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Erick Alejandro Leal (born March 17, 1995) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher currently in the New York Yankees organization of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected to the Venezuela national baseball team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Professional career

Arizona Diamondbacks

On September 14, 2011, Leal signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization as an international free agent. He made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks, working to a 2.44 earned run average (ERA) in 2012.

Chicago Cubs

On February 18, 2013, Leal and Jesús Castillo were traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Tony Campana. In 2013, he played for the AZL Cubs, working to a 2.77 ERA over 13 games. Promoted to the Low-A Boise Hawks the next year, he posted a 3.73 ERA in 13 games. In 2015, he was promoted again to the Single-A South Bend Cubs, earning a 3.85 ERA, and in 2016, he played with the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, earning a 3.23 ERA.

Leal underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2016 season, missing all of the 2017 and the first month of the 2018 season. He returned to High-A Myrtle Beach, posting a 1.41 ERA over 21 games. Leal split 2018 between Myrtle Beach and the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, where he posted a 5.74 ERA in 11 games. On November 4, 2019, Leal elected free agency.

Rieleros de Aguascalientes

Leal signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League on February 25, 2021. Over 54.2 innings pitched in 12 games, he posted a 5.93 ERA. He returned to the Rieleros the following year, working towards a much-improved 3.50 ERA in 90.0 innings pitched over 17 games, being named a North Division All-Star. In 2023, he regressed slightly, earning a 4.56 ERA with Rieleros in 10 games; on August 1, 2023, Leal was traded to Diablos Rojos del México.

Diablos Rojos del México

Leal played only a single game with Diablos in 2023, allowing five earned runs. His 2024 season was a return to form, posting a 2.91 ERA over 80.1 innings pitched.

New York Yankees

On September 15, 2024, Leal signed a two-year minor league deal with the New York Yankees.

International career

Leal was selected to the initial roster of the Venezuela national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. However, he did not participate in the tournament, with manager Omar López citing concerns about preparation for the tournament.

References

1. ^ "Erick Leal Stats & Scouting Report - Baseball America".
2. "Chicago Cubs News: The Cubs sent outfielder Tony Campana to Arizona for two pitching prospects". Chicago Tribune. February 18, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
3. "Article News Erick Leal Makes It 5 Straight Scoreless Starts In AFL". Baseball America. 7 November 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
4. "LMB: Este es el roster de la Zona Norte para el Juego de Estrellas 2022" (in Spanish). Septima Entrada. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
5. "Diablos Rojos: Erick Leal firma con los Yankees" (in Spanish). MiLB.com. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
6. "Venezuela Roster & Staff". World Baseball Classic. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
7. "¿Por qué Erick Leal no está con Venezuela en el Clásico Mundial 2023?" (in Spanish). Fansided. 12 March 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2024.

External links

• Career statistics from MLB, or Baseball Reference (Minors)

• 1995 births
• Living people
• Baseball players from Valencia, Venezuela
• Boise Hawks players
• South Bend Cubs players
• Navegantes del Magallanes players
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans players
• Mesa Solar Sox players
• Tennessee Smokies players
• Rieleros de Aguascalientes players
• Diablos Rojos del México players
• Leones del Caracas players