Oscar Enrique Salazar (born June 27, 1978) is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He previously played in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
| Oscar Salazar | |
|---|---|
 Salazar with the Baltimore Orioles | |
| Infielder | |
| Born: June 27, 1978 Maracay, Venezuela | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: April 10, 2002, for the Detroit Tigers | |
| NPB: April 13, 2012, for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars | |
| Last appearance | |
| MLB: October 2, 2010, for the San Diego Padres | |
| NPB: May 1, 2012, for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .269 |
| Home runs | 14 |
| Runs batted in | 62 |
| NPB statistics | |
| Batting average | .222 |
| Home runs | 0 |
| Runs batted in | 1 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| As player | |
Playing career
editSigned by Oakland as an amateur free agent in 1994, Salazar was selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers in 2002, and made his major league debut for the Tigers on April 10, 2002 against the Chicago White Sox. He appeared a pinch runner in the seventh inning and remained in the game at second base during the Tigers' 7–5 loss.[1]
In one season as a backup with the Tigers, Salazar batted .190 with one home run and three RBI in eight games.[2]
In 2003, Salazar was diagnosed with injuries in his arm and shoulder which required season-ending surgery. He worked out in 2004 spring training, but his recovery was slower than expected. He played that season for the Akron Aeros, the Cleveland Indians' Double-A affiliate, batting .221 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 44 games.[3]
In 2005, Salazar played for Cancún of the Mexican League, appearing in 71 games and batting .273 with six home runs and 32 RBI.[3] He played for his hometown team, the Tigres de Aragua the Caribbean Series, after he plays on his actual team, Tiburones de La Guaira.[4]
Baltimore Orioles
editOn November 24, 2006, Salazar signed with the Baltimore Orioles as a minor league free agent.[5] He played for the Bowie Baysox of the Double-A Eastern League in 2007. In 136 games with the Baysox, he hit .290 with 22 home runs and 96 RBI.[3] He began 2008 with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides of the International League, batting .311 with seven home runs, 23 doubles and 44 RBI in 63 games before his June recall.[5]
On June 10, 2008, Salazar was called up to the Orioles to replace struggling starter Steve Trachsel on the roster.[5] He batted .284 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 34 games with the Orioles in 2008.[2]
San Diego Padres
editOn July 19, 2009, Salazar was traded to the San Diego Padres for relief pitcher Cla Meredith.[6] On February 1, 2011, the Padres designated Salazar for assignment.[7] He was released by the Padres on March 28, 2011.[8]
Florida Marlins
editOn April 14, 2011, Salazar signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins.[9] He spent the season with the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, batting .221 with two home runs and 16 RBI in 45 games.[3]
Yokohama DeNA BayStars
editOn February 12, 2012, Salazar passed a try out for a Japanese team, Yokohama DeNA BayStars and signed a contract. In 66 games with Yokohama, Salazar hit .265 with seven home runs and 32 RBI.[3] He was released by the BayStars on October 16, 2012.
Guerreros de Oaxaca
editOn March 23, 2013, Salazar signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican Baseball League. In 18 games he hit .303/.407/.439 with 2 home runs, 13 RBIs and 1 stolen base.
Pericos de Puebla
editOn April 14, 2013, Salazar was traded to the Pericos de Puebla. He was released on April 24, 2013. In 9 games he hit .250/.324/.406 with 1 home run and 7 RBIs.
Rimini Baseball Club
editIn 2014, Salazar signed with the Rimini Baseball Club of the Serie A1 Italian Baseball League. In 42 games he hit .262/.400/.443 with 6 home runs, 26 RBIs and 2 stolen bases.
Coaching career
editSan Diego Padres organization
editOn March 30, 2021, Salazar was named fielding coach for the El Paso Chihuahuas.[10]
Washington Nationals organization
editSalazar was named as a development coach for the Washington Nationals Doubhle-A affiliate Harrisburg Senators for the 2024 season.[11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers Box Score, April 10, 2002". Baseball-Reference.com. April 10, 2002. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Oscar Salazar Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "Oscar Salazar Minor, Mexican, Winter & Japanese Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ Frisaro, Joe (February 6, 2007). "Venezuela holds off Puerto Rico". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on July 30, 2009. Retrieved May 13, 2008.
- ^ a b c Remme, Mark (June 10, 2008). "O's designate Trachsel, call up Salazar". Baltimore Orioles. MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2008. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "O's send IF Salazar to Padres for RHP Meredith". ESPN. Associated Press. July 20, 2009. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (February 1, 2011). "Padres Designate Oscar Salazar For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (March 28, 2011). "Padres Release Oscar Salazar". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (April 14, 2011). "Marlins Sign Oscar Salazar". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "Chihuahuas Announce 2021 Manager and Coaching Staff". El Paso Chihuahuas. March 30, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
- ^ "Quick Notes: Minor League Washington Nationals affiliates announce coaching staffs for 2024".
External links
edit- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- Oscar Salazar at Pura Pelota (Venezuelan Professional Baseball League)