Brewers Call-Ups: Matt Clark

Mar 9, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets first baseman Matt Clark (82) singles to left against the Atlanta Braves in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Clark made the long trip from AAA to the majors when he got called up Tuesday morning by the Milwaukee Brewers, but the LSU grad has put on a lot of miles since he began his professional career in 2008.

He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round of the 2008 June Amateur Draft and was assigned to Low A Eugene in the Northwest League, where he hit five home runs in 140 ABs.

The following season, Clark (6’5, 230 pounds) split time between the Midwest and California Leagues, respectively, and cracked 24 home runs in 502 at-bats with a slash line of 279/360/504.

In 2010, the left-handed slugger moved up to AA San Antonio, where he hit 28 homers in 499 at-bats and slashed 269/339/485.

He spent the next two seasons at AAA Tucson, and had a total of 45 jacks in two complete seasons.

Most likely frustrated by his lack of promotion to the bigs despite having a decent average with great power, he signed with Chunichi of the Japanese Central League, where he hit 25 home runs but only hit .238 in 2013.

Prior to the 2014 season, he signed with the New York Mets and played 67 games at AA Binghampton, but asked for his release despite performing very well, as his ten homers and .297 batting average will attest.

The Brewers signed him to a minor league deal in early July and he has performed well at AAA Nashville, with 16 HR in 195 ABs, while slashing 313/371/605.

His father is Terry Clark, who spent parts of six seasons in the majors from 1988-1997, pitching for seven big league teams.

Matt Clark will see some action at first base against right handed pitchers, and should get a chance for some pinch-hitting opportunities as well. He walks at a higher-than-average rate, but strikes out a bit as well.

Brewer fans can look forward to some good at-bats from Clark during his first trip to the major leagues and can perhaps add some excitement to what is rapidly becoming a depressing finish for Milwaukee.