D. J. Carrasco

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D. J. Carrasco bigraphy, stories - American baseball player

D. J. Carrasco : biography

April 12, 1977 –

Daniel J. "D. J." Carrasco (born April 12, 1977) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.

Career

Baltimore Orioles

Carrasco was drafted in the 26th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, but did not pitch a minor league game for them as he was released in 1998.

Cleveland Indians/Pittsburgh Pirates

He played for the Cleveland Indians’ farm system in and for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system from 1999 through 2002.

Kansas City Royals

Carrasco was drafted by the Kansas City Royals from the Pirates in the 2002 Rule 5 Draft. He spent all of the 2003 season in the majors for the Royals. He split 2004 and 2005 between the Royals and their minor league affiliates.

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks

He pitched three games in Japan for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in 2006.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Carrasco then pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate, the Tucson Sidewinders, in . While with the Diamondbacks he encountered a bullpen catcher that would change his career. The catcher taught Carrasco the finer points of ping pong, and the art of pong can translate to pitching.

Chicago White Sox

On January 11, , Carrasco signed a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training with the Chicago White Sox.

On July 9, 2008, Carrasco was recalled by the White Sox to replace injured closer Bobby Jenks. Carrasco posted a 2.38 ERA in 7 appearances with Triple-A Charlotte before being recalled. On August 3, 2008, during a game against the Kansas City Royals, Carrasco threw two pitches inside Miguel Olivo, the second one hitting Olivo. Olivo came after Carrasco and started a bench-clearing brawl. On December 12, 2009, Carrasco was non-tendered by the White Sox, making him a free agent.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On January 13, 2010, Carrasco signed a major league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates with an invite to spring training.http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/archive/2010/01/13/carrasco.aspx

Arizona Diamondbacks

On July 31, 2010, Carrasco, Bobby Crosby and Ryan Church were traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Chris Snyder and Pedro Ciriaco.

New York Mets

In December 2010, the New York Mets signed Carrasco to a two-year contract. On June 11, 2011, he returned to the club as Dale Thayer was sent down. On June 16, 2011, in a game versus the Atlanta Braves, Carrasco balked in the final run of the ball game in the 10th inning, giving the Braves a 9-8 victory. It was just the second balk off in the Mets history. On May 15, 2012, Carrasco was ejected by umpire Gary Darling following a hit batsmen. After surrendering a home run to Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers, Carrasco drilled Ryan Braun with the next pitch and was thrown out. Close Call Sports Retrieved 16 May 2012 He was designated for assignment the following day. On May 25, 2012, he was released by the team.

Atlanta Braves

Carrasco signed with the Atlanta Braves on June 20, 2012. He made his first appearance for the Triple A Gwinnett Braves on June 20. On July 4, he was released by Atlanta.

Personal life

Carrasco attended Hayward High School.