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José Veras
José Veras
	Veras with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011
	Pitcher
	Born: October 20, 1980 (age 44); Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
	Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
	August 5, 2006, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
	September 17, 2014, for the Houston Astros
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	23–23
Earned run average	3.91
Strikeouts	438
Teams
	New York Yankees (2006–2009); Cleveland Indians (2009); Florida Marlins (2010); Pittsburgh Pirates (2011); Milwaukee Brewers (2012); Houston Astros (2013); Detroit Tigers (2013); Chicago Cubs (2014); Houston Astros (2014);
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing Dominican Republic
World Baseball Classic

José Enger Veras Romero (born October 20, 1980) is a Dominican former professional baseball relief pitcher. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization in 1998. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2006 with the New York Yankees. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.

Playing career

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Veras was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998. He steadily rose through the Tampa Bay minor league system as a starter. He missed spring training in 2002 due to visa issues and briefly pitched in the New York-Penn League to get himself ready for the season as a result.^[1]

Veras was designated for assignment in 2002.^[2] He struggled when he reached Triple-A in 2003 and was moved to the bullpen, but still managed to lead the organization in strikeouts with 121.^[3] He was released after the 2004 season.^[4]

Texas Rangers

Veras signed with the Texas Rangers for the 2005 season and was converted into a full-time reliever.^[5] He pitched for their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma RedHawks, that year. He became a free agent at the end of the season.^[6]

New York Yankees

Veras signed with the New York Yankees before the 2006 season.^[7] He was called up on August 5^[8] and pitched to a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. In March 2007, Veras underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow.^[9] He missed most of the season but rehabbed and returned to MLB as a September call up.^[10] Veras was added to the Yankees roster for the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Indians.^[11]

Veras was cut at the end of spring training in 2008. After being called up to the majors on May 3,^[12] he emerged as a dominant force out of the bullpen. He was predominantly used in the 7th inning^[13] and became the setup reliever after the Yankees traded Kyle Farnsworth.^[14] Veras made the opening day roster out of spring training in 2009.^[15] After allowing 23 runs on 17 hits and 14 walks in 25 games, he was designated for assignment by the Yankees on June 16, 2009.^[16]

Cleveland Indians

On June 24, 2009, Veras was acquired by the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.^[17] On August 5, 2009, he was designated for assignment,^[18] and on August 11, 2009, he was outrighted to Triple-A.^[19] He was called up again in September toward the end of the 2009 season.^[20] After the season, Veras was non-tendered by the Indians, making him a free agent.^[21]

Florida Marlins

On January 29, 2010, Veras signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins with an invite to spring training^[22] and made the opening day roster.^[23] On April 14, after allowing eight runs in just four games, Veras was designated for assignment to bring up Chris Leroux to take his spot, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A New Orleans Zepyhrs on April 16.^[24] He was called up on June 25, 2010. James Houser was designated for assignment to make room.^[25] He was non-tendered and became a free agent on December 2.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 18, 2011, Veras signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates with an invitation to spring training worth $1 million plus incentives.^[26] He made the team out of spring training^[27] and was a reliable late-inning reliever with a 3.80 ERA and 79 strikeouts over 79 appearances.

Milwaukee Brewers

On December 13, 2011, Veras was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Casey McGehee.^[28] He made the club's opening day roster as a late-inning reliever.^[29]^[30] In 2012, he pitched to a 3.63 ERA, while striking out 79 and walking 40 batters, in 67 innings across 72 games. He became a free agent following the season.

Houston Astros

On December 21, 2012, Veras signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Houston Astros with a 2014 option worth $3.25 million and a $150,000 buyout.^[31] He pitched for the Dominican Republic national team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, winning gold.^[32] Veras entered the season as the Astros closer.^[33] He pitched to a 2.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 19 saves in 43 innings.

Detroit Tigers

On July 29, 2013, Veras was traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.^[34] The Tigers used him as a setup reliever for closer Joaquin Benoit.^[35] He gave up the game winning grand slam home run to Shane Victorino of the Red Sox in Game 6 of the 2013 American League Championship Series.^[36] At the conclusion of the season, the Tigers declined Veras' club option for 2014.^[37]

Chicago Cubs

On December 27, 2013, Veras agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2014 season worth $3.85 million with a $5.5 million club option for 2015 and performance bonuses.^[38]^[39]

Veras struggled early in the 2014 season, blowing two saves and allowing 10 earned runs in his first 6 appearances. Veras would then land on the disabled list with an oblique injury.^[40] He then lost the closer role to fellow Cubs reliever Héctor Rondón.^[41] On June 3, he was designated for assignment.^[42] On June 10, the Cubs officially released Veras.^[43]

Houston Astros (second stint)

On June 20, 2014, Veras signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros^[44] He was called up to the major league squad on June 26.^[45] He pitched to a 3.03 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. He became a free agent following the season.

Atlanta Braves

On February 10, 2015, Veras signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves.^[46] Veras was released by the Braves on March 19, 2015.^[47]^[48]

Houston Astros (third stint)

On May 15, 2015, Veras signed a minor league deal to return to the Astros.^[49] After allowing 12 earned runs on 23 hits in 19 innings at Triple-A, he was released on July 30.^[50]

Bridgeport Bluefish

On June 20, 2016, Veras signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.^[51] This marks the first time Veras has ever pitched in independent baseball. He became a free agent after the 2016 season. In 26 games 23.2 innings of relief he struggled going 2-2 with a 5.32 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 12 saves.

Coaching career

Veras was named pitching coach of the DSL Royals for the 2024 season.

Scouting report

He has a mid to high 90s mph 4-seam fastball and a mid 80s changeup. Both pitches generate an above average number of ground balls. Veras also throws a mid 70s curveball, which is his top swing and miss pitch.^[3]^[52] He throws with a low 3/4 arm motion.

Personal life

Veras is married to Gissel Veras. They have a daughter, Gijen, and two sons, Genson and Hansel.^[53]

References

^ Rodriguez, Justin (June 20, 2002). "For Veras, a late start to season". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ "ESPN.com: MLB - Saturday's Around the Horn". www.espn.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Kepner, Tyler (June 12, 2008). "Yankees' Veras Making the Most of His Chance". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ "Jose Veras Trades and Transactions by Baseball Almanac". www.baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ AP (November 20, 2004). "Friday's Sports Transactions". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Newberg, Jamey (November 5, 2005). "The Newberg Report". Jamey Newberg's Newberg Report. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Writer, Staff. "Yankees call up Veras for bullpen". Gainesville Sun. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ King III, George A. (August 5, 2006). "BOMBERS SAY BYE TO BUBBA". Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Kepner, Tyler (March 25, 2007). "Yankees' Wang to Start Season on Disabled List". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Finley, Bill (September 1, 2007). "Yankees Follow Up a Needed Sweep With a Big Loss". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Kepner, Tyler (October 4, 2007). "Yankees Found Balance Amid a Lefty Lineup". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ "Transactions". Deseret News. May 3, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Burke, Don (June 21, 2008). "So far, Veras makes good on bold prediction". The Star Ledger. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Kepner, Tyler (July 31, 2008). "Yankees Obtain Rodríguez in Trade for Farnsworth". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ "Asbury Park Press". Newspapers.com. April 1, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ "Bruney activated by Yankees, who cut Veras". San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. June 16, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ "Indians acquire Veras from Yankees for cash". ESPN. Associated Press. June 24, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ Schmid, Eddie (August 4, 2009). "Indians DFA Jose Veras". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ "Veras joins crowded Clippers bullpen". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Crow, Chuck (September 1, 2009). "Cleveland Indians promote Michael Brantley and Jose Veras from Class AAA Columbus". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ "Non-Tendered Players". MLB Trade Rumors. December 13, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Dierkes, Tim (January 29, 2010). "Marlins Sign Jose Veras". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ craig (April 4, 2010). "Marlins roster set". Fish Stripes. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Spencer, Clark (April 14, 2010). "Jose Veras, Emilio Bonifacio Out; Chris Leroux, Brett Carroll In | Fish Bytes". Miami Herald. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ "Marlins designate Houser, call up Veras". The Columbian. June 25, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ Rojas, Enrique (January 16, 2011). "Acuerdo de liga menor entre Piratas y Veras". ESPN Deportes (in Spanish). Retrieved January 16, 2011.
^ Wilmoth, Charlie (March 30, 2011). "MLB Opening Day: Pittsburgh Pirates Roster". SB Nation Pittsburgh. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Haudricourt, Tom (December 12, 2011). "Brewers trade McGehee for Veras". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
^ "Brewers opening day roster". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. April 4, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Haudricourt, Tom; Rosiak, Todd (March 20, 2012). "Veras settling into seventh-inning role". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (December 21, 2012). "Astros Sign Jose Veras". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ Brian T., Smith (March 22, 2013). "Astros' Veras on D.R.'s WBC gold medal he'll cherish to 'last day of my life,' plantain power". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ "2013 Team Preview: Houston Astros". CBSSports.com. March 15, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ Farrell, Perry A. (July 30, 2013). "Detroit Tigers land RP Jose Veras in trade with Astros; 'We're happy'". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
^ Fine, Larry (July 29, 2013). "Tigers get Astros closer Veras in deadline deal". Reuters.
^ MacMullan, Jackie (October 20, 2013). "MacMullan: Victorino slam sends Sox to Series". ESPN. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ "Tigers opt out on Veras, lose 2 to waivers". ESPN. November 1, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ Muskat, Carrie (December 27, 2013). "Cubs announce deal with righty closer Veras". Chicago Cubs. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
^ "MLB: Paul Blair, star CF for Yankees and Orioles, dies". Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ "Cubs place RHP Jose Veras on 15-day disabled list, recall RHP Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa". MLB.com. April 26, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ Rogers, Jesse (May 3, 2014). "Hector Rondon makes ninth look easy". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
^ "Cubs put C Castro on DL, cut reliever Veras". ESPN. Associated Press. June 3, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
^ Rogers, Jesse (June 10, 2014). "Cubs release Jose Veras". ESPN. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
^ "Astros sign ex-Cub closer Veras to minor league deal". Chicago Tribune. June 15, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ "Astros call up RHP Veras". KSPR. Springfield, Missouri: Perkin Media. The Sports Xchange. June 26, 2014. Archived from the original on June 28, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
^ Bowman, Mark (February 10, 2015). "Braves give righty Veras Minor League deal". Atlanta Braves. MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
^ Bowman, Mark (March 19, 2015). "Veteran reliever Veras released by Braves". Atlanta Braves. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
^ O'Brien, David (March 19, 2015). "Braves release veteran reliever Veras". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
^ de Jesus Ortiz, Jose (May 15, 2015). "Astros ink Veras to Minor League deal". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
^ Adams, Steve (August 7, 2015). "Jose Veras Released By Astros". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
^ "Bluefish Add Nine-Year MLB Vet to Bullpen". www.atlanticleague.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
^ "Player Card: Jose Veras". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
^ "Jose Veras: Biography and Career Highlights". New York Yankees. Archived from the original on March 21, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.

External links

Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)

[1] Rodriguez, Justin (June 20, 2002). "For Veras, a late start to season". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[2] "ESPN.com: MLB - Saturday's Around the Horn". www.espn.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[:0-3] Kepner, Tyler (June 12, 2008). "Yankees' Veras Making the Most of His Chance". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[4] "Jose Veras Trades and Transactions by Baseball Almanac". www.baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[5] AP (November 20, 2004). "Friday's Sports Transactions". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[6] Newberg, Jamey (November 5, 2005). "The Newberg Report". Jamey Newberg's Newberg Report. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[7] Writer, Staff. "Yankees call up Veras for bullpen". Gainesville Sun. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[8] King III, George A. (August 5, 2006). "BOMBERS SAY BYE TO BUBBA". Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[9] Kepner, Tyler (March 25, 2007). "Yankees' Wang to Start Season on Disabled List". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[10] Finley, Bill (September 1, 2007). "Yankees Follow Up a Needed Sweep With a Big Loss". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[11] Kepner, Tyler (October 4, 2007). "Yankees Found Balance Amid a Lefty Lineup". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[12] "Transactions". Deseret News. May 3, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[13] Burke, Don (June 21, 2008). "So far, Veras makes good on bold prediction". The Star Ledger. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[14] Kepner, Tyler (July 31, 2008). "Yankees Obtain Rodríguez in Trade for Farnsworth". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[15] "Asbury Park Press". Newspapers.com. April 1, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[16] "Bruney activated by Yankees, who cut Veras". San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. June 16, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[17] "Indians acquire Veras from Yankees for cash". ESPN. Associated Press. June 24, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[18] Schmid, Eddie (August 4, 2009). "Indians DFA Jose Veras". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[19] "Veras joins crowded Clippers bullpen". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[20] Crow, Chuck (September 1, 2009). "Cleveland Indians promote Michael Brantley and Jose Veras from Class AAA Columbus". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[21] "Non-Tendered Players". MLB Trade Rumors. December 13, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[22] Dierkes, Tim (January 29, 2010). "Marlins Sign Jose Veras". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[23] raig (April 4, 2010). "Marlins roster set". Fish Stripes. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[24] Spencer, Clark (April 14, 2010). "Jose Veras, Emilio Bonifacio Out; Chris Leroux, Brett Carroll In | Fish Bytes". Miami Herald. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[25] "Marlins designate Houser, call up Veras". The Columbian. June 25, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[26] Rojas, Enrique (January 16, 2011). "Acuerdo de liga menor entre Piratas y Veras". ESPN Deportes (in Spanish). Retrieved January 16, 2011.

[27] Wilmoth, Charlie (March 30, 2011). "MLB Opening Day: Pittsburgh Pirates Roster". SB Nation Pittsburgh. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[28] Haudricourt, Tom (December 12, 2011). "Brewers trade McGehee for Veras". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved December 12, 2011.

[29] "Brewers opening day roster". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. April 4, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[30] Haudricourt, Tom; Rosiak, Todd (March 20, 2012). "Veras settling into seventh-inning role". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[31] Nicholson-Smith, Ben (December 21, 2012). "Astros Sign Jose Veras". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[32] Brian T., Smith (March 22, 2013). "Astros' Veras on D.R.'s WBC gold medal he'll cherish to 'last day of my life,' plantain power". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[33] "2013 Team Preview: Houston Astros". CBSSports.com. March 15, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[34] Farrell, Perry A. (July 30, 2013). "Detroit Tigers land RP Jose Veras in trade with Astros; 'We're happy'". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2013.

[35] Fine, Larry (July 29, 2013). "Tigers get Astros closer Veras in deadline deal". Reuters.

[36] MacMullan, Jackie (October 20, 2013). "MacMullan: Victorino slam sends Sox to Series". ESPN. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[37] "Tigers opt out on Veras, lose 2 to waivers". ESPN. November 1, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[38] Muskat, Carrie (December 27, 2013). "Cubs announce deal with righty closer Veras". Chicago Cubs. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved June 11, 2014.

[39] "MLB: Paul Blair, star CF for Yankees and Orioles, dies". Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[40] "Cubs place RHP Jose Veras on 15-day disabled list, recall RHP Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa". MLB.com. April 26, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[41] Rogers, Jesse (May 3, 2014). "Hector Rondon makes ninth look easy". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 1, 2024.

[42] "Cubs put C Castro on DL, cut reliever Veras". ESPN. Associated Press. June 3, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2014.

[43] Rogers, Jesse (June 10, 2014). "Cubs release Jose Veras". ESPN. Retrieved June 11, 2014.

[44] "Astros sign ex-Cub closer Veras to minor league deal". Chicago Tribune. June 15, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[6-14call-45] "Astros call up RHP Veras". KSPR. Springfield, Missouri: Perkin Media. The Sports Xchange. June 26, 2014. Archived from the original on June 28, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2014.

[46] Bowman, Mark (February 10, 2015). "Braves give righty Veras Minor League deal". Atlanta Braves. MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.

[47] Bowman, Mark (March 19, 2015). "Veteran reliever Veras released by Braves". Atlanta Braves. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.

[48] O'Brien, David (March 19, 2015). "Braves release veteran reliever Veras". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.

[49] Jesus Ortiz, Jose (May 15, 2015). "Astros ink Veras to Minor League deal". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved May 15, 2015.

[50] Adams, Steve (August 7, 2015). "Jose Veras Released By Astros". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 21, 2021.

[51] "Bluefish Add Nine-Year MLB Vet to Bullpen". www.atlanticleague.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.

[52] "Player Card: Jose Veras". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved February 11, 2015.

[53] "Jose Veras: Biography and Career Highlights". New York Yankees. Archived from the original on March 21, 2008. Retrieved March 21, 2008.

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José Veras