Salomón Torres, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the San Francisco Giants. Signed as an amateur free agent in 1989, Torres made his MLB debut on August 29, 1993. His early career with the Giants showed promise, but it was also marked by challenges. In 1993, he pitched in a crucial game against the Los Angeles Dodgers that determined the Giants' playoff fate. Unfortunately, the Giants lost, and Torres faced criticism for his performance.
After his stint with the Giants, Torres was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 1995. His time with the Mariners was brief, and he struggled to find consistency on the mound. The following year, he joined the Montreal Expos, but his performance did not improve significantly. By 1997, Torres decided to step away from Major League Baseball, taking a hiatus to focus on his personal life and reassess his career.
In 2001, Torres made a surprising return to professional baseball, signing a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His perseverance paid off, and he worked his way back to the majors in 2002. With the Pirates, Torres found a new role as a reliable relief pitcher. Over the next several years, he became an integral part of the Pirates' bullpen, often serving as a setup man and occasionally closing games.
Torres's tenure with the Pirates was marked by durability and adaptability. In 2006, he led the National League in appearances, taking the mound 94 times. The following year, he transitioned into the role of closer, recording 12 saves for the team. His ability to adapt to different roles within the bullpen showcased his value to the Pirates.
In December 2007, Torres was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. During the 2008 season, he served as the Brewers' closer, recording 28 saves and helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 1982. His performance that season was a testament to his ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver results when needed.
After the 2008 season, Torres decided to retire from professional baseball.
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