Gregorio Petit, a Venezuelan infielder, spent several years navigating the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) and its minor league affiliates. Born on December 10, 1984, in Ocumare del Tuy, Venezuela, Petit began his professional career when he signed with the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent in 2001. His journey through baseball's ranks was marked by perseverance and adaptability, as he played for multiple teams across the MLB and minor leagues.
Petit made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics on May 18, 2008. During his time with the Athletics, he played primarily as a shortstop and second baseman. His initial stint in the majors was brief, as he appeared in 14 games during the 2008 season and 11 games in 2009. Despite limited opportunities, Petit demonstrated his defensive skills and versatility in the infield.
After his time with the Athletics, Petit continued to pursue his baseball career in the minor leagues, playing for various teams. In 2010, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he spent the season with their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City RedHawks. The following year, he signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres, playing for their Triple-A team, the Tucson Padres, in 2011.
Petit’s journey through the minor leagues continued as he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 2012, playing for their Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers. In 2013, he joined the Houston Astros organization, where he played for the Oklahoma City RedHawks once again. His persistence paid off when he returned to the MLB with the Astros in 2014, appearing in 37 games and hitting his first major league home run.
In 2015, Petit signed with the New York Yankees, where he played in 20 games. His time with the Yankees was followed by a stint with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016, where he appeared in 89 games, the most in a single season during his MLB career. Petit’s defensive reliability and ability to play multiple infield positions made him a valuable asset for the Angels.
The following year, Petit signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays but was released before the season began. He then joined the Minnesota Twins, where he played in 25 games during the 2018 season. His final MLB appearance came on September 30, 2018, with the Twins.
Throughout his career, Petit was known for his defensive capabilities and his role as a utility infielder.
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