Dylan Lee

Dylan Ryan Lee Bio

Dylan Ryan Lee (born August 1, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Fresno State Bulldogs and was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 10th round of the 2016 MLB draft. Lee made his MLB debut in 2021 and became a World Series champion that same year with the Atlanta Braves. He notably started Game 4 of the 2021 World Series, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to make his first major league start in a World Series game.

Early Life and Background

Dylan Ryan Lee was born on August 1, 1994, in the United States. He attended Dinuba High School in Dinuba, California, where he played baseball. Undrafted out of high school, Lee chose to attend the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California, to continue his baseball career and develop his skills at the junior college level.

After two years at the College of the Sequoias, Lee transferred to Fresno State University to play for the Bulldogs baseball program. His performance at the collegiate level attracted attention from MLB scouts, leading to his selection in the 2016 MLB draft.

Path to Professional Baseball

Lee entered the 2016 MLB draft and was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 10th round. His journey through the minor leagues would take him through multiple levels of the Marlins organization over the next several years, developing his craft as a pitcher and earning opportunities to advance through their farm system.

Dylan Ryan Lee Career

Minor League Development with Miami Marlins (2016–2021)

Lee began his professional career in 2016, splitting his debut season between the Gulf Coast Marlins and the Batavia Muckdogs. He posted a combined record of 0-1 with a 2.48 earned run average and 13 strikeouts over 29 innings pitched. The following season in 2017, he advanced to the Greensboro Grasshoppers, where he went 4-10 with a 4.85 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 98 and one-third innings.

In 2018, Lee reached Double-A and Triple-A levels, splitting the season among the Jupiter Hammerheads, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, and New Orleans Baby Cakes. He posted an impressive 8-3 record with a 1.60 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 62 innings. His 2019 season saw him split time between Jacksonville and New Orleans, where he recorded 13 saves along with a 1-6 record, a 2.91 ERA, and 56 strikeouts over 58 and two-thirds innings. The 2020 season was lost due to the cancellation of Minor League Baseball because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Lee was subsequently released by the Miami Marlins on March 29, 2021.

Atlanta Braves Breakthrough (2021–Present)

Lee signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on April 15, 2021, and was assigned to the Gwinnett Stripers, their Triple-A affiliate. With Gwinnett, he excelled, posting a 5-1 record with one save and a 1.58 ERA while recording 52 strikeouts over 45 and two-thirds innings. His strong performance earned him a promotion to the major leagues on September 22, 2021.

Lee made his MLB debut on October 1, 2021, pitching in relief against the New York Mets. He yielded one hit and recorded his first major league strikeout. On October 8, he was named to the Braves postseason roster. Though he did not pitch during the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers and was initially left off the roster for the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was added when Huascar Ynoa suffered a shoulder injury.

Lee remained with the team as they advanced to the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros. On October 30, it was announced he would start Game 4 of the World Series against Zack Greinke. This made Lee the first pitcher in MLB history to make his first major league start in a World Series game. Prior to his start, he had only two regular season big league appearances, the fewest career appearances for a starting pitcher in World Series history. Lee was pulled after facing only four batters, giving up two walks, one hit, and one run while recording just one out. Despite the challenging start, the Braves went on to win the World Series, giving Lee a championship ring.

Atlanta Braves Era (2022–Present)

Lee began the 2022 season with Triple-A Gwinnett before being promoted to the major league roster on April 19. He was optioned back to Gwinnett on April 21 but returned to the majors on May 23 and remained there for the rest of the season. He earned his first career victory on June 13. In 46 games during the 2022 season, Lee posted a 5-1 record with a 2.13 ERA.

The 2023 season saw Lee post a 3.10 ERA across 20 appearances out of the bullpen before he was placed on the injured list on May 19 with left shoulder inflammation. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 30 and was activated from the injured list on September 1. In 24 total games for Atlanta during 2023, he recorded a 4.18 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 23 and two-thirds innings pitched. On September 12, it was announced he would miss the remainder of the season after being placed on the injured list again with left shoulder inflammation. Lee underwent surgery on October 13, 2023, to address shoulder inflammation in his left elbow.

Driving Style and Strengths

Lee has demonstrated versatility as both a starter and reliever throughout his career. His ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations was evident when the Braves trusted him with a World Series start despite his limited major league experience. His development in the minor leagues showed consistent improvement, particularly his work as a reliever where he recorded 13 saves in the 2019 season.

Notable Events and Milestones

Lee’s selection to start Game 4 of the 2021 World Series stands as the most notable moment of his career. This historic start made him the first pitcher in MLB history to make his first major league start in a World Series game. Winning the 2021 World Series with the Atlanta Braves provided Lee with a championship ring and a place in baseball history.

Dylan Ryan Lee Career Wins

Lee has compiled a solid professional record across his MLB and minor league career, with his most successful seasons coming with the Atlanta Braves organization. His career MLB statistics through June 28, 2026, include a 16-7 win-loss record with a 2.54 earned run average and 282 strikeouts.

Major League Baseball Highlights

Lee made his major league debut in 2021 and quickly became a contributing member of the Braves bullpen. His 2022 season was particularly strong, as he went 5-1 with a 2.13 ERA in 46 appearances. His ability to maintain effectiveness across multiple seasons at the major league level demonstrates his resilience and adaptability as a professional pitcher.

Minor League Career Highlights

Prior to reaching the majors, Lee had several standout minor league seasons. His 2018 campaign with the Marlins organization was exceptional, as he posted an 8-3 record with a 1.60 ERA across three levels. His 2021 season with the Gwinnett Stripers also showcased his talent, with a 5-1 record and a 1.58 ERA before his promotion to the majors.

Dylan Ryan Lee Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Public information regarding Dylan Lee’s family background, including his parents or any family connections to professional baseball, is not widely available in verified sources.

Personal Life

Lee maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his Twitter and Instagram accounts. Beyond his baseball career, details about his personal life remain private and are not extensively documented in public sources.

2025 Season Performance

Following his recovery from the left elbow surgery he underwent in October 2023, Lee continued his career with the Atlanta Braves in 2025. After working his way back from the significant injury, he remained a member of the Braves pitching staff, contributing to their bullpen depth as a left-handed reliever option.

Lee’s journey back from surgery demonstrated his determination and work ethic. The Braves organization continued to support his development as he looked to reclaim his form from his successful 2022 season when he posted a 2.13 ERA.

The 2025 season represented an important chapter in Lee’s career as he sought to establish himself as a reliable option out of the Braves bullpen while building on his championship experience from 2021.