D. J. Carrasco, a right-handed pitcher, spent several years in Major League Baseball, contributing to various teams with his skills on the mound. Born on April 12, 1977, in Safford, Arizona, Carrasco attended Pima Community College and later transferred to Arizona State University, where he honed his pitching abilities. His professional journey began when the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 26th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. However, it wasn't until 2003 that he made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals.
Carrasco's time with the Royals spanned three seasons, during which he demonstrated his capabilities as a relief pitcher. In his debut season, he appeared in 44 games, posting a 6-5 record with a 4.82 ERA. His performance in Kansas City was marked by his adaptability, as he was utilized in various pitching roles, including starting and relieving. Over the next two seasons, Carrasco continued to be a reliable option out of the bullpen, although his ERA fluctuated.
After his stint with the Royals, Carrasco spent some time in the minor leagues and even played internationally in Japan with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2006. His experience overseas added a new dimension to his pitching style, which he brought back to the United States when he returned to MLB in 2008 with the Chicago White Sox. During his time with the White Sox, Carrasco appeared in 52 games, achieving a 3.96 ERA and striking out 59 batters over 93.2 innings. His performance in Chicago helped solidify his reputation as a dependable reliever.
In 2009, Carrasco signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he continued to serve as a valuable bullpen asset. That season, he pitched in 55 games, maintaining a 3.88 ERA and recording 65 strikeouts. His ability to handle multiple innings and maintain composure in high-pressure situations made him a trusted figure in the Pirates' bullpen.
Carrasco's career continued with the New York Mets, where he signed a two-year contract in 2010. However, his time with the Mets was marred by injuries and inconsistency. In 2011, he appeared in 42 games, but his ERA rose to 6.02, and he struggled to find the same level of success he had experienced in previous seasons. The following year, Carrasco's performance did not improve significantly, leading to his release from the team in July 2012.
Throughout his MLB career, Carrasco was known for his sinkerball, which he used effectively to induce ground balls and navigate through challenging innings. His ability to adapt to different roles within the bullpen and his experience in both domestic and international leagues provided him with a diverse skill set that he utilized throughout his career.
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