| Evan Lee | |
| Team: | Free agent |
| Position: | Pitcher |
| Birth Date: | 18 June 1997 |
| Birth Place: | Bryant, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Left |
| Debutleague: | MLB |
| Debutdate: | June 1 |
| Debutyear: | 2022 |
| Debutteam: | Washington Nationals |
| Statleague: | MLB |
| Statyear: | 2022 season |
| Stat1label: | Win–loss record |
| Stat1value: | 0–1 |
| Stat2label: | Earned run average |
| Stat2value: | 4.15 |
| Stat3label: | Strikeouts |
| Stat3value: | 7 |
| Teams: | |
Evan Hankins Lee (born June 18, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals.
Lee was a two-way player at the University of Arkansas, playing in the outfield and pitching. He was a draft-eligible sophomore when he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round, with the 461st overall selection, of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft as a left-handed pitcher. Lee chose to sign with the Nationals, turning pro.[1] He made his professional debut with the rookie–level Gulf Coast League Nationals. In 2019, Lee played for the Low–A Auburn Doubledays, registering a 2.65 ERA with 44 strikeouts across 34 innings of work.[2]
Lee did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] He spent the 2021 campaign with the High–A Wilmington Blue Rocks, compiling a 4–3 record and 4.32 ERA with 104 strikeouts across 21 games (20 starts).[4] Lee was selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League in 2021, pitching in relief for the Surprise Saguaros.[5]
On November 19, 2021, the Nationals added Lee to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[6] He made his major league debut as a spot starter against the New York Mets on June 1, 2022.[7] Later that month, Lee suffered a left flexor strain and was placed on the injured list.[8] He was transferred to the 60-day IL on August 2.[9] Lee cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A Rochester on November 15.[10]
Lee was transitioned into a relief pitcher role entering the 2023 season.[11] In 22 appearances out of the bullpen for the Double–A Harrisburg Senators, he struggled to a 6.45 ERA with 24 strikeouts across innings pitched.[12] Lee began the 2024 campaign with Wilmington, struggling immensely to a 60.75 ERA in innings of work. He was released by the Nationals organization on April 23, 2024.[13]
On the mound, Lee uses a four-pitch mix, although he described himself in a 2020 interview as "fastball-heavy". He also throws a 12–6 curveball, a cutter, and a slider.[14]
Lee is married to former University of Arkansas softball player Sydney Parr.[15] [16] The two met in college when they were both student athletes at the University of Arkansas.[17] [18]