Pedro Astacio, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Signed as an amateur free agent in 1987, Astacio made his MLB debut on July 3, 1992. During his time with the Dodgers, he demonstrated his potential as a starting pitcher, showcasing a solid fastball and an effective slider. His tenure with the Dodgers lasted until 1997, during which he developed into a reliable arm in their rotation.
In 1997, Astacio was traded to the Colorado Rockies, a team known for its challenging pitching environment due to the high altitude of Coors Field. Despite the difficulties pitchers often faced there, Astacio adapted and became a mainstay in the Rockies' rotation. He achieved a career-high in wins during the 1999 season, recording 17 victories. That year, he also struck out 210 batters, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters even in a hitter-friendly ballpark.
Astacio's time with the Rockies came to an end in 2001 when he was traded to the Houston Astros. His stint with the Astros was brief, and he soon found himself with the New York Mets. With the Mets, Astacio continued to be a dependable starter, providing innings and experience to the pitching staff.
In 2003, Astacio signed with the Boston Red Sox, but his time there was marred by injuries. He was limited to just a few appearances before being released. The following year, he joined the Texas Rangers, where he experienced a resurgence. Astacio pitched effectively for the Rangers, earning a spot in their starting rotation and contributing to their pitching efforts.
Astacio's career continued with the San Diego Padres, where he played a role in their pitching staff. His experience and veteran presence were valuable assets to the team. In 2006, he signed with the Washington Nationals, marking the final chapter of his MLB career. Throughout his time in the majors, Astacio was known for his durability, often pitching over 200 innings in a season.
Over his career, Pedro Astacio accumulated over 120 wins and more than 1,600 strikeouts.
⚾