Omar Quintanilla, a professional baseball infielder, spent nearly a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily known for his defensive skills and utility role on the field. Born on October 24, 1981, in El Paso, Texas, Quintanilla attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college baseball for the Texas Longhorns. His performance in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2003 MLB Draft.
Quintanilla made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on July 31, 2005. During his time with the Rockies, he was often utilized as a backup infielder, providing depth to the team's roster. His ability to play multiple infield positions, including shortstop and second base, made him a valuable asset for the Rockies. Quintanilla's tenure with the Rockies lasted until 2011, during which he appeared in 216 games and maintained a batting average of .220.
In 2011, Quintanilla was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he played a brief stint before being released. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the New York Mets, marking the beginning of his first tenure with the team. During the 2012 season with the Mets, Quintanilla played in 29 games, hitting .257 and providing reliable defense. His performance earned him a spot with the Baltimore Orioles later that year, where he continued to serve as a utility infielder.
Quintanilla returned to the Mets in 2013, where he saw more consistent playing time. That season, he played in 95 games, achieving a batting average of .222 and hitting two home runs. His defensive capabilities were on display as he filled in at shortstop for the injured Ruben Tejada. Quintanilla's steady presence in the infield provided the Mets with much-needed stability during a challenging season.
The 2014 season saw Quintanilla's role with the Mets diminish, as he appeared in only 15 games. Despite limited playing time, he continued to contribute defensively whenever called upon. After the 2014 season, Quintanilla became a free agent and did not return to the major leagues.
Throughout his MLB career, Omar Quintanilla was known for his defensive reliability and ability to adapt to various infield positions.
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