New York Mets Sauerbeck was drafted by the
New York Mets in the 23rd round, with the 624th overall selection, of the
1994 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut with the Low-A
Pittsfield Mets. Sauerbeck split the 1995 season between the Single-A
Capital City Bombers and High-A
St. Lucie Mets. In 39 appearances for the two affiliates, he compiled an aggregate 5–5 record and 2.72 ERA with 58 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck split the 1996 campaign between St. Lucie and the Double-A
Binghamton Mets, accumulating a 9–9 record and 2.65 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 146 innings pitched across 25 games (24 starts). He returned to Binghamton in 1997, also making one appearance for the Triple-A
Norfolk Tides, and compiled an 8–9 record and 4.93 ERA with 88 strikeouts in innings pitched across 27 games (20 starts). Sauerbeck spent the entirety of the 1998 season with Triple-A Norfolk. In 27 starts for the Tides, he registered a 7–13 record and 3.93 ERA with a career-high 119 strikeouts across innings pitched.
Pittsburgh Pirates On December 14, , Sauerbeck was drafted by the
Pittsburgh Pirates in the
Rule 5 draft. Sauerbeck pitched in 65 games for the Pirates during his rookie campaign, compiling a 4–1 record and 2.00 ERA with 55 strikeouts over innings of work. He made 75 appearances out of the
bullpen for Pittsburgh in 2000, logging a 5–4 record and 4.04 ERA with 83 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck pitched in 70 contests for Pittsburgh in 2001, compiling a 2–2 record and 5.60 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 2
saves across innings pitched. In 2002, he made 78 appearances for the team, registering a 5–4 record and 2.30 ERA with 70 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck made 53 appearances for Pittsburgh during the 2003 campaign, posting a 3–4 record and 4.05 ERA with 32 strikeouts over 40 innings of work.
Boston Red Sox On July 22, , Sauerbeck and pitcher
Mike González were traded to the
Boston Red Sox in exchange for
Brandon Lyon and
Anastacio Martínez, but the Pirates backed out of the deal after discovering an injury to Lyon. However, the Pirates and Red Sox worked out another trade that sent Sauerbeck and
Jeff Suppan to Boston in exchange for
infielder Freddy Sanchez. With Boston, he pitched in 26 games and made one postseason appearance, struggling a 6.48 ERA with 18 strikeouts across innings pitched.
Cleveland Indians On April 12, 2004, Sauerbeck signed with the
Cleveland Indians, but missed the season due to an injury. He returned to action in 2005, making 58 appearances and pitching to a 4.04 ERA with 35 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck made 24 appearances for the Indians to begin the campaign, but struggled to a 6.23 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 13 innings pitched. On June 9, 2006, Sauerbeck was
designated for assignment by the Indians due to poor performance on the field and a recent arrest. He was released on June 14.
Oakland Athletics On June 19, 2006, Sauerbeck signed a one-year, major league contract with the
Oakland Athletics. In 22 appearances for Oakland, he recorded a 3.65 ERA with 6 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck was released by the Athletics organization on October 10.
Houston Astros On February 2, 2007, Sauerbeck signed a minor league contract with the
Houston Astros. In 18 appearances for the Triple-A
Round Rock Express, he posted a 3.93 ERA with 22 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck was released by the Astros organization on June 19.
Toronto Blue Jays On June 25, 2007, Sauerbeck signed a minor league contract with the
Toronto Blue Jays organization. He spent the remainder of the year with the High-A
Dunedin Blue Jays and Triple-A
Syracuse Chiefs, accumulating a 2–1 record and 5.66 ERA with 32 strikeouts across innings pitched. Sauerbeck elected free agency on October 29.
Cincinnati Reds On February 1, 2008, Sauerbeck signed a minor league contract with the
Cincinnati Reds that included an invitation to
spring training. In 4 appearances for the Triple-A
Louisville Bats, he struggled to a 9.00 ERA with 5 strikeouts over 4 innings of work. Sauerbeck was released by the Reds organization on May 6.
Chicago White Sox On May 28, 2008, Sauerbeck signed a minor league contract with the
Chicago White Sox and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the
Charlotte Knights. Sauerbeck's final minor league game was August 29, pitching a scoreless inning with two
strikeouts against the
Durham Bulls. He announced his retirement following the game. With the Knights, Scott compiled a 1–2 record with a 4.37 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 37 games. ==Personal life==