Danys Báez, a Cuban-born right-handed pitcher, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey after defecting from Cuba in 1999. His professional career began when he signed with the Cleveland Indians, making his MLB debut on July 13, 2001. Báez quickly established himself as a reliable arm in the bullpen, showcasing his skills as both a starter and a reliever during his tenure with the Indians.
In 2003, Báez transitioned to the Boston Red Sox, although his time there was brief. He was soon traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, where he found a more stable role as a closer. During his time with the Devil Rays, Báez recorded a career-high 41 saves in the 2005 season, earning him an All-Star selection. His performance that year highlighted his ability to handle high-pressure situations and secure victories for his team.
Following his successful stint with the Devil Rays, Báez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006. However, his time in Los Angeles was short-lived, as he was soon on the move again, this time to the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, his performance with the Braves was hampered by injuries, limiting his effectiveness on the mound.
In 2007, Báez signed with the Baltimore Orioles, but his first season with the team was cut short due to elbow surgery, which sidelined him for the entire year. He returned to the Orioles in 2008, but struggled to regain his previous form. Despite these challenges, Báez continued to persevere, and in 2009, he managed to put together a solid season, appearing in 59 games with a respectable ERA.
The Philadelphia Phillies became Báez's next destination in 2010, where he served as a middle reliever. His tenure with the Phillies lasted two seasons, during which he provided veteran leadership and depth to the bullpen. However, his performance was inconsistent, and he was released by the team in August 2011.
Throughout his MLB career, Danys Báez played for several teams, adapting to various roles as needed.
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