Steve Lombardozzi Jr. (born June 30, 1992) is an American professional baseball infielder. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers. Lombardozzi is the son of former MLB second baseman Steve Lombardozzi Sr.
Early life and education
Lombardozzi was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Boston College High School, where he excelled in baseball, leading his team to multiple state championships. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Virginia and played college baseball for the Virginia Cavaliers. During his collegiate career, he was recognized for his defensive versatility and contact hitting.
Professional career
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals selected Lombardozzi in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He began his professional career in the minor leagues, advancing through the organization's farm system and earning a reputation as a reliable infielder with a solid on‑base percentage. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals on July 2, 2016, appearing primarily as a utility infielder.
Cincinnati Reds
In December 2017, Lombardozzi was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. He spent the 2018 season splitting time between the major league club and its Triple‑A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, providing depth at second base and shortstop.
Milwaukee Brewers
Lombardozzi signed a minor‑league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization prior to the 2020 season. He was added to the Brewers’ active roster in August 2020 and appeared in several games as a bench player and defensive substitute.
Later career
After the 2020 season, Lombardozzi became a free agent and subsequently signed minor‑league deals with multiple organizations, including the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers, continuing to play at the Triple‑A level. As of the latest available information (2024), he has not announced retirement and remains an active professional player.
Playing style
Lombardozzi is noted for his defensive flexibility, capable of playing second base, shortstop, and third base. Offensively, he is characterized as a contact hitter with a disciplined approach at the plate, emphasizing on‑base skills over power.
Personal life
Lombardozzi’s father, Steve Lombardozzi Sr., played eight seasons in MLB as a second baseman for teams including the Washington Senators and the Chicago White Sox. The younger Lombardozzi has cited his father's experience as influential in his development as a professional athlete.
References
- MLB.com player profile
- Baseball‑Reference statistical database
- University of Virginia athletics archives
This entry reflects information available up to 2024 and may be updated as new verified sources become available.
