Carlos Villanueva, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, embarked on his Major League Baseball career with the Milwaukee Brewers. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2002, he made his MLB debut on May 23, 2006, against the Cincinnati Reds. Villanueva quickly demonstrated his ability to adapt, initially serving as a reliever before transitioning into a starting role when needed.
During his tenure with the Brewers, Villanueva showcased his versatility on the mound. In 2007, he split his time between the bullpen and the starting rotation, appearing in 58 games and starting 6 of them. That season, he posted a 3.94 ERA, striking out 119 batters over 114.1 innings. His ability to fill multiple roles made him a valuable asset to the Brewers' pitching staff.
Villanueva continued to serve in a dual capacity for Milwaukee until 2010, when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Blue Jays, he initially continued in a relief role but was called upon to start games due to injuries in the rotation. In 2011, he started 13 games and appeared in 33 overall, achieving a 4.04 ERA. The following year, he made 16 starts in 38 appearances, recording a 4.16 ERA and striking out 122 batters over 125.1 innings.
In 2013, Villanueva signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he continued to oscillate between starting and relieving. His first season with the Cubs saw him make 15 starts in 47 appearances, with a 4.06 ERA. The flexibility he provided was crucial for a team in transition, as the Cubs were in the midst of rebuilding their roster.
Villanueva's role with the Cubs remained consistent in 2014, as he made 42 appearances, including 5 starts. His ERA that season was 4.64, and he struck out 72 batters over 77.2 innings. Despite the challenges of switching roles, he maintained a steady presence on the pitching staff.
In 2015, Villanueva joined the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was primarily used as a reliever. He appeared in 35 games, posting a 2.95 ERA and striking out 55 batters over 61 innings. His performance that year was instrumental in bolstering the Cardinals' bullpen, providing reliable innings in relief.
The following year, Villanueva signed with the San Diego Padres. In what would be his final MLB season, he appeared in 42 games, all in relief, and recorded a 5.96 ERA. Despite the higher ERA, he continued to demonstrate his ability to handle various situations out of the bullpen.
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