Jonathan Benjamin Edwards (born January 8, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, and Cleveland Indians. He also played on Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hanshin Tigers.
Career
Edwards attended Keller High School in Keller, Texas.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals selected Edwards in the 14th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft as an outfielder. He played in the Cardinals organization until 2010, without appearing in an MLB game.
Independent Baseball
He spent the 2011 season playing independent league baseball for the San Angelo Colts of the United Baseball League and Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League. He would be the first player from the Pecos League to ever play in the MLB.
Texas Rangers
Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers in 2012 and converted to a pitcher. Edwards was called up to the majors for the first time on August 15, 2014.
San Diego Padres
In August 2015, Edwards was traded from the Rangers to the San Diego Padres for Will Venable. On December 20, 2016, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Padres. He was released on March 28, 2017.
Cleveland Indians
On March 22, 2018, Edwards signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. The Indians promoted Edwards to the major leagues on September 1. In 9 appearances, he recorded a 3.12 ERA with 10 strikeouts over 8+2⁄3 innings.
Edwards pitched in 9 games for Cleveland in 2019, posting a 2–0 record and 2.25 ERA with 5 strikeouts across 8 innings pitched. On September 1, 2019, Edwards was designated for assignment. After clearing waivers, he was outrighted to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers on September 3. Edwards elected free agency following the season on November 4.
Hanshin Tigers
On December 21, 2019, Edwards signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).