Héctor Luis Rondón (born February 26, 1988) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Rondón signed as an international free agent with the Cleveland Indians in 2004.
| Héctor Rondón | |
|---|---|
 Rondón pitching for the Chicago Cubs in 2016 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: February 26, 1988 Guatire, Venezuela | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 3, 2013, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 26, 2020, for the Arizona Diamondbacks | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 24–20 |
| Earned run average | 3.49 |
| Strikeouts | 441 |
| Saves | 92 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Professional career
editCleveland Indians
editRondón signed as an international free agent with the Cleveland Indians on August 3, 2004. He had Tommy John surgery in 2010, and fractured his elbow in 2011.[1]
Chicago Cubs
editRondón was selected by the Chicago Cubs from the Indians in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft.[2] He made the Cubs' 2013 Opening Day roster and made his major league debut on April 3. In his first season with the Cubs, he had a 2–1 record with a 4.77 ERA with 44 SO.
After struggles by Cubs closer José Veras early in the 2014 season, Rondón was named the new Cubs closer. He had a breakout 2014 season. He earned two saves in the 2015 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, including a save in the series-clinching game 4.[3] With the addition of Aroldis Chapman in late July 2016, Rondon was moved to the setup role in the bullpen. Rondon finished 2016 with a 2–3 record and a 3.53 ERA in 54 appearances. The Cubs won the 2016 World Series over the Cleveland Indians, ending the Cubs' 108-year drought.[4] He was non-tendered and became a free agent on December 1, 2017.
Houston Astros
editOn December 15, 2017, Rondón signed a two-year contract with the Houston Astros.[5] In 2018, he was 2–5 with 15 saves and a 3.20 ERA, pitching 59 innings in 63 relief appearances.[6] In 2019, Rondón was 3–2 with a 3.71 ERA, appearing in 62 games (one start) and pitching 60+2⁄3 innings.[6] He became a free agent following the 2019 season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
editOn January 9, 2020, Rondón and the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract.[7] During the shortened 2020 season, he made 23 relief appearances with the Diamondbacks, compiling a 7.65 ERA while striking out 23 batters in 20 innings; he recorded one win and no losses.[6] He became a free agent following the season.
Philadelphia Phillies
editOn February 2, 2021, Rondón signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies organization and was invited to spring training.[8] On March 25, 2021, Rondón requested and was granted his release by the Phillies.[9]
Boston Red Sox
editOn April 3, 2021, Rondón signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization.[10] On April 9, 2021, Rondón retired from professional baseball.[11]
Pitching repertoire
editRondón relies primarily on his four-seam fastball (95 mph), slider (85 mph), and also mixing in a sinker (96 mph). He also rarely throws a changeup (90 mph).[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Hoynes, Paul (August 29, 2012). "Hector Rondon, Carlos Carrasco make progress after surgeries: Cleveland Indians Insider". cleveland.com.
- ^ Arguello, John (December 6, 2012). "Cubs select RHP Hector Rondon in Rule 5 Draft, lose Starling Peralta | Cubs Den". Chicagonow.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
- ^ ESPN
- ^ Bastian, Jordan; Muskat, Carrie. "Chicago Cubs win 2016 World Series". MLB. Archived from the original on November 30, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2016.
- ^ Macklin, Oliver (December 15, 2017). "Astros agree with Rondon on 2-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Hector Rondon Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ "Reports: Rondon, D-backs reach 1-year, $3M deal". ESPN.com. ESPN. January 9, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ "Phillies Sign Hector Rondon, David Paulino to Minors Deals".
- ^ "Ivan Nova, Hector Rondon Granted Release by Phillies".
- ^ "Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions". MLB.com. April 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
- ^ "Hector Rondon Retires".
- ^ "Player Card: Hector Rondon". Brooksbaseball.net. March 30, 2007. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
External links
edit
- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Héctor Rondón at Pura Pelota (Venezuelan Professional Baseball League)