Fernando Abad

{{Infobox baseball biography

|image = Fernando Abad on August 16, 2016.jpg

|image_size = 250px

|caption = Abad pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2016

|name = Fernando Abad

|position = Pitcher

|team = Algodoneros de Unión Laguna

|number =

|bats = Left

|throws = Left

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|12|17}}

|birth_place = La Romana, Dominican Republic

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = July 28

|debutyear = 2010

|debutteam = Houston Astros

|statyear = 2023 season

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 9–29

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 3.78

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 292

|teams =

Houston Astros ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2012}})
Washington Nationals ({{mlby|2013}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2015}})
Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2016}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2016}}–{{mlby|2017}})
San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2019}})
Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2021}})
Colorado Rockies ({{mlby|2023}})

}}

Fernando Antonio Abad ({{IPAc-en|'|eɪ|b|æ|d}}; born December 17, 1985) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Colorado Rockies.

Professional career

=Houston Astros=

Abad began his professional career in 2006, pitching for the Dominican Summer Astros. That year, he went 5–2 with a 1.32 ERA in 15 games (11 games started). He also struck out 64 batters in 61{{fraction|1|3}} innings.

He split 2007 between the Greeneville Astros (17 games, four starts) and Tri-City ValleyCats (two games), going a combined 6–4 with a 4.25 ERA, with 59 strikeouts in 53 innings. In 2008, he pitched for the Lexington Legends, going 2–7 with a 3.30 ERA in 45 relief appearances, striking out 94 batters in 76{{fraction|1|3}} innings.

Abad pitched for the Lancaster JetHawks (41 games) and Corpus Christi Hooks (three games, all starts) in 2009, going a combined 4–7 with a 4.00 ERA, striking out 92 batters in 96{{fraction|2|3}} innings of work.{{cite web|title=Fernando Abad Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=abad--001fer|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=February 21, 2013}}

In 3 seasons with the Astros, Abad went 1–11 with a 5.10 ERA in 88 games while striking out 65 in 84{{fraction|2|3}} innings. On November 1, 2012, Abad was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks.{{Cite web|title=Outrighted To Triple-A: Astros, Morgan, Veras, Braves|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/11/outrighted-to-triple-a-erik-cordier.html|access-date=February 7, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 2012 |language=en}}

=Washington Nationals=

On November 22, 2012, Abad signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.{{cite web|title=Who Should I Start? Try the MLB Start/Sit Tool GET MLB ADVICE. FANTASY ASSISTANT HomeMLBFernando AbadNews Update Nationals signed LHP Fernando Abad to a minor league contract|url=http://www.fantasysp.com/player/mlb/Fernando_Abad/2550791/nationals-signed-lhp-fernando-abad-to-a-minor-league-contract|publisher=fantasysp.com|access-date=February 21, 2013}} He was called up to the big leagues when Ryan Mattheus was placed on the disabled list and he posted a 3.35 ERA in {{frac|37|2|3}} innings out of the bullpen.{{Cite web|title=Fernando Abad Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abadfe01.shtml|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en}} On November 20, 2013, Abad was designated for assignment.

=Oakland Athletics=

File:Fernando Abad.JPG

On November 25, 2013, the Nationals traded Abad to the Oakland Athletics for minor league outfielder John Wooten.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2013/11/25/nationals-trade-fernando-abad-for-minor-league-outfielder-john-wooten/|title=Nationals trade Fernando Abad for minor league outfielder John Wooten|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 25, 2013|first1=James|last1=Wagner|access-date=February 18, 2018}}

In his first season in Oakland, Abad pitched a career high 69 games with a career low 1.57 ERA in {{frac|57|1|3}} innings. Abad regressed the following season, allowing 11 home runs in under 60 innings. The Athletics designated Abad for assignment after the 2015 season,{{cite web|url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/athletics/protect-two-rule-5-draft-dfa-abad-gentry|title=A's protect two from Rule 5 Draft, DFA Abad, Gentry|website=CSN Bay Area|first1=Joe|last1=Stiglich|date=November 20, 2015|access-date=February 18, 2018}} and he later elected free agency.

=Minnesota Twins=

On December 17, 2015, Abad signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins organization. On April 2, 2016, the Twins selected Abad's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.{{Cite web|title=Roster Notes: Brewers, Weeks, Abad, Phillies, Ramos, Pena|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/04/roster-notes-pena-fryer-eveland-braves.html|access-date=October 3, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=April 2, 2016 |language=en}} He became an integral part of the Twins' bullpen in 2016, posting a 1–4 record and 2.65 ERA with 29 strikeouts across 39 appearances.[http://www.twincities.com/2016/06/15/twins-fernando-abad-moving-forward-to-back-end/ Twins: Abad moving forward to back end of bullpen]

=Boston Red Sox=

On August 1, 2016, the Twins traded Abad to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Pat Light.[http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2016/8/1/12342504/twins-trade-fernando-abad-red-sox Red Sox acquire Fernando Abad from Twins - MLB Daily Dish] In 2017, Abad appeared in 48 games for the Red Sox, pitching to a 3.30 ERA with 37 strikeouts in {{frac|43|2|3}} innings of work. On November 2, 2017, Abad elected free agency.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/fernando-abad-472551|title = Fernando Abad Stats, Fantasy & News| website=MLB.com }}

=Long Island Ducks=

On February 17, 2018, Abad agreed to a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|url=https://www.fanragsports.com/news/heyman-fernando-abad-agrees-to-deal-with-phillies/|title=Heyman {{!}} Fernando Abad agrees to deal with Phillies|first=Jon|last=Heyman|work=fanragsports|date=February 17, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2018}} He was released prior to the start of the season on March 21.

Abad signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on March 25, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/mets-sign-fernando-abad.html|title=Mets Sign Fernando Abad|last=Byrne|first=Connor|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 25, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2018}} On June 7, Abad was suspended 80 games after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance and was released by the Mets upon the announcement of the news.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/fernando-abad-given-80-game-drug-suspension/2018/06/07/c03b72f6-6a96-11e8-a335-c4503d041eaf_story.html |title=Fernando Abad given 80-game drug suspension |agency=Associated Press |date=June 7, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 7, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140015/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/fernando-abad-given-80-game-drug-suspension/2018/06/07/c03b72f6-6a96-11e8-a335-c4503d041eaf_story.html |archive-date=June 12, 2018}}

On August 3, 2018, Abad signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 19 games for the Ducks, he logged a 1-0 record and 0.48 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 2 saves across {{fraction|18|2|3}} innings pitched. Abad became a free agent following the 2018 season.

=San Francisco Giants=

On February 16, 2019, Abad signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants organization.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/02/giants-to-sign-fernando-abad.html|title=Giants To Sign Fernando Abad|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=February 21, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019}} In 41 appearances split between the Double–A Richmond Flying Squirrels and Triple–A Sacramento River Cats, he compiled a 2.70 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 13 saves over 50 innings pitched. On August 15, the Giants selected Abad's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Giants Select Fernando Abad's Contract, Designate Kyle Barraclough|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/08/giants-select-fernando-abads-contract-designate-kyle-barraclough.html|access-date=October 3, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 15, 2019 |language=en}} In 21 games for San Francisco, he logged a 4.15 ERA with 9 strikeouts across 13 innings of work. On November 2, the Giants declined their option on Abad for the 2020 season, making him a free agent.{{Cite web|title=Giants Decline Option On Fernando Abad; Kyle Barraclough Elects Free Agency|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/11/giants-decline-option-on-fernando-abad-kyle-barraclough-elects-free-agency.html|access-date=October 3, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 2, 2019 |language=en}}

=New York Yankees=

On December 18, 2019, Abad returned to the Washington Nationals, signing a minor league contract with the organization. He was released by the Nationals on July 17, 2020.{{Cite web|last=Zuckerman|first=Mark|date=July 17, 2020|title=The Nationals have released veteran left-hander Fernando Abad|url=https://twitter.com/markzuckerman/status/1284127254843461638|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Twitter|language=en}}

On July 24, 2020, Abad signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization. He became a free agent on November 2.{{Cite web|title=Full List of 2020-2021 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/full-list-of-2020-2021-milb-free-agents/|access-date=September 27, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 2, 2020 |language=en}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On December 16, 2020, Abad signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/orioles-to-sign-fernando-abad-to-minors-contract.html|title = Orioles to Sign Fernando Abad to Minors Contract| date=December 16, 2020 }}

After the 2020 season, he played for Toros del Este of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). He has also played for Dominican Republic in the 2021 Caribbean Series. After posting a 4.26 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 26 appearances for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, the Orioles selected Abad's contract on August 15, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/orioles-announce-several-roster-moves.html|title=Orioles Announce Several Roster Moves|date=August 15, 2021 }}

=Saraperos de Saltillo=

On March 23, 2022, Abad signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League.{{cite web|url=http://saraperos.com.mx/el-grandes-ligas-fernando-abad-aterrizo-en-saltillo-en-busca-de-trascender/|title=EL GRANDES LIGAS FERNANDO ABAD ATERRIZÓ EN SALTILLO EN BUSCA DE TRASCENDER|website=saraperos.com.mx|date=March 23, 2022|language=ES|accessdate=March 28, 2022}} In 4 games for Saltillo, he registered a 2-0 record and 2.25 ERA with 7 strikeouts over 4 innings of relief.

=Seattle Mariners=

On May 4, 2022, Abad signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners. He was assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, with whom he recorded a 3.56 ERA in 40 appearances, striking out 32 batters in 43 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=August 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 13, 2022 |language=en}}

=Colorado Rockies=

On January 9, 2023, Abad signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies organization.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Fernando Abad: Gets deal from Rox|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-fernando-abad-gets-deal-from-rox/amp/|access-date=January 9, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes to begin the year, where he pitched to a 1.69 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 2 saves across 13 appearances. On May 15, Abad's contract was selected to the active roster.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Fernando Abad: Added to roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-fernando-abad-added-to-roster/|access-date=May 15, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 15, 2023 |language=en}} He pitched in 3 games for Colorado, surrendering 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks in {{fraction|2|2|3}} innings of work. On May 21, Abad was designated for assignment following the promotion of Matt Carasiti.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Fernando Abad: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-fernando-abad-designated-for-assignment/|access-date=May 21, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 21, 2023 |language=en}} He was released by the Rockies on May 24.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/transactions/2023/05/24 | title=Transactions | website=MLB.com }} Abad re-signed with the Rockies organization on a minor league contract on May 30.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-05-30/p-5 | title=Transactions }} On July 2, Abad was selected back to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Fernando Abad: Called up by Colorado|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-fernando-abad-called-up-by-colorado/amp/|access-date=July 2, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was the winning pitcher for the first time in 2,226 days in a 4–3 victory over the Astros at Coors Field on July 18.[https://www.mlb.com/news/fernando-abad-earns-win-as-rockies-bullpen-shuts-down-astros Harding, Thomas. "Licensed barber, reliever Abad cherishes first win in 2,226 days," MLB.com, Wednesday, July 19, 2023.] Retrieved July 19, 2023. His previous win was with the Red Sox six years prior on June 13, 2017, when he defeated the Philadelphia Phillies.[https://apnews.com/article/astros-rockies-ezequiel-tovar-3204f5ce75d5134a197d2f709954d877 Graham, Pat. "Abad picks up his first win in six years. Rockies beat Astros 4–3 as bullpen shines," The Associated Press (AP), Tuesday, July 18, 2023.] Retrieved July 19, 2023. After posting a 4.26 ERA across 6 appearances, Abad was designated for assignment on July 19, after Brent Suter was activated from the injured list.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Fernando Abad: Removed from 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-fernando-abad-removed-from-40-man-roster/amp/|access-date=July 19, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On July 22, he again cleared waivers and was outrighted to Albuquerque.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-07-22 | title=Transactions }} Abad was released by the Rockies organization on August 15.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-08-15 | title=Transactions }}

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On August 25, 2023, Abad signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.{{Cite web|title=Milwaukee Brewers Sign Veteran Reliever Fernando Abad to Minor League Contract|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/milwaukee-brewers-sign-veteran-reliever-fernando-abad-to-minor-league-contract|access-date=August 29, 2023|website=si.com|date=August 25, 2023 |language=en}} In 9 appearances for the Triple–A Nashville Sounds, he posted a 7.88 ERA with 8 strikeouts and 2 saves across 8 innings pitched. Abad elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=March 3, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}}

=Saraperos de Saltillo (second stint)=

On February 24, 2024, Abad signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=El Ligamayorista Fernando Abad Regresa Con Saraperos|url=https://saraperos.com.mx/el-ligamayorista-fernando-abad-regresa-con-saraperos/|access-date=March 3, 2024|website=saraperos.com.mx|language=en}} In 42 appearances for Saltillo, he logged a 2–1 record and 4.65 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 3 saves over {{fraction|40|2|3}} innings of relief. Abad was released by the Saraperos on March 19, 2025.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 19 y 20 de marzo de 2025|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-19-y-20-de-marzo-de-2025|access-date=March 21, 2025|website=milb.com|language=en}}

=Algodoneros de Unión Laguna=

On April 8, 2025, Abad signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 8 de abril de 2025|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-8-de-abril-de-2025|access-date=April 9, 2025|website=milb.com|language=en}}

Pitching style

Abad features a four-seam fastball (94–97 mph), a sinker (92–95 mph), a curveball (78–83 mph), and a changeup (75–79 mph). He tends to use the sinker and changeup more against right-handed hitters, and his four-seamer and curveball more against left-handed hitters.{{cite web|url=http://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=472551|title=Player Card: Fernando Abad|publisher=Brooks Baseball|access-date=September 19, 2013}} He also occasionally throws an eephus pitch, around 55 mph.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ApoBP36Plw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/3ApoBP36Plw |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Abad brings Beltre to a knee with eephus|work=YouTube|date=July 6, 2017|access-date=July 7, 2017}}{{cbignore}}