Al Alburquerque

Signed by scout Jose Serra, Alburquerque began his professional career in 2006 with the AZL Cubs, in the Chicago Cubs farm system. He went 0–2 with a 5.98 ERA in eight games (five starts) that season. He also had 15 strikeouts in 12{{frac|2|3}} innings. In 2007, he played for the Boise Hawks and Peoria Chiefs, going a combined 4–6 with a 5.83 ERA in 21 games (10 starts). In 66{{frac|1|3}} innings, he struck out 69 batters. He did not play at all in 2008 due to a right shoulder tear.{{Cite web |title=Al Alburquerque Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/al-alburquerque-456379 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

Alburquerque began the 2009 season in the Cubs system, pitching for the Daytona Cubs.

The Cubs traded Alburquerque to the Colorado Rockies on July 2, 2009, for Jeff Baker.{{cite news |last1=Simon |first1=Andrew |date=July 2, 2009 |title=Cubs acquire Baker from Rockies |url=http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/5658572 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428125002/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/5658572 |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=April 20, 2016 |work=MLB.com}} He finished the season with the Tulsa Drillers. Overall, he went 2–3 with a 2.80 ERA in 47 relief appearances, striking out 75 batters in 61 innings. He pitched for the Drillers again in 2010, going 2–4 with a 4.98 ERA in 25 relief appearances. He became a free agent on November 6.

Alburquerque signed a major league contract with the Detroit Tigers on November 19.{{Cite news |last=Ringolsby |first=Tracy |date=November 19, 2010 |title=RHP Al Alburquerque signs with Detroit |url=http://www.insidetherockies.com/2010/11/19/rhp-al-albuqerque-signs-with-detroit/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006181823/http://www.insidetherockies.com/2010/11/19/rhp-al-albuqerque-signs-with-detroit/ |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |work=Inside the Rockies}} The Tigers added him to their 40-man roster even though he had never appeared in an MLB game. Alburquerque was assigned to the Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens following spring training, where he appeared in 4 games, with a 1.93 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 4{{fraction|2|3}} innings pitched.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=alburq001alb |title=Al Alburquerque Minor League Statistics & History |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

Alburquerque made his major league debut on April 15, 2011, on Jackie Robinson Day, wearing Robinson's number 42 on his jersey. He struck out the first batter he faced and pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

On August 12, 2011, Alburquerque was hit in the head by a ball hit by Baltimore Orioles Robert Andino during batting practice. He was taken to the hospital and stayed overnight for tests. The next day, the Tigers placed him on the 7-day disabled list with a concussion.{{Cite web |url=http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110813&content_id=23165642¬ebook_id=23165644&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |title=Improving Alburquerque released from hospital |last=Seidel |first=Jeff |date=August 13, 2011 |work=MLB.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155307/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110813&content_id=23165642¬ebook_id=23165644&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 15, 2011 }} He appeared in 41 games for the Tigers in 2011, going 6–1 with a 1.87 ERA. In 43{{frac|1|3}} innings, he allowed only 21 hits, while striking out 67 batters for an exceptional rate of 13.9 per 9 innings.

He made his postseason debut in the 2011 American League Division Series. He did not pitch well in 4 playoff games, allowing 3 earned runs in 2 innings.{{Cite web |title=Al Alburquerque Postseason Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=albural01&t=p&post=1 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

Following the 2011 season, it was discovered that Alburquerque had suffered a non-displaced stress fracture in his right (throwing) elbow. He had a screw inserted during surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews, and had an expected recovery time of 6–8 months.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7360498/al-alburquerque-detroit-tigers-surgery-elbow |title=Al Alburquerque of Detroit Tigers has surgery to elbow |agency=Associated Press |date=December 16, 2011 |website=ESPN |access-date=April 2, 2013}} On April 24, 2012, he was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, with an earliest possible return date of June 3.{{cite news |last=Schmehl |first=James |title=Detroit Tigers reliever Al Alburquerque transferred to 60-day disabled list |url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2012/04/detroit_tigers_reliever_al_alb_5.html |access-date=April 2, 2013 |newspaper=Booth Newspapers |date=April 24, 2012 |location=Detroit}}

On July 24, 2012, Alburquerque began a rehab assignment with the Lakeland Flying Tigers.{{cite web |last=Brigidi |first=Matt |title=Al Alburquerque to begin injury rehab in Lakeland |url=http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2012/7/24/3184150/al-alburquerque-injury-detroit-tigers-news-info-update |work=SB Nation Detroit |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=April 2, 2013 |date=July 24, 2012}} On August 3, the organization moved him to the Toledo Mud Hens, with the expectation that the move meant a return to the Major League club in the near future. He appeared in 13 minor league games in 2012, going 1–0 with a 2.57 ERA and striking out 27 batters in 14 innings. He made his 2012 debut with the Tigers on September 4 against the Cleveland Indians, pitching 1{{frac|1|3}} scoreless innings and striking out one batter.{{Cite web |title=Al Alburquerque 2012 Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=albural01&t=p&year=2012 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} At the major league level, he made eight appearances during the regular season and posted a 0.68 ERA. He had 18 strikeouts in 13{{frac|1|3}} innings.

Alburquerque was on the playoff roster for the American League Division Series against the Oakland Athletics. He made his first appearance of the postseason in Game 2, brought in to face Yoenis Céspedes in the bottom of the ninth with runners on first and third and two out, and the game tied at four runs apiece. Alburquerque ended the threat, inducing a ground ball back to the mound. In a moment of levity, he kissed the ball before flipping it softly to Prince Fielder at first to complete the play.{{Cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=October 8, 2012 |title=Kiss Evokes Era When a Tigers Pitcher Only Talked to the Ball |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/sports/baseball/pitchers-kiss-evokes-tiger-who-talked-to-the-ball.html |access-date=January 20, 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2012 |title=WATCH: A's Unhappy About Pitcher's Kiss |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/al-alburquerque-kisses-baseball-tigers-athletics_n_1948757 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=HuffPost |language=en}} Alburquerque earned the win when Don Kelly hit an RBI sacrifice fly to right to win the game in the bottom of the inning. Alburquerque also pitched one scoreless inning of relief in Game 4 of the same series. In Game 1 of the World Series, he allowed a home run to eventual series MVP Pablo Sandoval.{{Cite web |title=2012 World Series Game 1, Detroit Tigers vs San Francisco Giants: October 24, 2012 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN201210240.shtml |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ5xfO1nYMU&t=26s |title=WS2012 Gm1: Sandoval swats three homers vs. Tigers |date=November 29, 2013 |last=MLB |author-link=Major League Baseball |type=Television production |time=0:26 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |via=YouTube}}

Alburquerque threw 49 innings out of the Tiger bullpen in 2013, finishing with a 4.59 ERA. After allowing no home runs in 2011 and 2012, he surrendered five in 2013. In the Tigers 2013 postseason run, he pitched in 4{{frac|2|3}} innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out nine batters.

Alburquerque pitched {{frac|57|1|3}} innings of relief in 2014, posting a 2.51 ERA while striking out 63 batters. He walked a career-low 8.9 percent of batters faced.{{cite web |last=Perry |first=Dayn |title=R.I.P., Detroit Tigers' 2014 season |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24739171/rip-detroit-tigers-2014-season |publisher=cbssports.com |access-date=October 7, 2014 |date=October 5, 2014}}

On January 24, 2015, Alburquerque and the Tigers avoided arbitration agreeing on a one-year, $1.73 million contract.{{cite web|title=Tigers agree to terms with Alburquerque|url=http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/107373214/tigers-avoid-arbitration-with-al-alburquerque|work=MLB.com|first=Jason|last=Beck|date=January 25, 2015|access-date=January 25, 2015|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128051304/http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/107373214/tigers-avoid-arbitration-with-al-alburquerque|url-status=dead}} Alburquerque pitched a career-high 62 innings in relief in 2015, posting a 4–1 record and 4.21 ERA. He shared the major league lead in balks, with four.{{Cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2015 » Pitchers |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=10&type=0&season=2015&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=23,d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035527/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=10&type=0&season=2015&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=23,d |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=FanGraphs }}

On December 2, 2015, the Tigers non-tendered Alburquerque, making him a free agent.{{cite web|title=Detroit Tigers cut ties with relievers Neftali Feliz, Al Alburquerque |url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2015/12/detroit_tigers_arbitration_nef.html |publisher=MLive.com |first=James |last=Schmehl |date=December 2, 2015 |access-date=December 3, 2015}}

On January 19, 2016, Alburquerque signed a 1-year, $1.1 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/angels-sign-veteran-reliever-al-alburquerque-to-1-year-deal-011516|title=Angels sign Al Alburquerque|publisher=FOXSports|access-date=January 19, 2016}} On March 29, the Angels optioned Alburquerque to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.{{cite web | last=Fletcher | first=Jeff | title=Notes: Angels option Al Alburquerque as bullpen picture clears | website=Orange County Register | date=2016-03-29 | url=https://www.ocregister.com/2016/03/29/notes-angels-option-al-alburquerque-as-bullpen-picture-clears/ | access-date=2025-05-19}} In two games with the Angels, he appeared in two innings, posting a 4.50 ERA. He was designated for assignment on May 21.{{Cite web |last=Byrne |first=Connor |date=May 21, 2016 |title=Angels Designate Al Alburquerque For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/05/angels-designate-al-alburquerque-for-assignment.html |access-date=February 20, 2020 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He was released on August 13.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/angels-sign-andrew-bailey-to-minor-league-deal.html |title=Angels Sign Andrew Bailey, Release Al Alburquerque |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 13, 2016 |language=en-US |access-date=February 20, 2020}}

On August 23, 2016, Alburquerque signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.{{Cite web |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/al-albuquerque-signs-mariners.html |title=Mariners Sign Al Alburquerque To Minors Deal |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=August 29, 2016 |language=en-US |access-date=February 20, 2020}} In 6 appearances for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, he logged a 6.00 ERA with 6 strikeouts across 6 innings pitched. Alburquerque elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=July 24, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

On January 7, 2017, Alburquerque signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/01/royals-sign-chris-withrow-al-alburquerque-brandon-league-to-minor-league-deals.html|title=Royals Sign Chris Withrow, Al Alburquerque, Brandon League To Minor League Deals|last=Wilmoth|first=Charlie|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=January 7, 2017|access-date=January 7, 2017}} The Royals promoted him to the major leagues on May 10.{{Cite web |last=Dodd |first=Rustin |date=May 10, 2017 |title=In need of arms, Royals add two relievers and designate Christian Colon for assignment |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article149762054.html |access-date=November 27, 2024 |website=Kansas City Star}} In 11 games with the Royals, he went 0–1 with a 3.60 ERA.{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=albural01&t=p&year=2017#244-254-sum:pitching_gamelogs |title=Al Alburquerque 2017 Pitching Game Log (Games with the Kansas City Royals) |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=February 20, 2020}} He was released on July 29.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/al-alburquerque-released-by-royals/ |title=Al Alburquerque: Released by Royals |website=CBSSports.com |date=July 29, 2017 |language=en |access-date=February 20, 2020}}

On August 4, 2017, the White Sox signed Alburquerque to a minor league deal.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-al-alburquerque-joins-white-sox-on-minors-deal/ |title=White Sox's Al Alburquerque: Joins White Sox on minors deal |website=CBSSports.com |date=August 4, 2017 |language=en |access-date=February 20, 2020}} In 10 games with the White Sox, he went 0–1 with a 1.13 ERA.{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=albural01&t=p&year=2017#255-264-sum:pitching_gamelogs |title=Al Alburquerque 2017 Pitching Game Logs (Games with Chicago White Sox) |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=February 20, 2020}} He was granted free agency on December 1.{{Cite web |url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/12/01/white-sox-non-tender-4-players-making-them-free-agents/ |title=White Sox Non-Tender 4 Players, Making Them Free Agents |date=December 1, 2017 |website=CBS - Chicago |language=en-US |access-date=February 20, 2020}}

On January 18, 2018, Alburquerque signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/blue-jays-sign-al-alburquerque-to-minors-deal/c-265327118|title=Blue Jays sign Alburquerque to Minors deal|last=Chisholm|first=Gregor|work=MLB.com|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 31, 2018}} He pitched in 25 games for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons before being released on July 2, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CanadiansPR/status/1013814014810324992|title=Vancouver Canadians PR on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=July 2, 2018}}

On February 26, 2019, Alburquerque signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.{{Cite web |date=February 26, 2019 |title=Al Alburquerque nuevo refuerzo de acero |trans-title=Al Albuerquerque new reinforcement of Acereros |url=https://purobeisbol.mx/al-alburqueque-nuevo-refuerzo-de-acereros/ |access-date= |website=Puro Beisbol |language=es}} He made 52 appearances in 2019 for Monclova, posting a 1–1 record and 3.27 ERA with 38 strikeouts in {{fraction|52|1|3}} innings pitched. Alburquerque did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the Mexican League season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/mexican-league-cancels-2020-season.html|title=Mexican League Cancels 2020 Season|date=July 2020 }}

In 2021, Alburquerque pitched to a 0–1 record with a 2.78 ERA in 24 relief appearances, striking out 26 in {{fraction|22|2|3}} innings of work. He was released by the Acereros following the season on August 26, 2021.{{Cite tweet|user=AcererosOficial|number=1431030215585812488|title=Al Alburquerque, pieza importante de nuestro campeonato 2019🏆¡GRACIAS! Por tus años de servicio a la organización y el mejor de los éxitos 💪🏾🔥|date=August 26, 2021|language=en|access-date=January 15, 2022}}

On February 16, 2023, Alburquerque signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=Seven-Year MLB Veteran Al Alburquerque Joins Flock|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/seven-year-mlb-veteran-al-alburquerque-joins-flock/n-5925264|access-date=February 16, 2023|website=oursportscentral.com|date=February 16, 2023 |language=en}} In 50 relief outings, he recorded a 3.65 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 7 saves across {{fraction|44|1|3}} innings pitched.

On October 18, 2023, Alburquerque signed with the Olmecas de Tabasco of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Roy Morales, MVP De La Baseball Champions League, Se Une A Los Olmecas De Tabasco Para La Temporada 2024 De La LMB|url=https://sipseplay.com/roy-morales-mvp-de-la-baseball-champions-league-se-une-a-los-olmecas-de-tabasco-para-la-temporada-2024-de-la-lmb/|access-date=March 20, 2024|website=sipseplay.com|language=en}} In 20 relief appearances, he posted a 1–1 record with a 7.50 ERA and 16 strikeouts across 18 innings pitched in 2024. On July 1, 2024, Alburquerque was released by Tabasco.{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2024 |title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 1 de julio de 2024 |url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-1-de-julio-de-2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=Minor League Baseball |language=en}}

On July 19, 2024, Alburquerque signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=Transactions|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/transactions.html?leagueid=174&seasonid=33927|access-date=July 19, 2024|website=baseball.pointstreak.com|language=en}} In 21 appearances for the Ducks, he posted a 2–1 record and 3.66 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 2 saves across {{fraction|19|2|3}} innings of relief. Alburquerque became a free agent following the season.

Alburquerque is a three-pitch pitcher. He throws a hard four-seam fastball that ranges between 94 and 98 mph, and his "out pitch" is a downward-breaking slider that ranges between 85 and 88 mph. The slider is his most common pitch, especially with two strikes in the count;{{cite web |url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=456379 |title=Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool - Player Card: Al Alburquerque |publisher=Brooks Baseball |access-date=September 20, 2012}} it has a 60% whiff rate, the fifth-highest for a slider among relief pitchers since the 2007 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/leaderboards/index.php?hand=&reportType=pfx&prp=RP&month=&year=&pitch=SL&ds=ws&lim=200 |title=PitchFX Leaderboards |work=Baseball Prospectus |access-date=September 20, 2012}}

His best pitch is what scouts call the "Cross Curve" that "breaks this way, and then that way."

His strikeouts per 9 innings pitched ratio is above the league average, sitting at 10.7 through the end of the 2017 season. He also has a high walk rate at 5.0 per 9 innings. Alburquerque was effective in the 2011 season at stranding inherited baserunners, allowing only 3 of 31 to score.{{Cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/albural01.shtml |title=Al Alburquerque Stats |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |access-date=February 20, 2020}}

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