Robert John Zastryzny Bio
Robert John Zastryzny is a Canadian-American professional baseball pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Zastryzny played college baseball for the Missouri Tigers, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport from an early age.
Early Life and Background
Robert John Zastryzny was born on March 26, 1992, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. When he was just one year old, his family relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas. Zastryzny holds dual Canadian-American citizenship and was homeschooled during his formative years. This unique upbringing allowed him to focus on his passion for baseball while receiving a tailored education.
Zastryzny attended Calallen High School, where he played as both a pitcher and a first baseman. By his junior year, he began to concentrate solely on pitching, achieving impressive statistics. He compiled a 26–4 win-loss record and an earned run average (ERA) of 0.71, including a remarkable 17–1 record and an ERA of 0.20 during his senior year. His high school career culminated in a perfect game, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young talent.
Path to Baseball
After graduating from high school, Zastryzny enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he continued to excel in baseball. Over three years with the Missouri Tigers, he recorded a 9–19 win-loss record and a 3.79 ERA, accumulating 228 strikeouts, which ranks eighth in the program’s history. His collegiate performance caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection in the 2013 MLB draft.
The Chicago Cubs selected Zastryzny in the second round, with the 41st overall pick. He began his professional career with the Boise Hawks in the Low-A Northwest League and quickly progressed through the Cubs’ minor league system, showcasing his skills at various levels, including the Kane County Cougars and the Daytona Cubs. His dedication and hard work paid off when he made his MLB debut in 2016.
Robert John Zastryzny Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Zastryzny made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs on August 19, 2016. He appeared in 11 games during the 2016 season, finishing with a 1-0 record and an impressive ERA of 1.13. His contributions helped the Cubs secure the 2016 World Series title, marking the end of a 108-year championship drought for the franchise. Although he did not play in the postseason, being part of the roster for the National League Championship Series was a significant milestone in his career.
After the 2016 season, Zastryzny continued to develop in the Cubs’ organization but faced challenges in the following years. He was designated for assignment in September 2018 and subsequently released by the Cubs in March 2019, prompting him to seek opportunities with other teams.
Breakthrough (2019–2023)
Following his release from the Cubs, Zastryzny signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in March 2019. He spent the 2019 season with the Dodgers’ minor league affiliates, compiling a 4-8 record and a 5.58 ERA across 23 games. After the season, he was selected for the Canada national baseball team at the 2019 WBSC Premier12.
In November 2019, Zastryzny signed with the Baltimore Orioles but did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He later joined the Miami Marlins in 2021, where he had a solid season with the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, posting a 3.68 ERA in 24 games. His performance earned him a contract with the New York Mets in late 2021, leading to a brief stint in the majors in 2022.
Zastryzny’s journey continued with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he made 18 appearances in 2023, posting a 5.29 ERA. After a series of transactions, he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2023, marking a new chapter in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Robert John Zastryzny has achieved significant milestones, including being part of the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series-winning team. He has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, navigating the challenges of professional baseball while consistently striving to improve his skills.
Robert John Zastryzny Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Robert John Zastryzny has not received any major award nominations, but his contributions to his teams and his performance on the field have been noteworthy.
Robert John Zastryzny Awards Won
Robert John Zastryzny has not won any major awards during his professional baseball career, but he was part of the Chicago Cubs team that won the World Series in 2016, a significant achievement in his career.
Robert John Zastryzny Family
Robert John Zastryzny is married to Natalie Sanchez, whom he wed in 2018. Details about their family life and children are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Zastryzny maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his baseball career. His marriage to Natalie Sanchez marks a significant aspect of his life outside of baseball.
