Tyler Sample

Tyler J. Sample

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 6' 7", Weight 245 lb.
• High School J. K. Mullen High School

• Born June 27, 1989 in Elizabeth, CO USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Tyler Sample pitched in the minor leagues from 2008 to 2015, peaking at Double-A.

He was taken by the Kansas City Royals in the third round of the 2008 amateur draft, between infielders Jordy Mercer and L.J. Hoes and ahead of future star pitcher Craig Kimbrel; he was signed by scout Ken Munoz. He pitched 8 seasons in the minors, but had just two winning campaigns, including perhaps his best season in 2009, when he went 4-3 with a 3.13 ERA in 14 games (11 starts) between the AZL Royals and Burlington Royals. In 2008, his first season, he was 0-5 (though he had 39 Ks in 27 IP) and in 2010, he was 6-10. He went 7-12 in 2011, 1-9 in 2012, 2-4 in 2013, 4-3 in 2014 and 0-1 in 2015.

In 2008, he tied Ariel Alcantara for second in the Arizona League in losses with 5, behind Fray Martinez's 8. In 2010, he led the Midwest League in walks with 95; he was also a Mid-Season All-Star that year. In 2011, he led the Carolina League in runs allowed with 95, and was second in earned runs allowed (76), behind Joseph Serafin's 81. He tied Wilfredo Boscán, T.J. House and Nathan Moreau for second in losses with 12, behind Drake Britton's 13.

He was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Triple-A round of the 2013 Rule V Draft and spent 2014 and 2015 in their system.

Overall, he went 24-47 with a 5.33 ERA in 151 games (94 starts). In 540 1/3 innings, he allowed 529 hits and 359 walks (1.643 WHIP), while striking out 482 batters. He was a liability in the field, committing 25 errors in his career for a .658 fielding percentage.