Selected by Seattle in the 11th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Eastern Alamance (N.C.) High School…committed to Appalachian State University before being drafted... Zack was technically born in Burlington, N.C. because there was no hospital in his hometown of Mebane (pronounced meb-in)…the town was named after Alexander Mebane, an American Revolutionary War general and member of the U.S. Congress...He played “every sport” while growing up in Mebane, including soccer, football, basketball, baseball, swimming and tennis…during Zack’s senior year at Eastern Alamance High School, local papers labeled him a prodigy after he went 10-2 with 130 SO over 26 games…he also played shortstop and catcher in high school...One of Zack’s favorite baseball memories is recording his first (and only) career hit on Sept. 10, 2021 at Wrigley Field during his stint with the Giants…after striking out looking on three pitches in his first professional at-bat a few months earlier, he told teammate Buster Posey, “Hey, watch this, I’m going to get a hit,” before heading to the on-deck circle…he proceeded to notch a single to right-center field off Kyle Hendricks…Zack took the ball and the Giants lineup card as keepsakes...He and his wife, Autumn, were high school sweethearts before getting married in 2019… they have two sons: Wyatt (3) and Drew (1)...Some of Zack’s hobbies include hunting, fishing and golfing…one of his favorite parts of life in Tampa Bay is spending time by the water...After starting his Major League career in the bullpen, Zack transitioned into a starting role midway through the 2023 season after the Rays claimed him off waivers from the Red Sox—he has since become one of the club’s most reliable starting pitchers…former rotation-mate Zach Eflin has described his approach as “fearless”.
2024
Went 8-10 with a 3.63 ERA (156.1IP, 63ER) in his seventh Major League season and second with the Rays…marked his first full season as a starter after joining the club’s rotation in July 2023… was on the 15-day IL (right shoulder fatigue) from Aug. 17 (retro Aug. 15)–Sept. 1...Led the Rays in wins (T1st, 8), innings (156.1), starts (29) and quality starts (T1st, 10), each of which marked career highs...Named the recipient of the Paul C. Smith Champion Award by the Tampa Bay chapter of the BBWAA, presented to the player who best exemplifies the spirit of true professionalism on and off the field...Min. 150 IP, his 4.7 pct. walk rate ranked fifth in the AL/seventh in the majors and was the ninth lowest mark in Rays history...Allowed three runs or fewer in 13 of his 15 home starts, finishing 4-5 with a 2.90 ERA (87.0IP, 28ER), sixth best in the AL (min. 75.0IP)…this, compared to his 4-5 mark and 4.54 ERA (69.1IP, 35ER) in 14 road starts…seven of his 10 quality starts came at Tropicana Field...Received two or fewer runs of support in 22 of 29 starts, including 17 of his final 20…min. 150.0 IP, his 3.22 run support average was the lowest in the majors and lowest in Rays history (prev. Tony Saunders, 3.51 in 1998)…despite this, the Rays managed a 14-15 record in his starts...Recorded a 36.9 pct. usage rate on his fastballs (four-seamer/sinker), second lowest in the majors, higher than only BOS Tanner Houck (33.8%)…opponents hit .311 (41-for-132) against his fastballs in the first half and .153 (11-for-72) after the All-Star break, second best in the AL (min. 50AB) behind TOR Bowden Francis (.138)...Opposing hitters fouled off 20.7 pct. of his pitches, the sixth-highest mark among AL starters (min. 2,000 pitches) and third highest by a Rays starter in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008) behind Jake Odorizzi (21.7%) in 2016 and Scott Kazmir (21.7%) in 2008...His 156.1 IP were second most in Rays history by a pitcher who did not record a wild pitch, trailing Zach Eflin (177.2) in 2023…was one of four MLB hurlers with at least 150.0 IP and no wild pitches, joining SEA Luis Castillo (175.1), STL Miles Mikolas (171.2) and OAK JP Sears (180.2)...From April 17–May 4, recorded six SO or more without issuing a walk in a club-record four straight starts...On May 11 vs. NYY, walked Anthony Rizzo in the second inning to end a streak of 123 BF without a free pass, fourth longest in franchise history behind Zach Eflin (165BF, 2024), Corey Kluber (150BF, 2022) and David Price (124BF, 2013)...Went 5-3 with a 1.82 ERA (49.1IP, 10ER) over his final nine starts from July 27 on, ranking second in the AL in ERA (min. 40.0IP) behind TOR Francis Bowden (1.80) and fourth in the majors behind SF Blake Snell (1.30) and ATL Chris Sale (1.79)…allowed one or zero runs in six of those nine outings…entered that stretch at 3-7 with a 4.46 ERA (107.0IP, 53ER) through his first 20 starts...From Sept. 8-19, threw three consecutive scoreless starts of five IP or more, tying six other pitchers for the longest streak in Rays history: Taj Bradley (2024), Ryan Yarbrough (2019), Jake Odorizzi (2016), Alex Colomé (2014), Alex Cobb (2014) and Matt Moore (2012)…that stretch was part of a career-best 20 scoreless inning streak, tied for 12th longest by a Rays starting pitcher...On Sept. 19 vs. BOS, retired 21 of 22 batters in a 2-0 win (W, 7.0IP, H, 0R, 7SO), becoming the fourth Ray to allow one or zero baserunners over seven IP or more along with Drew Rasmussen (April 9, 2023 vs. OAK), Nathan Eovaldi (July 8, 2018 at NYM) and Matt Garza (July 26, 2010 vs. DET).
2023
Made 28 appearances (14GS) between the Red Sox and Rays…Claimed off waivers from the Red Sox on May 12…Transitioned to a full-time starting role on July 19...Minimum 50.0 IP, ranked among MLB leaders in post All-Star break walks per 9.0 IP (second, 0.89), walk rate (second, 2.4%) and SO/BB ratio (fifth, 7.86)...Set career highs in starts (14), innings pitched (90.0) and strikeouts (74)...Lowered his walk rate from 6.8 percent in 2022 to a career-low 3.2 percent, the sixth-lowest mark in the Majors (min. 150BF)...Signed a Minor League contract with Texas on Feb. 3 and was a non-roster invite to Rangers Spring Training…Opened the season with Triple-A Round Rock, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA (12.0IP, 3ER) in eight relief outings...Traded to Boston in exchange for cash considerations on May 5…After pitching in two games for the Red Sox, was designated for assignment on May 10...Went 0-1 with an 8.10 ERA (3.1IP, three ER) in his first four appearances with the Rays before a May 24-June 14 stint on the injured list with right shoulder fatigue…Following his activation, went 3-5 with a 3.76 ERA (83.2IP, 35ER) in 22 games (14GS) over the remainder of the season...Became the first pitcher to be claimed off waivers mid-season and go on to make 10+ starts for a team that made the postseason since Doug Fister with the 2017 Red Sox...Over 14 starts, went 3-5 with a 3.41 ERA (71.1IP, 27ER) and 1.05 WHIP…In his 14 relief appearances, posted an 0-1 mark with a 6.75 ERA (18.2IP, 14ER) and 1.66 WHIP...Made two starts as an opener on June 29 at AZ and July 5 vs. PHI…After moving into a regular starting role on July 19 at TEX, pitched to a 3.34 ERA (67.1IP, 25ER) in his final 12 starts...Added a sweeper to his arsenal and limited opponents to a .250 (6-for-24) average on the pitch…Relied primarily on his slider/four-seam fastball combination, throwing one of those two offerings 63.6 percent of the time...Registered a 69.2 pct. strike percentage, the fourth-highest mark in the AL (min. 750 pitches thrown)…His 69.3 percent first-pitch strike percentage ranked fourth in the Majors (min. 350BF)...On May 16 at NYM, made his Rays debut in the eighth inning, striking out the side in order...From June 17–Aug. 4, did not issue a walk to 111 straight BF, the sixth-longest streak in Rays history…On the season, did not issue multiple walks in any of his 14 starts, the fifth-longest streak in Rays history (including openers)...On June 29 at Ariz., made his first start since June 15, 2021 (also vs. AZ)…Allowed one hit in 2.0 scoreless innings as an opener for bulk reliever Yonnny Chirinos...On July 19 at TEX, made his first start as a regular member of the Rays rotation, with the only damage against him in 3.1 IP being a Leody Taveras solo homer...On Aug. 4 at DET, turned in his first career quality start in an 8-0 Rays win…Earned back-to-back wins for the first time in his career...On Sept. 7 vs. SEA, took the loss despite allowing one run over a career-high 8.0 IP…It marked the longest start by a Rays pitcher since Drew Rasmussen’s 8.1-inning effort on Aug. 14, 2022 vs. BAL…His 86 pitches tied Bryan Rekar (8.1IP, 6/1/00 vs. BAL) and Ryan Rupe (9.0IP, 5/23/99) for the fewest in an outing of 8.0+ IP in Rays history…He became the second Rays pitcher (third instance) to take a loss despite allowing one run over 8.0+ IP, joining James Shields (two-time, last: 10/2/12 vs. BAL - 9.0IP, 1R)...From Sept. 7-12, tossed a combined 15.0 IP between starts vs. Seattle and at Minnesota...Marked the most innings thrown by a Ray over a two-game span since Ryan Yarbrough (15.0IP) from June 3-11, 2021...On Sept. 23 vs. TOR, threw a career-high 99 pitches (67 strikes) in his final start of the regular season...Postseason: Pitched in Game 2 of the ALWC vs. TEX…Threw 2.0 hitless innings and struck out three while hitting one batter.
2022
Made 39 appearances for San Francisco, finishing 3-3 with a 5.08 ERA (25 ER/44.1 IP)…began season with six consecutive scoreless outings in as many innings over the month of April… posted better splits against LHB (.220) vs. RHB (.298)…placed on IL two times, missing seven games after landing on the COVID-IL on 4/26...missed more than a month (7/9-8/17) with a strained left oblique…appeared in 15 G between Single-A San Jose and Triple-A Sacramento, going 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA (10 ER/15.1 IP) and 15 strikeouts.
2021
Appeared in a career-high 63 games in his first season with the Giants while also setting career bests in innings (61.2) and strikeouts (63)...Was one of the six Giants relievers with at least 50 appearances and a sub-3.00 ERA...Posted a 3.44 ERA in his first stint with SF (38 games) from April 30-July 27...was recalled from Triple-A on Aug. 7 and went 4-0-2 with a 2.28 ERA (7er, 27.2ip) and 38 strikeouts while limiting hitters to a .175 clip the rest of the regular season...Held opponents scoreless in 47 of 63 outings...Stranded 16-of-23 inherited runners this season (69.6%)...Used his four-seam fastball 57.8% of the time...opponents were 20-for-120 (.167) with 50 strikeouts.
POSTSEASON: Was on his second career postseason roster...In two NLDS appearances, allowed three runs on six hits with a homer and five strikeouts in 2.2 innings.
2020
Appeared in nine games for Minnesota and posted a 9.95 ERA (7er, 6.1ip) in six games...Made the Twins Opening Day roster but made two appearances before landing on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain on August 1 (retro to July 31)...Was activated off the injured list on Aug. 13 and made two appearances before being optioned to the Alternate Training Site on Aug. 19...Recalled the next day (Aug. 20) and made two more appearances before going back on the 10-day injured list, this time with right elbow inflammation...Was activated off the IL on Sept. 6 and optioned to the Alternate Training Site...Was outrighted to the Alternate Training Site on Sept. 16.
2019
Was in Twins spring training, second of career...optioned to Triple-A Rochester March 14 where he began the season....Recalled by Minnesota for first time on May 24...had five different stints with the Twins over the season....Allowed a career-high eight runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings of relief May 30 at Tampa Bay...aside from this appearance, posted a 0.83 ERA (32.2 IP, 3 ER) in his other 28 major league games combined....Earned first major league win June 18 vs. Boston, pitching 2.0 scoreless innings....Held opponents scoreless in 24 of 27 appearances from June 18-end of season, including a stretch of 10-straight scoreless outings June 18-July 19 (11.0 IP)....Led all Twins relievers in wins, going 6-0 in 29 games...is one of just three Twins to pitch solely out of the bullpen and win at least six games without a loss, joining Joe Nathan (7-0 in 2006; 64 games) and LaTroy Hawkins (6-0 in 2002; 65 games)....Made two relief appearances in ALDS vs. New York-AL...made Postseason debut in Game 1 on Oct. 1 at Yankee Stadium, allowing two runs in 0.0 innings and was dealt the loss...made second appearance in Game 2 on Oct. 2 at Yankee Stadium, pitching 0.1 inning.
2018
Was in Twins spring training, the first of his career...optioned to Double-A Chattanooga March 9...Was Lookouts Opening Day starter April 5 vs. Birmingham, allowing two runs on five hits in 4.1 innings pitched and did not factor into the decision...Made five starts for the Lookouts before being promoted to Triple-A Rochester May 4 (Fernando Romero recalled by Minnesota from Rochester)...Made five starts for the Red Wings May 5-28, going 1-1, 2.57 ERA (28.0 IP, 8 ER) with 10 walks and 30 strikeouts, earning a recall to Minnesota as 26th man for doubleheader with Chicago-AL...Made major league debut, starting game two of a doubleheader vs. Chicago-AL, allowing six runs on six hits in 3.0 innings pitched and was dealt the loss...struck out first batter faced, fanning Yoán Moncada...transferred to Rochester after game...Made four starts for Red Wings before being recalled again July 2 to make one appearance for Twins...transferred back to Rochester next day...Made 10 more starts for the Red Wings, going 5-3, 4.09 ERA (55.0 IP, 25 ER) and was recalled September 2 when rosters expanded...Made six appearances for the Twins in September, one as a starter, two as a Primary Pitcher...Combined to go 6-11, 4.27 ERA (149.2 IP, 71 ER) with 58 walks and 144 strikeouts in 32 games (22 starts) between Minnesota, Rochester and Chattanooga.
2017
Began season with Single-A Tampa (New York-AL) ... Named Midseason All-Star while at Tampa ... Promoted to Double-A Trenton June 14 and went 5-0, 2.05 ERA (44.0 IP, 10 ER) in seven starts ... Acquired by Minnesota along with left-handed pitcher Dietrich Enns on July 30, in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jaime García; assigned to Double-A Chattanooga ... Combined to go 14-1, 1.89 ERA (114.1 IP, 24 ER) in 20 games (18 starts) between both levels in the Yankee organization prior to trade ... Made seven starts for the Lookouts in August, going 5-0, 2.81 ERA (41.2 IP, 13 ER) ... Combined to go 19-1, 2.12 ERA (157.0 IP, 37 ER) with 41 walks and 142 strikeouts in 27 games (25 starts) between Tampa, Trenton and Chattanooga ... MiLB.com Fans' Choice for Best Starting Pitcher while at Chattanooga.
2016
Began season with Single-A Clinton (Seattle)...named Midwest League Pitcher of the Week June 6, going 2-0, 0.00 ERA (14.0 IP) with two walks and 17 strikeouts in two starts...promoted to Double-A Bakersfield July 4...named MiLB.com California League Player of the Month for July after going 4-0, 0.84 ERA (32.0 IP, 3 ER) with 25 strikeouts in five starts...named California League Pitcher of the Week August 15 after pitching 7.0 scoreless innings with four hits allowed and seven strikeouts August 17 vs. San Jose...made one postseason start in a Game 2 win in the first round vs. San Jose and strikeout 11 batters while allowing just one earned run in 7.1 innings pitched...combined to appear in 28 games (27 starts) between Single-A Clinton and Single-A Bakersfield, going 13-6, 2.66 ERA (165.2 IP, 49 ER)...led Mariners minor leaguers in innings pitched and strikeouts and ranked second in ERA and wins...one of six minor league pitchers to record a sub-3.00 ERA with at least 150 strikeouts...traded from Seattle to New York-AL on November 18, 2016, in exchange for left-handed pitcher James Pazos.
2015
Spent season with Single-A Clinton (Seattle)...went 3-6, 3.91 ERA (112.2 IP, 49 ER) in 21 starts for Lumberkings...recorded first career double-digit strikeout game June 6 vs. Bowling Green (6.0 IP, 10 K).
2014
Spent entire season at Rookie Pulaski (Seattle), where he went 5-5, 4.52 ERA (69.2 IP, 35 ER) in 13 starts...led Appalachian League in strikeouts (64), ranked second in innings pitched and led Appalachian League starters in walks-per-9.0 IP (1.55).
2013
Played first professional season with AZL Mariners, going 0-6, 5.94 ERA (33.1 IP, 22 ER) in 10 games (7 starts)
