Carlos Carrasco, known affectionately as "Cookie," embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Cleveland Indians. Born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Carrasco's path to the majors began when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 2003. His talent on the mound quickly became evident, and he was regarded as one of the Phillies' top pitching prospects.
In July 2009, Carrasco's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of a deal for Cliff Lee. This trade marked the beginning of his long tenure with the Indians, where he would spend the majority of his career. Carrasco made his MLB debut with Cleveland on September 1, 2009, against the Detroit Tigers. Although his initial outings were challenging, he gradually found his footing in the major leagues.
Carrasco's early years with the Indians were marked by a mix of promise and setbacks. He showed flashes of brilliance but also faced struggles with consistency and injuries. In 2011, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2012 season. Despite these challenges, Carrasco persevered and returned to the mound in 2013, determined to establish himself as a reliable starting pitcher.
The 2014 season proved to be a turning point for Carrasco. After starting the year in the bullpen, he was moved back into the starting rotation in August. From that point on, he delivered outstanding performances, finishing the season with a 2.55 ERA. This impressive showing solidified his place in the Indians' rotation and set the stage for his breakout season in 2015.
In 2015, Carrasco emerged as one of the top pitchers in the American League. He recorded a career-high 14 wins and struck out 216 batters over 183.2 innings. His ability to dominate opposing hitters with a combination of a mid-90s fastball, devastating slider, and effective changeup made him a formidable presence on the mound. Carrasco's performance helped the Indians remain competitive in the AL Central.
Over the next few years, Carrasco continued to be a vital part of the Indians' pitching staff. He consistently delivered strong performances, contributing to the team's success. In 2017, he achieved a career milestone by winning 18 games and finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young Award voting. His efforts played a crucial role in the Indians' run to the postseason, where they reached the American League Division Series.
Carrasco's career, however, was not without its challenges. In 2019, he faced a life-altering diagnosis when he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. The news shocked the baseball community, but Carrasco's determination to overcome the disease was inspiring. After undergoing treatment, he made a triumphant return to the mound in September 2019, receiving a standing ovation from fans and players alike.
In 2020, Carrasco continued to pitch effectively, demonstrating his resilience and skill. He posted a 2.91 ERA in the pandemic-shortened season, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable starter. His journey took another turn in January 2021 when he was traded to the New York Mets as part of a blockbuster deal that also included Francisco Lindor.
With the Mets, Carrasco faced new challenges, including injuries that limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he remained a respected figure in the clubhouse and a mentor to younger pitchers. His career, marked by both triumphs and trials, serves as a testament to his perseverance and talent on the baseball field.
Carlos Carrasco's journey through Major League Baseball is a story of resilience and determination.
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