Zack Greinke Kansas City Royals Career
On May 22, 2004, Greinke was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut against the Oakland Athletics, surrendering two runs in five innings.
He was the youngest player in the majors at the age of 20 and came close to winning the game, but the team’s closer, Jeremy Affeldt, gave up the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs.
Greinke earned his first professional win on June 8 against the Montreal Expos, pitching seven shutout innings.
Greinke concluded the 2004 season with an 8–11 record and a 3.97 ERA in 24 starts.
In a 12–10 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 10, 2005, he blasted his first major – home run off Russ Ortiz, but he also allowed 15 hits, tying a club record.
Greinke finished 2005 with a 5–17 record and a 5.80 ERA in 33 starts, leading the American League in losses.
Greinke seemed silent and uneasy around the clubhouse at times. The Royals arranged for him to live with Royals Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett to help him cope with his anxiety and loneliness.
Greinke’s unease continued to grow. He was on the verge of retiring from baseball by the 2005–2006 offseason. Greinke later stated that he did not expect to return to baseball at the moment.
In late February 2006, he quit spring training for personal reasons. He had been diagnosed with depression and social anxiety disorder, it was later revealed.
On April 17, he reported back to the Royals’ spring training facility in Surprise, Arizona, where he continued to pitch. Due to psychological concerns, he was placed on the 60-day injured list and was forced to retire from baseball.
He began visiting a sports psychologist and was prescribed antidepressants.
Greinke only pitched three times out of the bullpen in 2006, going 1–0 with a 4.26 ERA.
How Tall Is Zack Greinke?
Zack Grienke stands at a height of 1.88 m.