Chad Orvella

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Chad Orvella bigraphy, stories - American baseball player

Chad Orvella : biography

October 1, 1980 –

Chad Robert Orvella (born October 1, 1980 in Redmond, Washington) is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played college baseball for the NC State Wolfpack, playing as both a shortstop and, occasionally, a pitcher. Orvella was drafted in the 13th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft by Tampa Bay. In , he was named the Devil Rays minor league pitcher of the year. Orvella made his major league debut on May 31, , against the Oakland Athletics. Orvella’s pitching repertoire consists of a 95 mph fastball as well as a decent changeup and an average slider. He was the early favorite for becoming the Devil Ray’s closer in , however, he struggled in spring training with his command and was sent down to Triple-A Durham. Replacing pitcher Chad Harville in late August 2006, Orvella assumed a role on the Rays as a reliever. On June 11, , Orvella was optioned back to the minors. On June 9, 2009, Orvella was released by the Rays to make room on the Durham roster for Jorge Julio. On June 29, Orvella signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.