A product of USC, Sutherland was a utility infielder who had two brief call-ups with the Astros in 1972 and 1973. He came up with the Phillies and was taken by Montreal in their expansion draft. He was bought by Houston and then later traded to Detroit along with pitcher Jim Ray for pitcher Fred Scherman. He later played for the Brewers, Padres and Cardinals in an 11-year career.

Overall, Sutherland hit .243 with 24 homers. For Houston, he hit .242 in 21 games.