Wilson Betemit, a Dominican-born infielder, embarked on his Major League Baseball (MLB) journey with the Atlanta Braves. Signed as an amateur free agent in 1996, Betemit's professional career began in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills before making his MLB debut with the Braves in 2001. Known for his switch-hitting ability, Betemit played primarily as a third baseman but also covered shortstop and second base when needed.
During his time with the Braves, Betemit served as a utility player, providing depth to the infield. His tenure with Atlanta lasted until 2005, when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers, Betemit saw increased playing time and demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively. In 2006, he hit a career-high 18 home runs, showcasing his power potential.
Betemit's journey continued as he was traded to the New York Yankees in 2007. His stint with the Yankees was relatively short, but he provided valuable infield coverage and occasional power at the plate. In 2008, Betemit was part of a trade to the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to play a utility role.
In 2009, Betemit signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. His performance in the minors earned him a call-up to the majors, where he revitalized his career. Betemit's time with the Royals was marked by a strong offensive output, particularly in 2010 when he posted a .297 batting average with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs in just 84 games.
The Detroit Tigers acquired Betemit in 2011, seeking to bolster their infield depth for a playoff push. He contributed to the Tigers' postseason run, appearing in the American League Championship Series. Following his stint with Detroit, Betemit signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. His first season with the Orioles was productive, as he hit .261 with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs, helping the team reach the playoffs.
Betemit's career faced challenges in 2013 when he suffered a knee injury during spring training, limiting his playing time. Despite efforts to return, he struggled to regain his form and was eventually released by the Orioles. After brief minor league contracts with other teams, Betemit's MLB career came to a close.
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