Cisnero signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent on December 6, 2007. On November 20, 2012, the Astros added Cisnero to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[1] He made his major league debut on April 22, 2013. In parts of two seasons for the Astros, he made 33 relief appearances, posting a 4.66 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 48+1⁄3 innings. On May 28, 2014, Cisnero underwent Tommy John surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.[2][3] He was outrighted off the roster on November 3, 2014, and subsequently became a free agent.
Cincinnati Reds
On November 18, 2014, Cisnero signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds organization.[4] He made 4 appearances for the Double–A Pensacola Blue Wahoos in 2015, recording a 3.38 ERA with 6 strikeouts over 5+1⁄3 innings pitched. Cisnero elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2015.
Sultanes de Monterrey
On December 21, 2015, Cisnero signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.[5] He was released on March 31, 2016, after failing to make the team in spring training.
On May 3, 2016, Cisnero signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.[6] In 13 appearances for the Sultanes, he posted a 5.25 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 1 save over 12 innings pitched. Cisnero was released by Monterrey on May 30.
New Jersey Jackals
On July 12, 2016, he signed with the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League. He came out of the bullpen in 5 games and posted a 3.86 ERA before his release on July 25.
Detroit Tigers
On November 9, 2018, the Detroit Tigers signed Cisnero to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.[7] He opened the 2019 season with the Toledo Mud Hens. On June 22, 2019, his contract was selected by the Tigers.[8] He made his Tigers debut the next day, marking his first major league appearance in over five years. He finished the season with a 4.33 ERA in 35 games, and struck out 40 batters in 35+1⁄3 innings.
With the 2020 Detroit Tigers, Cisnero appeared in 29 games, compiling a 3–3 record with a 3.03 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 29+2⁄3 innings pitched.[9]
On January 15, 2021, the Tigers and Cisnero agreed on a one-year, $970,000 contract, avoiding arbitration.[10] Cisnero pitched mostly in a setup role for the 2021 Tigers, making occasional appearances as a closer. On September 13, he suffered an elbow laceration after slipping on stairs at his residence, requiring eight stitches. The Tigers placed him on the 10-day injured list September 14,[11] and he did not return for the remainder of the season. In 2021, Cisnero made 67 relief appearances, posting a 4–4 record, 4 saves, and a 3.65 ERA, with 62 strikeouts in 61+2⁄3 innings.
On March 23, 2022, the Tigers and Cisnero agreed on a one-year contract worth $1.9 million, avoiding arbitration.[12] On April 6, the Tigers placed Cisnero on the 60-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.[13] The Tigers activated Cisnero on July 21, and he made his 2022 debut that evening against the Oakland Athletics.[14] Cisnero pitched in 28 games for the 2022 Tigers, all in middle relief, posting a 1.08 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 25 innings.
On January 13, 2023, Cisnero agreed to a one-year, $2.2875 million contract with the Tigers, avoiding salary arbitration.[15] On August 29, Cisnero has been placed on waivers.[16] He ultimately went unclaimed and remained with the Tigers, finishing the season with a 3-4 record and an ERA of 5.31. On November 2, Cisnero elected free agency.[17]
Los Angeles Angels
On February 3, 2024, Cisnero agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.[18][19] He struggled to a 7.07 ERA across 14 games before he was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation on April 28.[20] Cisnero was transferred to the 60–day injured list on May 29.[21] He was activated from the injured list on August 17,[22] and pitched 1+2⁄3 innings for the Angels that day. The following day, Cisnero was designated for assignment by Los Angeles.[23] He was released on August 22.[24]
Pitch selection
Cisnero throws both four-seam and sinking two-seam fastballs, each averaging 95 to 97 MPH (topping out at 100 MPH). His main offspeed pitch is a slider that averages 86 to 89 MPH. He also throws an occasional changeup averaging 89 to 90 MPH.[25]
