Marco Estrada's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of perseverance and skill. Born in Sonora, Mexico, Estrada moved to the United States, where he attended high school in California before playing college baseball at Long Beach State University. His professional career began when he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the sixth round of the 2005 MLB Draft.
Estrada made his MLB debut with the Nationals in 2008, but his time with the team was brief. After a couple of seasons with limited appearances, he was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010. It was with the Brewers that Estrada began to establish himself as a reliable pitcher. Initially working out of the bullpen, he gradually transitioned into a starting role. His ability to change speeds and his effective changeup became his signature, allowing him to keep hitters off balance.
During his tenure with the Brewers, Estrada's performance was marked by steady improvement. In 2012, he secured a spot in the starting rotation and posted a solid season, striking out 143 batters over 138.1 innings. His control and ability to limit walks were key aspects of his game, and he continued to develop these skills over the next couple of seasons.
In 2014, Estrada was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Adam Lind. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. With the Blue Jays, Estrada found a new level of success. In 2015, he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the postseason for the first time in over two decades. Estrada's performance in the playoffs was particularly impressive; he delivered strong outings in both the American League Division Series and the American League Championship Series, earning praise for his poise under pressure.
Estrada's 2015 season was highlighted by a career-best 3.13 ERA over 181 innings, and he was named an All-Star in 2016. His ability to induce weak contact and generate fly balls was a testament to his pitching style, which relied more on finesse than overpowering velocity. Estrada continued to be a mainstay in the Blue Jays' rotation through the 2018 season, providing veteran leadership and stability.
After his time in Toronto, Estrada signed with the Oakland Athletics in 2019. Unfortunately, his stint with the Athletics was marred by injuries, limiting him to just five starts. Despite these challenges, Estrada's career is remembered for his strategic approach to pitching and his ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
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