Óscar Villarreal
Encyclopedia
Óscar Eduardo Villarreal (ˈoskar βiʎareˈal; born November 22, 1981 in San Nicolás de los Garza
, Nuevo León
, Mexico) is a Major League Baseball
relief pitcher
who is currently a free agent. He has played in the majors for the Arizona Diamondbacks
(-), Atlanta Braves
(-), and Houston Astros
.
. In , Villarreal placed second on the team in innings pitched
(64.1), games started (11), and strikeout
s (51).
Villarreal began the season with the Triple-A
Tucson Sidewinders
. After being demoted to the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks
, Villareal went 1-0 with a 1.66 earned run average
. He was sent back down to Tucson in the Rookie League shortly before being sent up to Single-A High Desert, where he finished the season. In High Desert, he went 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
Villarreal played the entire season with the Double-A El Paso Diablos
, where he logged a 6-9 record with a 4.41 ERA and 108 strikeouts. He began in El Paso, where he compiled a 3.74 ERA with a 6-3 win-loss record. On July 11, Villarreal was sent back up to the Sidewinders, where he went 3-3 with a 4.36 ERA. In the season combined, Villarreal recorded a Minor League career high 125 K's (85 in El Paso, 40 in Tucson).
In 2003, Villarreal earned a spot on the D'backs roster. He made his debut on March 31, and led all MLB rookies in games pitched (86) and ERA (2.57). His 86 games pitched also set a new rookie record. He finished second in the league in games pitched to Paul Quantrill
, and also tied Brandon Webb
's Diamondbacks record for wins by a rookie. However, on June 5, Villarreal suffered an injury when a line drive
off the bat of Frank Thomas
hit him in the shin. He left the game and was out for 5 days. He returned to the team on June 10 against the Kansas City Royals
. On June 23, Villarreal was hurt again. A line drive hit by Craig Biggio
struck him in the chest, but he did not leave the game. Villarreal came back to pitch 15.1 scoreless innings in July, and on September 10, he broke the rookie record for games pitched when he appeared in his 79th game. During the season, right-handed hitters only hit .204 off Villarreal.
Villarreal missed most of due to a sore elbow, and later elbow surgery. He appeared on Opening Day against the Rockies
, and did not allow any runs
. In the month of April, he recorded 15 strikeouts in 12.1 innings, while only walking
one batter. Villarreal was placed on the disabled list
on May 10 with a strained right flexor. After playing on a rehab assignment with the Tucson Sidewinders
in July, doctors took an MRI
on Villarreal's elbow on August 6 and determined that he would need to undergo season-ending nerve transposition surgery.
Villarreal returned in 2005, and ended up having another season shortened by an arm injury. He started the year with Triple-A Tucson before being called back up to the bigs on April 9. He pitched 1.2 scoreless innings on April 9 and left the next game against the Los Angeles Dodgers
with a sore right shoulder. Villarreal had strained his rotator cuff, and the injury landed him on the DL until September 2. In his first game back in the majors, Villarreal surrendered a home run
. He won a game on September 17, which was his first big-league victory since September 25, 2003. Villarreal finished the season with 2 wins and no losses, 5 strikeouts, and a 5.27 earned run average.
were traded to the Atlanta Braves for catcher
Johnny Estrada
. In his first year with the Braves, Villarreal went 9-1 with 55 strikeouts and a 3.61 ERA in 58 games.
Josh Anderson
. On December 28, 2007, the Astros signed Villarreal to a two-year contract worth $2.85 million, with a club option for 2010. After being designated for assignment, Villarreal refused a minor league assignment and became a free agent.
and was assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs
. He became a free agent at the end of the season.
. On January 28, 2009 Villarreal was released by the Royals.
, he signed on February 4, 2010 a Minor League contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
. He played for their AAA team, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs
.
, that included an invitation to spring training. He began the season in AAA with the Albuquerque Isotopes
but on April 11, he was loaned to the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.
, Nuevo Leon
, Mexico
.
San Nicolás de los Garza
San Nicolás de los Garza, sometimes known only as San Nicolás, is a city and coextensive municipality in the Mexican state of Nuevo León that is part of the Monterrey Metropolitan area. It has become primarily a city for residencies and family houses, although it still has several factories that...
, Nuevo León
Nuevo León
Nuevo León It is located in Northeastern Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Tamaulipas to the north and east, San Luis Potosí to the south, and Coahuila to the west. To the north, Nuevo León has a 15 kilometer stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border adjacent to the U.S...
, Mexico) is a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
who is currently a free agent. He has played in the majors for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
(-), Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
(-), and Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Villarreal was signed by the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in . The next year, he made his professional debut with the Rookie League team the AZL Diamondbacks of the Arizona LeagueArizona League
The Arizona League is a minor league baseball league that operates in and around Phoenix, Arizona. It is a rookie-level professional baseball league run by Major League Baseball since 1989. Games are played at the spring training complexes of the team's parent organizations from mid-June until the...
. In , Villarreal placed second on the team in innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
(64.1), games started (11), and strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s (51).
Villarreal began the season with the Triple-A
AAA (baseball)
Triple-A refers to the highest level of play in minor league baseball in the United States and Mexico.-Purpose:Triple-A teams' main purpose is to prepare players for the Major Leagues:...
Tucson Sidewinders
Tucson Sidewinders
The Tucson Sidewinders were a minor league baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona. The team, which played in the Pacific Coast League, was the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks major-league club....
. After being demoted to the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks
South Bend Silver Hawks
The South Bend Silver Hawks are a U.S. Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks, that plays in the Midwest League....
, Villareal went 1-0 with a 1.66 earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
. He was sent back down to Tucson in the Rookie League shortly before being sent up to Single-A High Desert, where he finished the season. In High Desert, he went 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
Villarreal played the entire season with the Double-A El Paso Diablos
El Paso Diablos
The El Paso Diablos are a professional baseball team based in El Paso, Texas, in the United States. The Diablos are a member of the South Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. Since the 2005 season to the...
, where he logged a 6-9 record with a 4.41 ERA and 108 strikeouts. He began in El Paso, where he compiled a 3.74 ERA with a 6-3 win-loss record. On July 11, Villarreal was sent back up to the Sidewinders, where he went 3-3 with a 4.36 ERA. In the season combined, Villarreal recorded a Minor League career high 125 K's (85 in El Paso, 40 in Tucson).
In 2003, Villarreal earned a spot on the D'backs roster. He made his debut on March 31, and led all MLB rookies in games pitched (86) and ERA (2.57). His 86 games pitched also set a new rookie record. He finished second in the league in games pitched to Paul Quantrill
Paul Quantrill
Paul John Quantrill is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. He earned a reputation for being very durable and having impeccable control. He regularly appeared in 80 or more games a season and did not walk more than 25 batters in a season since...
, and also tied Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
's Diamondbacks record for wins by a rookie. However, on June 5, Villarreal suffered an injury when a line drive
Line drive
In baseball, a line drive is a type of batted ball, sharply hit, and on a level trajectory. The threshold between a line drive and a fly ball can be subjective....
off the bat of Frank Thomas
Frank Thomas (AL baseball player)
Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. , nicknamed "The Big Hurt", is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and first baseman....
hit him in the shin. He left the game and was out for 5 days. He returned to the team on June 10 against the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. On June 23, Villarreal was hurt again. A line drive hit by Craig Biggio
Craig Biggio
Craig Alan Biggio is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, catcher, and outfielder. He played his entire 20-year baseball career with the Houston Astros . He ranks 21st all-time with 3,060 career hits, and is the ninth player in the 3000 hit club to get all his hits with the same team. He...
struck him in the chest, but he did not leave the game. Villarreal came back to pitch 15.1 scoreless innings in July, and on September 10, he broke the rookie record for games pitched when he appeared in his 79th game. During the season, right-handed hitters only hit .204 off Villarreal.
Villarreal missed most of due to a sore elbow, and later elbow surgery. He appeared on Opening Day against the Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
, and did not allow any runs
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
. In the month of April, he recorded 15 strikeouts in 12.1 innings, while only walking
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
one batter. Villarreal was placed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
on May 10 with a strained right flexor. After playing on a rehab assignment with the Tucson Sidewinders
Tucson Sidewinders
The Tucson Sidewinders were a minor league baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona. The team, which played in the Pacific Coast League, was the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks major-league club....
in July, doctors took an MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear magnetic resonance imaging , or magnetic resonance tomography is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures...
on Villarreal's elbow on August 6 and determined that he would need to undergo season-ending nerve transposition surgery.
Villarreal returned in 2005, and ended up having another season shortened by an arm injury. He started the year with Triple-A Tucson before being called back up to the bigs on April 9. He pitched 1.2 scoreless innings on April 9 and left the next game against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
with a sore right shoulder. Villarreal had strained his rotator cuff, and the injury landed him on the DL until September 2. In his first game back in the majors, Villarreal surrendered a home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
. He won a game on September 17, which was his first big-league victory since September 25, 2003. Villarreal finished the season with 2 wins and no losses, 5 strikeouts, and a 5.27 earned run average.
Atlanta Braves
On December 7, 2005, Villarreal and fellow pitcher Lance CormierLance Cormier
Lance Robert Cormier is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.-Early years:Cormier went to Lafayette High School, and graduated in...
were traded to the Atlanta Braves for catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Johnny Estrada
Johnny Estrada
Johnny Pulado Estrada III is a former American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals.Estrada was selected in the 17th round of the 1997 Major...
. In his first year with the Braves, Villarreal went 9-1 with 55 strikeouts and a 3.61 ERA in 58 games.
Houston Astros
On November 16, 2007, he was traded to the Houston Astros for outfielderOutfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Josh Anderson
Josh Anderson (baseball)
Joshua Aaron Anderson is an American Major League Baseball outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed...
. On December 28, 2007, the Astros signed Villarreal to a two-year contract worth $2.85 million, with a club option for 2010. After being designated for assignment, Villarreal refused a minor league assignment and became a free agent.
Seattle Mariners/Colorado Rockies minors
He signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainers, on July 22, 2008. He was released after a few weeks due to his desire to become a free agent and sign elsewhere. On August 16, Villareal signed a minor league contract with the Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
and was assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Sky Sox
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are a minor league baseball team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team's colors are red and blue. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the major league Colorado Rockies...
. He became a free agent at the end of the season.
Kansas City Royals
On December 17, 2008, he signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. On January 28, 2009 Villarreal was released by the Royals.
Philadelphia Phillies
After missing all of 2009 due to Tommy John surgeryTommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body...
, he signed on February 4, 2010 a Minor League contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. He played for their AAA team, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are a minor league baseball team that plays in the International League. The IronPigs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team plays their home games at Coca-Cola Park, which is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania...
.
Los Angeles Dodgers
On November 23, 2010 he signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, that included an invitation to spring training. He began the season in AAA with the Albuquerque Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
but on April 11, he was loaned to the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.
Family
He and his wife Claudia have one daughter, Valeria. The family resides in MonterreyMonterrey
Monterrey , is the capital city of the northeastern state of Nuevo León in the country of Mexico. The city is anchor to the third-largest metropolitan area in Mexico and is ranked as the ninth-largest city in the nation. Monterrey serves as a commercial center in the north of the country and is the...
, Nuevo Leon
Nuevo León
Nuevo León It is located in Northeastern Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Tamaulipas to the north and east, San Luis Potosí to the south, and Coahuila to the west. To the north, Nuevo León has a 15 kilometer stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border adjacent to the U.S...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
.