Omar Daal, a left-handed pitcher from Venezuela, spent a decade in Major League Baseball, showcasing his skills across several teams. Born on March 1, 1972, in Zulia, Venezuela, Daal began his professional career when he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1989. His journey to the major leagues was marked by perseverance and steady development in the minor leagues.
Daal made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on May 26, 1993. During his time with the Dodgers, he primarily served as a relief pitcher, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft. However, it was not until he joined the Arizona Diamondbacks that he truly began to establish himself as a starting pitcher. The Diamondbacks selected him in the 1997 MLB Expansion Draft, and he became a key part of their rotation.
In 1998, Daal had a breakout season with the Diamondbacks, posting a 8-12 record with a 2.88 ERA, which was among the best in the league. His performance that year demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level and handle the pressures of being a starting pitcher. The following season, he continued to be a reliable arm for Arizona, contributing to the team's efforts in their early years as a franchise.
Daal's career took another turn when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2000. With the Phillies, he continued to be a consistent presence on the mound. In 2001, he achieved a career-high 13 wins, finishing the season with a 13-7 record. His time in Philadelphia was marked by his ability to eat innings and provide stability to the pitching staff.
After his stint with the Phillies, Daal moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002, returning to the team where he began his major league career. His second tenure with the Dodgers was short-lived, as he was traded to the Baltimore Orioles later that year. With the Orioles, Daal continued to pitch effectively, although his time there was also brief.
In 2003, Daal signed with the Montreal Expos, where he played his final season in the majors. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to injuries, and he retired from professional baseball after the 2003 season. Over the course of his career, Daal compiled a 68-78 win-loss record, with a 4.55 ERA and 806 strikeouts.
Omar Daal's career in Major League Baseball was characterized by his adaptability and steady presence on the mound.
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