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Erick Leal
Erick Alejandro Leal (born March 17, 1995) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher in the New York Yankees organization. He was selected to the Venezuela national baseball team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Professional careerArizona DiamondbacksOn September 14, 2011, Leal signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization as an international free agent.[1] He made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks, working to a 2.44 earned run average (ERA) in 2012. Chicago CubsOn February 18, 2013, Leal and Jesús Castillo were traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Tony Campana.[2] In 2013, he played for the Arizona League Cubs, working to a 2.77 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 13 games. Promoted to the Low-A Boise Hawks the next year, Leal posted a 3.73 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 13 games. In 2015, he was promoted again to the Single-A South Bend Cubs, registering a 10-8 record and 3.85 ERA with 86 strikeouts across 128+2⁄3 innings pitched. In 2016, Leal played with the AZL Cubs and High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, compiling an 11-4 record and 3.13 ERA with 71 strikeouts over 97+2⁄3 innings of work.[1] Leal underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2016 season, missing all of the 2017 and the first month of the 2018 season.[3] He returned to High-A Myrtle Beach, posting a 1.41 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 21 games. Leal split 2019 between Myrtle Beach and the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, where he posted a combined 4-6 record and 5.21 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 17 games (16 starts). Leal elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2019.[4] Rieleros de AguascalientesOn February 25, 2021, Leal signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. Over 54+2⁄3 innings pitched in 12 games, he logged a 3-3 record and 5.93 ERA with 66 strikeouts. Leal returned to the Rieleros the following year, recording an improved 3.50 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 90 innings pitched across 17 starts, being named a North Division All-Star.[5] In 2023, Leal regressed slightly, posting a 2-3 record and 4.56 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 47+1⁄3 innings pitched across 10 starts. Diablos Rojos del MéxicoOn August 1, 2023, Leal was traded to Diablos Rojos del México. He played only a single game with Diablos in 2023, allowing five earned runs in four innings. Leal's 2024 season was a return to form, as he posted an 8-1 record and 2.91 ERA with 95 strikeouts across 80+1⁄3 innings pitched. New York YankeesOn September 15, 2024, Leal signed a two-year minor league deal with the New York Yankees.[6] International careerLeal was selected to the initial roster of the Venezuela national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[7] However, he did not participate in the tournament, with manager Omar López citing concerns about preparation for the tournament.[8] References
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