Riske was originally drafted on June 4, 1996 by the Cleveland Indians. After playing his first few seasons with the Indians' minor league affiliates, Riske was called up to make his MLB debut on August 14, 1999, playing just 12 games that season with the Indians.

Riske only played in five minor league games during the 2000 season, after two separate surgeries limited his playing time. He returned to the Indians in 2001, playing 26 games and finishing with a career best 1.98 earned runs average. Riske also made his first post season appearance with the Indians in 2001, as they lost the American League Divisional Series to the Seattle Mariners.

Riske continued with the Indians through the 2005 season. On January 27, 2006, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Riske played only eight games with the Red Sox before he was traded again, to the Chicago White Sox on June 15, 2006.

Following the 2006 season, Riske was granted free agency and signed with the Kansas City Royals on December 20, 2006. After the 2007 season, Riske declined to re-sign with the Royals and signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on December 5, 2007.

1. Full name: David Richard Riske
2. Born: October 23, 1976
3. Birthplace: Renton, Washington
4. MLB Debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1999