Manuel Delcarmen (born February 16, 1982), nicknamed The Pride of Hyde Park, is an American former professional baseballpitcher. He previously pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2005 through 2010, mainly for the Boston Red Sox; he was a member of Boston's 2007 World Series championship team. Delcarmen last played professionally in 2018. He served as an assistant coach with Fisher College in Boston during the 2022 season.[1]
Delcarmen's professional career was on the fast track with a mid-90s fastball and a great curveball, until he injured his throwing arm while pitching in a Florida State League game, requiring Tommy John surgery in May 2003.[4] He returned to the mound a year later.[5] Post-surgery, Delcarmen's fastball may have actually gained velocity, as he topped out in the high 90s. Delcarmen had decent control, with a decent changeup and a very good curve which he used as his out pitch.[6]
Delcarmen warming up in 2007
In 2005, Delcarmen was called up to the major leagues for 10 games. He made his debut with the Red Sox on July 26, 2005.[7] During the regular season, he pitched a total of nine innings with a 3.00 ERA and nine strikeouts.
After starting the 2006 season in Pawtucket, Delcarmen was recalled to the major leagues on April 22. On June 11, Delcarmen got his first major league win, pitching two innings of relief against the Texas Rangers.[8]
Delcarmen was off and on the Boston roster during the 2007 season. He was recalled from Pawtucket on June 17, when relief pitcher Brendan Donnelly was placed on the disabled list. On July 23, Delcarmen finished out a 6–2 Red Sox victory over Cleveland with 1+1⁄3 innings of scoreless relief, recording his first major league save.[9] He finished the 2007 season with 44 innings in the majors and a 2.05 ERA. In the 2007 playoffs, he had 4+1⁄3 innings pitched, allowing four earned runs, and was a member of the 2007 World Series championship team.[10]
After an intensive offseason workout regimen, Delcarmen lost 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Manager Terry Francona remarked that "he’s lean and he’s looking really good."[11] During the 2008 season, Delcarmen appeared in 73 games for Boston, recording a 1–2 record with two saves, 3.27 ERA, and 72 strikeouts.
During 2009, Delcarmen's record was 5–2 with 4.53 ERA and 44 strikeouts during 64 games played. He started the 2010 season with Boston, where he appeared in 48 games with a 3–2 record, 4.70 ERA and 32 strikeouts.
Overall, Delcarmen spent parts of six seasons with the Red Sox, appearing in 289 games while compiling an 11–6 record with three saves and 243 strikeouts in 284+1⁄3 innings pitched.
Colorado Rockies
On August 31, 2010, Delcarmen was traded to Colorado for minor league pitcher Chris Balcom-Miller.[12][13] Delcarmen appeared in nine games for the Rockies during the 2010 season, pitching 8+1⁄3 innings while giving up six earned runs (6.48 ERA) and striking out six. He became a free agent following the season.
Seattle Mariners
On February 10, 2011, Delcarmen signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[14] He was released on May 31.[15]
Texas Rangers
On June 2, 2011, Delcarmen signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. He was assigned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express.[16] Delcarmen was released on July 13, after making eight appearances for the Express, posting a 6.75 ERA.[17]
New York Yankees
On January 27, 2012, Delcarmen signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He also received an invitation to spring training.[18] He spent the 2012 season with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. He elected free agency after the season on November 2.
Baltimore Orioles
On January 28, 2013, Delcarmen signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.[19] During the 2013 season, he appeared in 48 games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, compiling a 3–3 record with 2.83 ERA. He became a free agent following the season on November 4.
Washington Nationals
On December 2, 2013, Delcarmen signed a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training, with the Washington Nationals.[20] During the 2014 and 2015 seasons, he pitched for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs. He was released on June 7, 2015.[21]
Diablos Rojos del México
On July 2, 2015, Delcarmen signed with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. He was released on February 2, 2016. He appeared in 15 games 17.2 innings of relief going 1-0 with a 3.06 ERA with 13 strikeouts.
Saraperos de Saltillo
On April 1, 2016, Delcarmen signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He was released on April 7. He appeared in 2 games 2 innings of relief going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA with 0 strikeouts and 1 save.
On November 1, 2017, Delcarmen was selected by the New Britain Bees in a dispersal draft of Bridgeport players.[22] On March 20, 2018, he signed with the team for the 2018 season.[23] Delcarmen officially retired from professional baseball after pitching in a game for the Bees on May 31, 2018. He announced that he would be pursuing an opportunity as a studio analyst for the Boston Red Sox.[24] He appeared in 12 games 10.2 innings of relief going 2-1 with a 6.75 ERA and 7 strikeouts.
In September 2021, Delcarmen joined the coaching staff of Fisher College in Boston as an assistant baseball coach.[25] He did not return for the 2023 season.[26]
