Joshua Matthew Rupe (born August 18, 1982) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles.

Rupe was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 3rd round, with the 90th overall selection, of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft out of Louisburg College. He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Bristol White Sox, posting a 3-3 record and 5.26 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 17 games. Rupe began the 2003 campaign with the Single-A Kannapolis Intimidators, registering a 5-5 record and 3.02 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 6 saves in 65+2⁄3 innings pitched across 26 games.^[1]

Rupe was acquired by the Texas Rangers along with Frank Francisco and minor leaguer Anthony Webster to complete an earlier trade for Carl Everett on July 25, 2003.

Early in the 2006 season, Rupe was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to an inflamed left elbow. Upon his recovery, he spent time rehabbing with the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks. Rupe was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on July 28, 2006,^[2] and finished the season working out of the bullpen in a middle relief role.

Rupe failed to make the big league roster to start the 2007 season, and was optioned to the RedHawks. In 2008, Rupe made the major league roster and appeared in 46 games. He was granted free agency on November 9, 2009.

On November 25, 2009, Rupe signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.^[3] On April 16, 2010, the Royals selected Rupe's contract, adding him to their active roster. In 11 appearances for Kansas City, he compiled a 1-1 record and 5.59 ERA with 8 strikeouts across 9+2⁄3 innings pitched. Rupe was designated for assignment following the promotion of Blake Wood on May 12. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers two days later.^[4] Rupe elected free agency on October 5.

On November 29, 2010, Rupe signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.^[5] On March 30, 2011, the Orioles selected Rupe's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster. In 9 appearances for Baltimore, he logged a 5.65 ERA with 7 strikeouts across 14+1⁄3 innings pitched. Rupe was designated for assignment by the Orioles on May 10.^[6] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides on May 12.^[7] Rupe was released by the Orioles organization on August 5.^[8]

Rupe signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2012 season. In 28 relief appearances for the Patriots, he compiled a 2-4 record and 2.73 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 15 saves over 33 innings of work.^[9] Rupe became a free agent following the season.

He is married to April Winfree Rupe and has two sons and a daughter.^{[citation needed]}

• Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
• Minor League Splits and Situational Stats^{[permanent dead link‍]}