Carlos Torres (pitcher)

Carlos Torres
Torres with the New York Mets in 2013
Pitcher
Born: (1982-10-22) October 22, 1982 (age 42)
Santa Cruz, California, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Professional debut
MLB: July 22, 2009, for the Chicago White Sox
NPB: April 20, 2011, for the Yomiuri Giants
Last appearance
MLB: June 16, 2019, for the Detroit Tigers
NPB: August 11, 2011, for the Yomiuri Giants
MLB statistics
Win–loss record30–31
Earned run average4.09
Strikeouts447
NPB statistics
Win–loss record1–2
Earned run average6.26
Strikeouts19
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Carlos Ephriam Torres (born October 22, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, and Detroit Tigers and for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Early life

Carlos Torres was born in Santa Cruz, California after his father, Jose, emigrated from Zacatecas, Mexico.[1] As a child, Torres moved from house to house in Santa Cruz County's "south county" agricultural region where his father looked for work to support his five children.[2] Before focusing on baseball, Torres lettered in four sports (baseball, football, basketball and track and field) at Aptos High School, graduating in 2000.[2][3] His father encouraged his playing sports in order to keep him active and out of trouble.[1][4]

Career

College

Torres first began his collegiate career at Allan Hancock College then moved up north to San Jose City College before transferring to San Jose State University, pitching in 20 games, (starting seven) in 2003. He ultimately transferred to Kansas State University in 2004, pitching in 16 games, (15 starts), compiling an ERA of 4.12.

Chicago White Sox

Torres was drafted in the 15th round, 449th overall, in the 2004 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox and signed for $1,000.[5] He worked his way up through the White Sox minor league system, before making his Major League debut on July 22, 2009, against the Tampa Bay Rays.[6] Prior to his call-up Torres had posted an 8–4 record with a 2.20 ERA with the White Sox' Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. Scheduled starter John Danks had a blister on his index finger.[7] Torres pitched six strong innings, giving up three runs on two homers and striking out three to record a quality start.[8] On September 3, Torres picked up his first major league victory by defeating Ryan Dempster and the Chicago Cubs 5–0 in a make-up game at Wrigley Field.[9] He was released on October 26, 2010.

Yomiuri Giants

On November 16, 2010, Torres signed with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.[5] At the beginning of the season, Torres was expected to compete for a place in the starting rotation.[10] He earned his first Nippon Professional Baseball win on July 28, 2011, against the Yokohama BayStars.[11] He became a free agent following the season.

Colorado Rockies

On January 11, 2012, Torres signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.[12] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on May 4. On August 12, 2012, Torres got his first career base hit, an RBI single off George Kontos of the San Francisco Giants.[13] He was sent outright off the major league roster and he subsequently elected free agency on November 2.

New York Mets

Torres warming up in the bullpen

On November 15, 2012, Torres signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets[14] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on June 16, 2013. In 33 games for the team, Torres compiled 86.1 IP, 4–6, 3.44 ERA, 75 K's, and 1.12 WHIP. During the 2014 season, Torres appeared in a career-high 73 games, while compiling a record of 8–6, 3.06 ERA, 96 K's and 1.31 WHIP in 97.0 IP.[15]

For the 2015 season, Torres appeared in 59 games, while compiling a record of 5–6, 4.68 ERA, 48 K's and 1.37 WHIP in 57.2 IP.

On January 22, 2016, Torres was designated for assignment by the Mets.[16] On January 30, the Mets placed Torres on waivers.[17] Torres cleared waivers on the next day and elected free agency.[18]

Atlanta Braves

On February 19, 2016, Torres signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[19] He was released on March 31, 2016.[20]

Milwaukee Brewers

On April 2, 2016, Torres signed a one-year major league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was outrighted to AAA and elected free agency on November 2, 2017.

Cleveland Indians

On February 22, 2018, Torres signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.[21] The deal included an invitation to the Indians' major league spring training camp. Torres was released by the Indians on March 24, 2018.

Washington Nationals

On March 30, 2018, Torres signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals, who assigned him to the Syracuse Chiefs in the Class AAA International League.[22] He appeared in four games for the Chiefs, pitching five scoreless innings.[22] On April 20, 2018, the Nationals selected his contract from Syracuse and placed him on their 25-man roster.[23] He appeared in 10 games for the Nationals, pitching to a 6.52 ERA over 923 innings.[22] The Nationals designated him for assignment on May 23, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs on May 25.[24] He declared free agency on October 2, 2018.[25]

San Diego Padres

On January 24, 2019, Torres signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres that included an invitation to spring training.[26] On May 16, 2019, he opted out of his contract and became a free agent.[27]

Detroit Tigers

On May 26, 2019, Torres signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[28] On June 8, 2019, Torres was recalled by the Tigers.[29] He was designated for assignment on June 22 after recording a 7.50 ERA in four appearances.[30] Torres later elected free agency on June 24.

Minnesota Twins

On June 26, 2019, Torres signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.[31] On July 24, the Twins selected Torres' contract.[32] On July 28, Torres was designated for assignment.[33] He was released on July 30.

San Francisco Giants

On August 11, 2019, Torres signed a minor league deal with the Giants.[34] On August 27, Torres was released.[35]

Toros de Tijuana

On February 26, 2020, Torres signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. In 2020, he did not play a game because of the cancellation of the Mexican League season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[36] After the 2020 season, he played for Tomateros de Culiacán of the Mexican Pacific League(LVMP). He also played for Mexico in the 2021 Caribbean Series.

In 2021 he appeared in 16 games 21 innings of relief going 1-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 27 strikeouts.

On December 9, 2022, Torres retired from professional baseball.[37]

References

  1. ^ a b Rohan, Tim (June 14, 2014). "Mets Choosing Sides in World Cup". The New York Times. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Seimas, Jim (February 6, 2011). "The Road Warrior: Well-traveled pitcher Torres set to embark on baseball career in Japan". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  3. ^ Seimas, Jim (April 14, 2009). "Pro baseball player Torres among Aptos' latest Hall of Fame class". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  4. ^ Torres, Danny (July 1, 2013). "For the Mets Bullpen, Carlos Torres has Already Shown his Proven Pitch: The Cutter". Latino Sports. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  5. ^ a b Seimas, Jim (February 6, 2011). "The Road Warrior". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  6. ^ Merkin, Scott (July 22, 2009). "Torres to start in place of Danks". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 23, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  7. ^ Gonzales, Mark (July 22, 2009). "With John Danks sidelined, Chicago White Sox turn to Carlos Torres". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  8. ^ "White Sox rally with 3 in 7th as Rays can't find late-inning magic once more". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 22, 2009. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  9. ^ "Wise cuts down runner to preserve White Sox's victory over Cubs". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 3, 2009. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  10. ^ Coskrey, Jason (January 25, 2011). "Giants' pool of foreign players will have to earn their spot on roster". Japan Times. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  11. ^ Coskrey, Jason (July 29, 2011). "BayStars' Leach loses season debut to Giants". Japan Times. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  12. ^ "Alumni Report: Carlos Torres". MILB.com. September 26, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  13. ^ "Rockies' Torres nearly the hero in his hometown". UT San Diego. Associated Press. August 12, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  14. ^ DiComo, Anthony (November 20, 2012). "Mets agree to Minors contracts with Rice, Torres". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  15. ^ "Mets 101 Player Review Series: Carlos Torres". Archived from the original on November 27, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
  16. ^ "Mets designate Carlos Torres for assignment". Santa Cruz Sentinel. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  17. ^ "Mets place Torres on waivers". NJ.com. January 30, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  18. ^ "Torres elects free agency after clearing waivers". NJ.com. February 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  19. ^ Bowman, Mark (February 10, 2016). "Braves add reliever Torres on Minors deal". MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  20. ^ O'Brien, David (March 31, 2016). "Braves reliever Carlos Torres opts out, becomes free agent". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  21. ^ Bastian, Jordan (February 21, 2018). "Indians add Torres to their spring bullpen mix". Indians.com.
  22. ^ a b c MiLB.com Carlos Torres Retrieved May 24, 2018
  23. ^ Castillo, Jorge, "Nationals designate A. J. Cole for assignment, call up Carlos Torres," washingtonpost.com, April 20, 2018, 9:55 p.m. EDT.
  24. ^ Todd, Jeff (May 23, 2018). "Nationals Designate Carlos Torres, Recall Erick Fedde". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  25. ^ Todd, Jeff (October 8, 2018). "Players Electing Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  26. ^ Sanders, Jeff (January 17, 2019). "Padres sign RHP Carlos Torres, invite to big league camp". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  27. ^ Adams, Steve (May 15, 2019). "Carlos Torres Opts Out of Padres Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
  28. ^ Polishuk, Mark (May 26, 2019). "Tigers Sign Carlos Torres to Minors Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  29. ^ "Tigers' Zac Reininger: Sent to minors". cbssports.com. June 8, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
  30. ^ Woodbery, Evan (June 22, 2019). "Tigers swap journeyman relievers in bullpen". mlive.com. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  31. ^ Byrne, Connor (June 26, 2019). "Twins Sign Carlos Torres". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  32. ^ Phil Miller (July 24, 2019). "Twins make slew of moves ahead of rubber match with Yankees". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
  33. ^ Imakesandwichesforaliving (July 28, 2019). "Carlos Torres DFA'd, reactions to Romo trade, additional Twins trade rumors". Twinkie Town. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  34. ^ "Giants Sign Carlos Torres".
  35. ^ Jeff Todd (August 28, 2019). "Giants Release Carlos Torres". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  36. ^ "Mexican League Cancels 2020 Season".
  37. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en rosters y listas de reserva - 9 de diciembre de 2022" (in Spanish). December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2022.