Luis Aquino, a right-handed pitcher from Puerto Rico, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey with the Toronto Blue Jays. Born on May 19, 1965, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Aquino's professional career began when he was signed as an amateur free agent by the Blue Jays in 1981. His debut in the major leagues came on July 29, 1986, with Toronto, marking the start of a career that would see him play for several teams over the next decade.
Aquino's time with the Blue Jays was brief, as he appeared in only two games during the 1986 season. Following his stint in Toronto, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in September 1987. It was with the Royals that Aquino found more stability and opportunity to develop his skills on the mound. He spent the majority of his MLB career with Kansas City, from 1988 to 1992, where he was utilized both as a starter and a reliever.
During his tenure with the Royals, Aquino demonstrated his ability to adapt to different pitching roles. In 1989, he had one of his most productive seasons, appearing in 45 games and posting a 3.38 ERA. His performance that year included 11 starts, showcasing his flexibility in the pitching rotation. Aquino's time with the Royals allowed him to refine his pitching techniques and gain valuable experience in the major leagues.
In 1992, Aquino was traded to the Florida Marlins, a newly established expansion team. As a member of the Marlins, he became part of the franchise's inaugural season in 1993. Aquino played a significant role in the Marlins' bullpen, appearing in 45 games and recording a 4.11 ERA. His experience and presence provided stability to the young team's pitching staff during its formative years.
Aquino's career continued with the Marlins until 1994, after which he joined the San Francisco Giants. His time with the Giants was short-lived, as he appeared in only 10 games during the 1995 season. Following his release from the Giants, Aquino signed with the Kansas City Royals once again, but he did not make any further appearances in the major leagues.
Throughout his MLB career, Luis Aquino appeared in a total of 218 games, achieving a win-loss record of 31-32 and an ERA of 3.68. He recorded 13 saves and struck out 385 batters over 615 innings pitched. Aquino's career was characterized by his adaptability and ability to contribute both as a starter and a reliever, making him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
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