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Emilio Bonifácio

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In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Bonifácio and the second or maternal family name is Del Rosario.
Emilio Bonifácio
Bonifácio with the Chicago White Sox in 2015
Utility player
Born: (1985-04-23) April 23, 1985 (age 39)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Batted: Switch
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 2, 2007, for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Last MLB appearance
July 29, 2020, for the Washington Nationals
MLB statistics
Batting average.256
Home runs13
Runs batted in165
Teams
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  Dominican Republic
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 2020 Tokyo Team

Emilio José Bonifácio Del Rosario (born April 23, 1985) is a Dominican professional baseball utility player who captains the Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Professional Baseball League. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Florida/Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. Primarily a second baseman and center fielder throughout his career, Bonifácio has also played shortstop and third base.

Professional career

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Arizona Diamondbacks (2007–2008)

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He played in his first Major League game on September 2, 2007, when he was called up by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Washington Nationals (2008)

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On July 22, 2008, he was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Washington Nationals for pitcher Jon Rauch and was optioned to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers.

Bonifácio was called up to the majors (he played for the South Bend Silver Hawks before he entered the majors) by the Nationals on August 1, along with fellow middle infielder Alberto González. Bonifácio went 1 for 4, with an RBI, run, and a stolen base.

Florida / Miami Marlins (2009–2012)

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Bonifácio batting for the Florida Marlins in 2009 spring training

On November 11, 2008, he was traded to the Florida Marlins for left fielder Josh Willingham and pitcher Scott Olsen.[1] On March 31, 2009, the Marlins announced that he would be their starting third baseman for the season.[2] Bonifácio hit his first home run on April 5, 2009, an inside-the-park home run on opening day against the Washington Nationals. This home run marked the first time in forty-one years that an inside-the-park home run was hit on Opening Day; the last being hit in 1968 by Carl Yastrzemski.[3]

On May 1, 2011, he hit his first outside the park home run, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds.

He had a 26-game hitting streak and a hit in 30 of 31 games during July 2011, the same month he won Player of the Month for the National League.

During the beginning of the 2012 season, Bonifácio led the major league in stolen bases, was safe in his first 20 attempts. However, on May 21, he was placed on the disabled list after injuring his left thumb trying to steal second base; it was the first time he was caught stealing. Although he was placed on a 15-day DL, he was expected to miss at least 4–6 weeks. Bonifácio was activated on July 13, and replaced teammate Giancarlo Stanton, who went to the disabled list after having surgery on his right knee. He returned to the lineup against the Washington Nationals and went 0–3. On September 4, 2012, Bonifácio was knocked out for the rest of the 2012 season due to a right knee sprain.

Toronto Blue Jays (2013)

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Bonifácio playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013

On November 19, 2012, Bonifácio was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays along with Josh Johnson, José Reyes, John Buck, and Mark Buehrle, in exchange for Jeff Mathis, Adeiny Hechavarria, Henderson Álvarez, Yunel Escobar, Jake Marisnick, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Nicolino.[4] On January 18, 2013, it was announced that the Blue Jays had avoided arbitration with Bonifácio, signing him to a one-year contract worth $2.6 million.[5] Bonifácio opened the season as Toronto's second baseman, but he also got time in the outfield at the start of the season, mainly when Maicer Izturis, the opening day third baseman, would play second base. Through April, Izturis had more starts at second base than Bonifácio. After the Opening Day shortstop José Reyes was injured and replacement Munenori Kawasaki struggled, Izturis got more time at shortstop, giving Bonifácio the bulk of the starts at second base in May and June, with Mark DeRosa also getting starts at second. Bonifácio was used more off the bench in July after slumping to a .203 start with 51 strikeouts through the first 3 months of the season. He was used at left field more when Melky Cabrera hurt his knee on August 1, and he also got time at center field when Colby Rasmus hurt his oblique on August 11. In 94 games with the Blue Jays, he hit .218 with 3 HR, 20 RBI and 66 strikeouts.

Kansas City Royals (2013)

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On August 14, 2013, Bonifácio was traded to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash or a player to be named later.[6] Bonifácio recorded his 500th career hit on August 17, 2013. Bonifácio was used mostly at second base with the Royals in 2013, but also saw time at third base and center field. In 42 games with the Royals in 2013, he hit .285 with 8 XBH, 11 RBI and 21 runs. Overall in 2013 (136 games), he hit .243 with 3 HR, 31 RBI, 54 runs, 103 strikeouts. Due to Bonifácio's outstanding speed in 2013, Emilio stole 28 bases in 36 attempts.[7] He was designated for assignment on February 1, 2014,[8] and released on February 12.[9]

Chicago Cubs (2014)

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Bonifácio was signed to a minor league contract by the Chicago Cubs on February 15, 2014.[10] On March 30, 2014, the Cubs announced that he had made the opening day roster.[11] Bonifácio hit his first home run as a Cub on June 7, snapping the longest homer-less streak of any active player, excluding pitchers. Bonifácio holds the record for most hits in his first seven games as a Cub, with 17.[12]

Atlanta Braves (2014)

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On July 31, 2014, Bonifácio was traded along with James Russell to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for catching prospect Víctor Caratini.[13]

Chicago White Sox (2015)

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On January 8, 2015, Bonifácio signed a one-year, $4 million, contract with the Chicago White Sox.[14] He was placed on the disabled list on July 29, and reinstated on August 14.[15] Bonifácio was designated for assignment on August 16, 2015[16] and released two days later. In 2015 with the White Sox he batted .167/.198/.192 in 78 at bats.[17]

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

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On August 25, 2015, Bonifácio signed a minor league contract to return to the Cubs.[18]

Second stint with the Braves (2016–2017)

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On December 18, 2015, Bonifácio signed a one-year contract worth $1.25 million to return to the Atlanta Braves.[19] The team designated him for assignment on April 2, 2016, and he was officially released on April 6.[20] The Braves resigned Bonifácio to a minor league contract on April 10, 2016.[21] The Braves purchased his contract on May 1. However, Bonifácio was not eligible for a call up until May 7, as Major League Baseball ruled that the team had to wait 30 days after Bonifacio's release date of April 6 to recall him.[22] Bonifácio was designated him for assignment for the second time on July 7.[23] In 2016 with the Braves he batted .211/.268/.211 in 38 at bats.[17] In December 2016, Bonifácio signed a new minor league contract with the Braves organization.[24]

In 2017 with the Braves, Bonifácio batted .132/.150/.211 in 38 at bats.[17] He was designated for assignment on June 2, 2017, and released on June 6.

Arizona Diamondbacks (second stint)

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On July 31, 2017, Bonifácio signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.[25][26] In 28 games split between the Double–A Jackson Generals and the Triple–A Reno Aces, Bonifacio hit .302/.336/.425 with 1 home run, 7 RBI, and 9 stolen bases. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.[27]

Long Island Ducks

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On May 8, 2018, Bonifácio signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 70 games he hit .348/.385/.458 with 3 home runs, 36 RBIs and 20 stolen bases.

Milwaukee Brewers

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On August 31, 2018, Bonifácio signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. In five games for the Triple–A Colorado Springs SkySox, he went 3–for–13 (.231) with three RBI. Bonifácio elected free agency on November 2, 2018.[28]

Tampa Bay Rays

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On January 28, 2019, Bonifácio signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays that included an invitation to spring training.[29] He was released on March 29, 2019, but re-signed to another minor league deal on April 3. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.[30]

Second stint with Nationals (2020)

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On January 28, 2020, Bonifácio signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals. On July 23, it was announced that Bonifacio had been selected to the 40-man roster. On August 6, Bonifácio was designated for assignment. On August 7, he was outrighted and elected free agency on August 8, 2020.

Personal life

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His younger brother, Jorge Bonifacio, also plays professional baseball.[31]

As a kid, growing up in the city of Santo Domingo, he started learning to play baseball in a small baseball field located a street below "el Parque Mirador Sur", where kids of all ages played for the league "Abraham" ("Liga Abraham" in Spanish).

References

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  1. ^ Molony, Jim (November 11, 2008). "Nats get Olsen, Willingham from Marlins". MLB.com. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  2. ^ "Bonifacio to start at third for Marlins". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 31, 2009. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  3. ^ "Bonifacio's inside-the-park HR leads Marlins past Nationals". USA Today. Associated Press. April 7, 2009. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  4. ^ "MLB approves mega-deal between Blue Jays and Marlins". TSN.ca. November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  5. ^ "Blue Jays avoid arbitration with Happ, Bonifacio, Thole". TSN.ca. January 18, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  6. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (August 14, 2013). "Royals acquire utility player Bonifacio". Sportsnet. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  7. ^ "Emilio Bonifácio Stats, Fantasy & News". Milwaukee Brewers.
  8. ^ "Royals sign veteran left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen". Kansas City Royals. February 1, 2014. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  9. ^ Gleeman, Aaron (February 12, 2014). "Royals release Emilio Bonifacio, eat a half-million bucks". Hardball Talk. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  10. ^ Rogers, Jesse (February 15, 2014). "Cubs sign Emilio Bonifacio". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  11. ^ "Chicago Cubs set 2014 Opening Day roster". Chicago Cubs. March 30, 2014. Archived from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  12. ^ "First 7 games as a Cub: the best and worst". 57hits. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  13. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 31, 2014). "Braves get Bonifacio, Russell in deal with Cubs". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  14. ^ Merkin, Scott (January 8, 2015). "Bonifacio, White Sox agree to 1-year deal". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
  15. ^ Kruth, Cash (August 14, 2015). "White Sox reinstate Bonifacio, option L. Garcia". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  16. ^ Merkin, Scott (August 16, 2015). "White Sox activate Shuck, designate Bonifacio". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  17. ^ a b c Emilio Bonifacio Minor, Winter & Independent Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com
  18. ^ "Cubs bring back Bonifacio on a minor league deal". mlbtraderumors.com. August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  19. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 18, 2015). "Braves announce one-year deal with Bonifacio". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  20. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 2, 2016). "Braves regretfully cut Bourn; Bonifacio, too". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  21. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 10, 2016). "Braves mulling over options at shortstop". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  22. ^ Bowman, Mark (May 1, 2016). "Callup of Bonifacio delayed by technicality". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  23. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 7, 2016). "Braves activate Beckham ahead of Cubs game". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  24. ^ Eddy, Matt (December 24, 2016). "Minor League Transactions: Dec. 10-22". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  25. ^ Adams, Steve (July 31, 2017). "D-Backs, Emilio Bonifacio Agree To Minors Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  26. ^ "Emilio Bonifácio Stats, Fantasy & News". milb.com. August 7, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  27. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2017". baseballamerica.com. November 7, 2017. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  28. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2018). "Minor League Free Agents 2018". Baseball America. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  29. ^ Todd, Jeff (January 28, 2019). "Rays Sign Emilio Bonifacio". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  30. ^ Matt Eddy (November 7, 2019). "Minor League Free Agents 2019". Baseball America. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  31. ^ Dutton, Bob (October 5, 2013). "Royals' Kyle Zimmer, Jorge Bonifacio draw notice as top prospects". Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
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