Esteban Yan, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Baltimore Orioles. His debut came on May 20, 1996, marking the beginning of a career that would see him play for several teams over the next decade. Yan's early years with the Orioles were characterized by his role as a relief pitcher, where he demonstrated his ability to handle pressure situations on the mound.
In 1998, Yan was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a team that was in its inaugural season. This move provided him with more opportunities to showcase his skills. During his time with the Devil Rays, Yan transitioned from the bullpen to the starting rotation, a shift that highlighted his adaptability as a pitcher. On June 4, 2000, Yan achieved a rare feat for a pitcher by hitting a home run in his first major league at-bat, a memorable moment in his career.
Yan's tenure with the Devil Rays lasted until 2002, after which he joined the Texas Rangers. His stint with the Rangers was brief, and he soon found himself with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003. With the Cardinals, Yan continued to serve primarily as a relief pitcher, contributing to the team's bullpen depth.
The following year, Yan signed with the Detroit Tigers. His role remained consistent as a reliever, and he provided the Tigers with a reliable arm out of the bullpen. In 2005, Yan moved to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, where he continued to pitch in relief. His experience and steady performance were valuable assets to the Angels' pitching staff.
Throughout his career, Yan was known for his fastball, which he complemented with a slider and changeup. His ability to pitch in various roles, whether as a starter or reliever, allowed him to remain a valuable asset to the teams he played for. Yan's career in Major League Baseball concluded after the 2006 season, but his journey in professional baseball continued internationally.
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