Rhiner Cruz

Rhiner Cruz
Cruz with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Toronto Blue Jays – No. 59
Pitcher
Born: (1986-11-01) November 1, 1986
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Professional debut
MLB: April 7, 2012, for the Houston Astros
NPB: June 11, 2014, for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
MLB statistics
(through 2013 season)
Win–loss record 1–3
Earned run average 5.31
Strikeouts 56
NPB statistics
(through 2015 season)
Win–loss record 3–5
Earned run average 3.45
Strikeouts 66
Teams

Rhiner Allen Cruz Montero (born November 1, 1986) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Houston Astros, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

Professional career

Cruz began his career with the Detroit Tigers in 2004. The Tigers released Cruz, and he joined the New York Mets in 2007. Cruz was selected by the Astros the first overall selection of the 2011 Rule 5 draft.[1] Cruz was named to the Astros' Opening Day roster.[2] In June 2014, the Astros permitted Cruz to sign with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball.[3]

Cruz played for the Spanish national baseball team at the 2009 Baseball World Cup[4] and the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

On April 30, 2016, Cruz signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He was released on May 15, 2016. On May 18, Cruz signed with the Vaqueros Laguna, and was released on May 22. On December 13, 2016, Cruz signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.

Cruz signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 25, 2018, and received an invitation to spring training.[5] On July 4, 2018, Cruz had his contract selected and was added to the active roster.[6] He pitched two shutout innings in relief that night against the New York Mets. He was placed on the disabled list a few days later.

Personal life

Cruz' brother, José, also plays for the Spanish national team.

References

  1. ↑ Houston Astros make New York Mets righty Cruz top pick in Rule 5 draft - ESPN
  2. ↑ Five pitchers to make first Opening Day roster | astros.com: News
  3. ↑ joomla. "Rakuten firma al dominicano Rhiner Cruz". Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  4. ↑ "España se queda a las puertas del segundo puesto de su grupo en la Copa del Mundo de béisbol" (in Spanish). Barcelona, Spain: Marca. EFE. September 11, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  5. ↑ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (January 25, 2018). "Blue Jays sign right-hander Rhiner Cruz to minor-league deal". Sportsnet. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Blue Jays select contracts of right-handers Santos, Cruz". Sportsnet. July 4, 2018. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
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