Figueroa's rookie season with the Angels showcased his potential as a starting pitcher. He appeared in 31 games, starting 28 of them, and finished the season with a 2.91 ERA and a 12-16 win-loss record. His performance caught the attention of the New York Yankees, who acquired him in a trade before the 1976 season.
Joining the Yankees marked a turning point in Figueroa's career. In his first season with the team, he became a reliable starter, contributing to the Yankees' successful campaign. Figueroa posted a 19-10 record with a 3.02 ERA, helping the Yankees reach the World Series, although they ultimately fell to the Cincinnati Reds.
The following year, Figueroa continued to be a vital part of the Yankees' rotation. In 1977, he achieved a personal milestone by becoming the first Puerto Rican pitcher to win 20 games in a single season, finishing with a 20-9 record and a 3.57 ERA. His efforts were instrumental in the Yankees' World Series victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning him a championship ring.
Figueroa's success with the Yankees persisted into the 1978 season. He recorded a 16-11 win-loss record and a 2.99 ERA, once again playing a crucial role in the Yankees' journey to the World Series. The team repeated their triumph over the Dodgers, securing back-to-back championships.
However, Figueroa's career began to face challenges in the subsequent years. Injuries and a decline in performance affected his time on the mound. In 1979, he struggled with a 4.30 ERA and an 8-7 record. The Yankees traded him to the Texas Rangers in 1980, where he continued to face difficulties, posting a 4.15 ERA and a 3-10 record.
Figueroa's final season in the major leagues came in 1981 with the Oakland Athletics. He appeared in only 12 games, finishing with a 4.98 ERA and a 4-3 record. After the 1981 season, Figueroa retired from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Ed Figueroa demonstrated skill and determination on the mound.
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