Career

Linebrink was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the second round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his major league debut with the Giants on April 15, 2000, but was traded to the Houston Astros for Doug Henry prior to the 2000 trade deadline.

In May 2003, Linebrink was selected off waivers by the San Diego Padres from the Astros. In 2004 and 2005, he went 7-3 with a 2.14 earned run average and 8-1 with a 1.83 ERA, respectively. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Steve Garrison, Will Inman and Joe Thatcher.

Following the 2007 season he was signed as a free agent by the Chicago White Sox, a deal reportedly worth $19 million over 4 years. Linebrink wears number 71 in honor of Mark Merila, former bullpen catcher for the Padres, who had battled a brain tumor.

On December 3, 2010, Linebrink was traded to the Atlanta Braves for minor league pitcher Kyle Cofield. On August 1, 2011, Linebrink was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

On February 10, 2012, Linebrink signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, with an invitation to spring training.

He was given his unconditional release on June 8, 2012, after injuries prevented him from pitching with the team.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]