Matt Moore

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Moore's time in Tampa Bay was defined by rapid ascent and historic peaks. In 2013, he achieved a rare feat: becoming the first left-handed American League pitcher to start a season with an 8–0 record at age 23 or younger since Babe Ruth in 1917. That same year, he tied Max Scherzer for the most wins in the AL with 13 and earned his first All-Star selection, replacing Yu Darvish by retiring Carlos González, Yadier Molina, and Troy Tulowitzki in just nine pitches. His dominance was evident early; on June 15, 2012, he combined with relievers to pitch a one-hit shutout against the Miami Marlins. However, durability became an issue after his elbow trouble surfaced during a July 28 game against the New York Yankees. He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 22, 2014, missing the entire season. His return in 2015 was rocky, with an 8.78 ERA in his first six starts before he found stability in the minors, striking out a franchise-record 16 batters in a single game for Durham.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Moore's Rays career is anchored by specific moments of brilliance and abrupt interruptions. It began with his debut on September 14, 2011, where he surrendered a two-run home run to Matt Wieters but recovered to make history in his first start against the New York Yankees, recording 11 strikeouts in five innings or fewer. Just weeks later, he started Game 1 of the 2011 ALDS, pitching seven shutout innings in a 9–0 victory over the Texas Rangers. The following summer, on June 8, 2009, he was named South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week after throwing seven shutout innings for the Bowling Green Hot Rods. His minor league dominance continued in 2011 when he pitched his first career no-hitter against the Mobile BayBears and recorded 210 strikeouts with the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits, breaking his own single-season record. The tone shifted on July 31, 2013, when he was placed on the disabled list due to a sore left elbow. By April 7, 2014, he could no longer pitch and required surgery. Upon returning in June 2015, he struggled initially but eventually struck out 16 Columbus Clippers batters on August 23, setting a new franchise single-game record for the minor league affiliate.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Moore's path from prospect to veteran, several key data points define his Rays era. He was drafted 245th overall in 2007 but quickly rose, posting a 1.66 ERA and 77 strikeouts in just over 54 innings as a rookie in 2008. By 2009, he led the South Atlantic League with 176 strikeouts. His minor league career peaked in 2010 with 208 strikes for the High-A Charlotte Stone Crabs, the most in that league since 1971. In the majors, his 2013 season stands out: a 17–4 record, 3.29 ERA, and an All-Star nod. The contract signed on December 9, 2011, was significant as the largest ever guaranteed to a pitcher with less than two years of service time. His final start for the Rays came in the exhibition game against Cuba in March 2016, where President Barack Obama attended and received one of Moore's gloves. Following that season, on August 1, 2016, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Matt Duffy and prospects Lucius Fox and Michael Santos.

Did You Know?

• Moore pitched the first franchise no-hitter for the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits on June 16, 2011, against the Mobile BayBears.
• On August 23, 2015, while rehabbing with Triple-A Durham, Moore struck out 16 batters in a single game, setting a franchise record.
• In his first MLB start on September 22, 2011, Moore became the first pitcher in history to record 11 strikeouts in five innings or fewer against the New York Yankees.
• Moore was selected as an All-Star replacement for Yu Darvish in 2013 and retired three batters (Carlos González, Yadier Molina, Troy Tulowitzki) in only nine pitches.
• During a 2016 exhibition game in Cuba, President Barack Obama attended the Rays' win and was given one of Moore's gloves.