13, 2016|work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=December 13, 2016|title=オリ、ディクソンとモレルが残留 新外国人３投手も獲得|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220194242/http://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20161213/buf16121319130004-n1.html|url=http://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20161213/buf16121319130004-n1.html|archive-date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 13, 2016|work=Sanspo|language=ja}}</ref>

On December 2, 2017, he became a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 2, 2017|title=2017年度 自由契約選手|url=http://npb.jp/announcement/2017/pn_released.html|access-date=January 16, 2018|work=Nippon Professional Baseball 日本野球機構|language=ja}}</ref>

===Acereros de Monclova=== In an attempt to return to the big leagues, Coke started throwing a knuckleball.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clair |first=Michael |date=February 6, 2018 |title=Phil Coke wants to be the next pitcher to mount a comeback … as a knuckleballer |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/phil-coke-is-attempting-to-throw-the-knuckleball-c265950098 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> When no teams were willing to sign him, Coke joined the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mintz |first=Jake |date=May 4, 2018 |title=Daric Barton, Yuniesky Betancourt and other former big leaguers crushing it in the Mexican League |url=https://www.mlb.com/giants/cut4/daric-barton-yuniesky-betancourt-and-other-former-big-leaguers-crushing-it-in-th |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> He was released on May 4, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phil Coke Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/phil-coke-457435 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> In 6 starts, he went 1-2 with a 6.49 ERA and 20 strikeouts.

In August 2018, Coke underwent Tommy John surgery.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Feinsand|first=Mark|date=December 9, 2019|title=Mark Feinsand on Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/feinsand/status/1204161366648483840|access-date=June 20, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>

==Career summary== Coke pitched in 407 regular season MLB games from 2008 to 2016. In his career, he posted a 22-27 record with a 4.19 earned run average and eight saves.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cokeph01.shtml|title=Phil Coke Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=March 19, 2025}}</ref>

==Pitch selection== Coke threw mostly four-seam and two-seam fastballs. His four-seamer was thrown in the {{convert|93|to|95|mph}} range, occasionally reaching {{convert|97|mph}}. The two-seamer was a shade slower, averaging {{convert|92|to|93|mph}}. He mixed in a slider in the {{convert|78|to|83|mph}} range and an occasional changeup between {{convert|83|mph}} and {{convert|86|mph}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phil Coke PitchFX at FanGraphs.com|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/pitchfx.aspx?playerid=5535&position=P|access-date=August 25, 2014|website=Fangraphs|publisher=}}</ref>

==Personal life== Coke married Bobbie Brough in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bobbie Brough & Phil Coke|url=https://registry.theknot.com/bobbie-brough-phil-coke-november-2011-ca/951484|access-date=November 16, 2020|website=TheKnot.com|publisher=TKWW Registry, LLC}}</ref> When he was still pitching in the minors, Coke worked as a chimney sweep in the offseason.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edes |first=Gordon |date=October 28, 2009 |title=Coke jumps from chimneys to clubhouse |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/coke-jumps-chimneys-clubhouse-040900628--mlb.html |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Keri |first=Jonah |date=October 22, 2012 |title=» Mop-up Duty |url=https://grantland.com/features/phil-coke-road-majors-was-far-short-glamorous/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=Grantland |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} {{Baseballstats|mlb=457435|espn=29235|br=c/cokeph01|fangraphs=5535|brm=coke--001phi}}

{{2009 New York Yankees}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coke, Phil}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:Acereros de Monclova players Category:American expatriate baseball players in Canada Category:American expatriate baseball players in Japan Category:American expatriate baseball players in Mexico Category:Baseball players from California Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players Category:Charleston RiverDogs players Category:Chicago Cubs players Category:Delta College Mustangs baseball players Category:Detroit Tigers players Category:Gulf Coast Yankees players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Mexican Baseball League pitchers Category:Nashville Sounds players Category:New York Yankees players Category:Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers Category:Orix Buffaloes players Category:People from Sonora, California Category:Sportspeople from Tuolumne County, California Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players Category:Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees players Category:Staten Island Yankees players Category:Stockton Ports players Category:Tampa Yankees players Category:Toledo Mud Hens players Category:Toronto Blue Jays players Category:Trenton Thunder players