Santiago Casilla, a right-handed relief pitcher from the Dominican Republic, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Oakland Athletics. Initially signed under the name Jairo Garcia, he later revealed his true identity and age, which did not deter his progress in the sport. Casilla's early years with the Athletics were marked by a struggle to find consistency, but his potential was evident.
In 2010, Casilla's career took a significant turn when he joined the San Francisco Giants. It was with the Giants that he truly found his stride, becoming an integral part of their bullpen. Casilla's tenure with the Giants coincided with one of the most successful periods in the franchise's history. He played a crucial role in the Giants' bullpen during their World Series championship runs in 2010, 2012, and 2014. His ability to perform under pressure was a valuable asset to the team, and he often served as a setup man and closer.
Casilla's pitching style was characterized by a powerful fastball and a sharp breaking ball, which kept hitters off balance. His command and ability to induce ground balls made him a reliable option in high-leverage situations. Over the years, he accumulated a respectable number of saves and maintained a solid earned run average, contributing to the Giants' success during their championship years.
In 2016, Casilla's role as the Giants' closer came under scrutiny due to some late-game struggles, leading to a change in his role within the bullpen. Despite this, his contributions to the team over the years were undeniable, and he remained a respected figure in the clubhouse.
After his time with the Giants, Casilla returned to the Oakland Athletics in 2017. His second stint with the Athletics saw him continue to provide veteran leadership and experience to a young bullpen. Although his performance was not as dominant as during his peak years with the Giants, he still managed to contribute effectively when called upon.
Casilla's career in Major League Baseball concluded after the 2018 season. Over his career, he amassed over 100 saves and appeared in more than 600 games.
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