On Saturday, the Texas Rangers signed right-handed relief pitcher Jesus Pirela to a Minor League contract. During his short career, Pirela has not touched the Major Leagues. Instead, he has been working in the Minors.
Pirela started with the VSL Phillies, which is Rookie-A ball. He struggled in that scene, going 4-12 with a 4.51 ERA over 124 games (26 started and 61 finished). He pitched 143.2 innings over those three seasons.
Next, he moved on to a few different teams in 2010. Overall, with two teams, he went 4-2 with a 5.18 ERA. It was not a great season for Pirela.
The season of 2011 was a turnaround for the Venezuela native. He pitched for Williamsport in the New York-Pennsylvania League once again. He went 3-0 with a 4.34 ERA over 17 games pitched and seven games finished. Over 29 innings, he did not give up a home run. He held a 1.517 WHIP.
Pirela did not play in 2012.
In 2013, the right-hander pitched for Gustave in the Mexican Pacific Winter League. He pitched in just five games and held a 1-0 record. However, he had a rough 5.40 ERA during that short time span.
In 2014, the 6-foot right-hander pitched for Rojos del Aguila de Veracurz in the Triple-A Mexican League. Pirela pitched in 50 games and 53.2 innings. He went 1-3, but the 1.51 ERA was very impressive. Pirela added a 0.783 WHIP and gave up just two home runs while striking out 61 hitters.
The 25-year-old could be a surprise candidate to earn a spot in the Rangers' Big-League bullpen, but he will have to impress during camp. This might be his best shot to finally make a Major League roster.