A. J. Ramos

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Ramos.
A. J. Ramos
Ramos with the New York Mets in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1986-09-20) September 20, 1986 (age 38)
Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 4, 2012, for the Miami Marlins
Last MLB appearance
October 3, 2021, for the Los Angeles Angels
MLB statistics
Win–loss record17–18
Earned run average3.04
Strikeouts430
Saves99
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Alejandro Ramos Jr. (born September 20, 1986) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels.

Professional career

Ramos with the Marlins in 2016

Ramos attended Estacado High School in Lubbock, Texas. He then enrolled at Texas Tech University, where he played college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.[1] In 2008, Ramos underwent Tommy John surgery.[2]

Miami Marlins

The Florida Marlins selected Ramos in the 21st round, with the 638th overall selection, of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.[3] Ramos was called up to the majors for the first time on September 4, 2012.[4] In 2014, Ramos had a 7–0 win–loss record with a 2.11 earned run average.[5] Ramos became the Marlins' closing pitcher in 2015, due to the struggles of Steve Cishek.[6] In 2016, Ramos successfully converted his first 24 save opportunities, setting a franchise record.[7] He was named to appear in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game.[8]

Ramos and the Marlins agreed on a $6.55 million salary for the 2017 season.[9]

New York Mets

On July 28, 2017, Ramos was traded to the New York Mets in exchange for minor leaguers Merandy González and Ricardo Cespedes.[10] In May 2018, Ramos suffered a shoulder strain that would keep him out for the rest of the season. He became a free agent on October 29, 2018.

Los Angeles Dodgers

In July 2020, Ramos announced he would be attempting a comeback to the major leagues. On July 2, Ramos signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.[11] He was released on August 28 without appearing in a game.

Chicago Cubs

On September 1, 2020, Ramos signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.[12] He was released by the organization on September 3, 2020.[13]

Colorado Rockies

On September 5, 2020, Ramos signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies organization. On September 19, Ramos was selected to the major league roster, and made his first appearance in the majors since May 2018.[14] He pitched in 3 games for Colorado, allowing 1 run in 2+2⁄3 innings. He became a free agent following the season.

Los Angeles Angels

On March 26, 2021, Ramos signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels organization.[15] Ramos was assigned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, making 42 appearances and working to a 5.26 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 53.0 innings of work. On September 23, 2021, Ramos' contract was selected by the Angels.[16] In 4 major league games, Ramos gave up no runs while striking out 3 in 4.2 innings pitched. On March 11, 2022, Ramos re-signed with the Angels on a minor league contract. On March 29, Ramos was diagnosed with a torn capsule in his right shoulder, ending his season before it began.[17] He was released by the team on April 5.[18]

On April 6, 2022, Ramos announced his retirement from professional baseball via Twitter.[19][20]

Personal life

A.J. Ramos is an ambassador for Up2Us Sports, a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved youth by providing them with coaches trained in positive youth development.[21] He is of Mexican American descent.[22]

References

  1. ^ "Former Estacado, Texas Tech star A.J. Ramos warms to the closer role with Marlins". Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  2. ^ HACKNEY-REDMAN, KRISTEN. "Troubling trend of arm injuries plagues young pitchers - Lubbock Online - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal". Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  3. ^ WATSON, GEORGE. "Reds take Richburg in MLB draft - Lubbock Online - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal". Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  4. ^ "Miami Marlins: Reliever A.J. Ramos receives September promotion after phenomenal Double-A campaign". Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  5. ^ "Lubbock native A.J. Ramos holds onto his Red Raider roots while playing in Miami". Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  6. ^ "Miami Marlins' A.J. Ramos a closer with starter's skills". Miami Herald. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  7. ^ "Former Estacado, Texas Tech pitcher Ramos has good memories of teammate Fernandez". Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  8. ^ Fialkov, Harvey. "Marlins' A.J. Ramos, from anonymity to All-Star". Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  9. ^ "Marlins reach deal with closer Ramos, 4 others". January 13, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  10. ^ "Marlins trade closer A.J. Ramos to Mets for two minor league prospects".
  11. ^ "Dodgers sign reliever AJ Ramos to a minor league contract". Los Angeles Times. July 2, 2020.
  12. ^ "Cubs Sign A.J. Ramos to Minors Contract".
  13. ^ Sahadev Sharma [@sahadevsharma] (September 3, 2020). "Ian Miller and Josh Phegley clear waivers and are assigned to South Bend. A.J. Ramos and Cody Allen released, 60-man at 59" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ^ "Rockies to Promote AJ Ramos".
  15. ^ "Angels Sign AJ Ramos".
  16. ^ "Angels' AJ Ramos: Contract selected by Angels".
  17. ^ "Angels RHP AJ Ramos diagnosed with torn shoulder capsule, likely out for season". MSN.
  18. ^ "AJ Ramos: Back on open market".
  19. ^ @theajramos (April 6, 2022). "Thank you to @SportsOneMgmt @EHS_BaseballWIT @TTU_Baseball @Marlins @Mets @Dodgers @Rockies @Angels for the oppor…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ^ "AJ Ramos: Brings end to career".
  21. ^ "Miami Marlins Closer A.J. Ramos Becomes Up2Us Sports Ambassador". Up2Us Sports. November 17, 2015. Archived from the original on April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  22. ^ http://redraiders.com/news/2017-04-06/lubbock-native-ramos-turns-down-wbc-ready-close-again-marlins [dead link]