[4] In 2002, Eckenstahler began the season with the Class AAA Toledo Mud Hens of the International League.

[4] He was promoted to the major leagues late in the season and made his MLB debut on September 9, pitching two scoreless innings against the Minnesota Twins.

[4] In 2004, Eckenstahler began the year with Toledo, where he made 42 appearances and tallied a 5.15 earned run average.

[4] On August 13, he was sent to the Chicago Cubs as a player to be named later in a trade which had sent Félix Sánchez to Detroit back in April.

[4] Eckenstahler struggled in his final professional season, posting a 9.24 ERA and recording 41 walks and 29 strikeouts over 37 innings.