José Veras

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=José Veras

|image=José Veras on July 10, 2011.jpg

|caption=Veras with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011

|position=Pitcher

|birth_date={{birth date and age|1980|10|20}}

|birth_place=Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|debutleague=MLB

|debutdate=August 5

|debutyear=2006

|debutteam=New York Yankees

|finalleague=MLB

|finaldate=September 17

|finalyear=2014

|finalteam=Houston Astros

|statleague=MLB

|stat1label=Win–loss record

|stat1value=23–23

|stat2label=Earned run average

|stat2value=3.91

|stat3label=Strikeouts

|stat3value=438

|teams=

New York Yankees ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2009}})
Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|2009}})
Florida Marlins ({{mlby|2010}})
Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2011}})
Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2012}})
Houston Astros ({{mlby|2013}})
Detroit Tigers ({{mlby|2013}})
Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2014}})
Houston Astros ({{mlby|2014}})

| show-medals=no

|medaltemplates=

{{Medal|Country| {{bb|DOM}} }}

}}

José Enger Veras Romero (born October 20, 1980) is a Dominican former professional baseball relief pitcher. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization in 1998. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2006 with the New York Yankees. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros.

Playing career

=Tampa Bay Devil Rays=

Veras was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998. He steadily rose through the Tampa Bay minor league system as a starter. He missed spring training in 2002 due to visa issues and briefly pitched in the New York-Penn League to get himself ready for the season as a result.{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Justin |date=June 20, 2002 |title=For Veras, a late start to season |url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/sports/2002/06/20/for-veras-late-start-to/51178817007/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Times Herald-Record |language=en-US}}

Veras was designated for assignment in 2002.{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com: MLB - Saturday's Around the Horn |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/aroundthehorn/020831.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=www.espn.com}} He struggled when he reached Triple-A in 2003 and was moved to the bullpen, but still managed to lead the organization in strikeouts with 121.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=June 12, 2008 |title=Yankees' Veras Making the Most of His Chance |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/sports/baseball/12pins.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} He was released after the 2004 season.{{Cite web |title=Jose Veras Trades and Transactions by Baseball Almanac |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=verasjo01 |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=www.baseball-almanac.com}}

=Texas Rangers=

Veras signed with the Texas Rangers for the 2005 season and was converted into a full-time reliever.{{Cite web |last=AP |date=November 20, 2004 |title=Friday's Sports Transactions |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/nov/20/fridays-sports-transactions/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Las Vegas Sun}} He pitched for their Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma RedHawks, that year. He became a free agent at the end of the season.{{Cite web |last=Newberg |first=Jamey |date=November 5, 2005 |title=The Newberg Report |url=http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp?articleid=352 |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Jamey Newberg's Newberg Report |language=en}}

=New York Yankees=

File:Sep906 188 José Veras.jpg

Veras signed with the New York Yankees before the 2006 season.{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |title=Yankees call up Veras for bullpen |url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2006/06/19/yankees-call-up-veras-for-bullpen/31487101007/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Gainesville Sun |language=en-US}} He was called up on August 5{{Cite web |last=King III |first=George A. |date=August 5, 2006 |title=BOMBERS SAY BYE TO BUBBA |url=https://nypost.com/2006/08/05/bombers-say-bye-to-bubba/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |language=en-US}} and pitched to a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. In March 2007, Veras underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=March 25, 2007 |title=Yankees' Wang to Start Season on Disabled List |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/sports/baseball/25yanks.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} He missed most of the season but rehabbed and returned to MLB as a September call up.{{Cite news |last=Finley |first=Bill |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Yankees Follow Up a Needed Sweep With a Big Loss |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/01/sports/baseball/01yankees.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Veras was added to the Yankees roster for the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Indians.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=October 4, 2007 |title=Yankees Found Balance Amid a Lefty Lineup |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/sports/baseball/04yankees.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}

Veras was cut at the end of spring training in 2008. After being called up to the majors on May 3,{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2008 |title=Transactions |url=https://www.deseret.com/2008/5/3/20085928/transactions |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Deseret News |language=en}} he emerged as a dominant force out of the bullpen. He was predominantly used in the 7th inning{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Don |date=June 21, 2008 |title=So far, Veras makes good on bold prediction |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2008/06/so_far_veras_makes_good_on_bol.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=The Star Ledger |language=en}} and became the setup reliever after the Yankees traded Kyle Farnsworth.{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=July 31, 2008 |title=Yankees Obtain Rodríguez in Trade for Farnsworth |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/sports/baseball/31pudge.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Veras made the opening day roster out of spring training in 2009.{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2009 |title=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/144509094/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en-US}} After allowing 23 runs on 17 hits and 14 walks in 25 games, he was designated for assignment by the Yankees on June 16, 2009.{{Cite web|last=|date=June 16, 2009|title=Bruney activated by Yankees, who cut Veras|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-bba-yankees-bruney-061609-2009jun16-story.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=San Diego Union-Tribune|publisher=Associated Press|language=en-US}}

=Cleveland Indians=

On June 24, 2009, Veras was acquired by the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.{{Cite web|date=June 24, 2009|title=Indians acquire Veras from Yankees for cash|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4284492|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=ESPN|publisher=Associated Press|language=en}} On August 5, 2009, he was designated for assignment,{{Cite web|last=Schmid|first=Eddie|date=August 4, 2009|title=Indians DFA Jose Veras|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/08/indians-dfa-jose-veras.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}} and on August 11, 2009, he was outrighted to Triple-A.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Veras joins crowded Clippers bullpen |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2009/08/13/veras-joins-crowded-clippers-bullpen/23695426007/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}} He was called up again in September toward the end of the 2009 season.{{Cite web|last=Crow|first=Chuck|date=September 1, 2009|title=Cleveland Indians promote Michael Brantley and Jose Veras from Class AAA Columbus|url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2009/09/cleveland_indians_expected_to_1.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=The Plain Dealer|language=en}} After the season, Veras was non-tendered by the Indians, making him a free agent.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2009 |title=Non-Tendered Players |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/nontendered-players.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

=Florida Marlins=

On January 29, 2010, Veras signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins with an invite to spring training{{Cite web|last=Dierkes|first=Tim|date=January 29, 2010|title=Marlins Sign Jose Veras|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/marlins-sign-jose-veras.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}} and made the opening day roster.{{Cite web |last=craig |date=April 4, 2010 |title=Marlins roster set |url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2010/4/4/1404571/marlins-roster-set |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Fish Stripes |language=en}} On April 14, after allowing eight runs in just four games, Veras was designated for assignment to bring up Chris Leroux to take his spot, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A New Orleans Zepyhrs on April 16.{{Cite web|last=Spencer|first=Clark|date=April 14, 2010|title=Jose Veras, Emilio Bonifacio Out; Chris Leroux, Brett Carroll In {{!}} Fish Bytes|url=https://miamiherald.typepad.com/fish_bytes/2010/04/jose-veras-emilio-bonifacio-out-chris-leroux-brett-carroll-in.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=Miami Herald}} He was called up on June 25, 2010. James Houser was designated for assignment to make room.{{Cite web|date=June 25, 2010|title=Marlins designate Houser, call up Veras|url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jun/25/marlins-designate-houser-call-up-veras/|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=The Columbian|language=en-US}} He was non-tendered and became a free agent on December 2.

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On January 18, 2011, Veras signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates with an invitation to spring training worth $1 million plus incentives.{{Cite web|last=Rojas|first=Enrique|date=January 16, 2011|title=Acuerdo de liga menor entre Piratas y Veras|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/noticias/nota?s=bei&id=1208264&type=story|access-date=January 16, 2011|website=ESPN Deportes|language=es}} He made the team out of spring training{{Cite web |last=Wilmoth |first=Charlie |date=March 30, 2011 |title=MLB Opening Day: Pittsburgh Pirates Roster |url=https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-pirates/2011/3/30/2081219/mlb-opening-day-pittsburgh-pirates-roster |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=SB Nation Pittsburgh |language=en}} and was a reliable late-inning reliever with a 3.80 ERA and 79 strikeouts over 79 appearances.

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On December 13, 2011, Veras was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Casey McGehee.{{cite web|last=Haudricourt|first=Tom|date=December 12, 2011|title=Brewers trade McGehee for Veras|url=http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/135480828.html|access-date=December 12, 2011|work=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel}} He made the club's opening day roster as a late-inning reliever.{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2012 |title=Brewers opening day roster |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/brewrost05-m84sl14-146211635.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Haudricourt |first1=Tom |last2=Rosiak |first2=Todd |date=March 20, 2012 |title=Veras settling into seventh-inning role |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/veras-settling-into-7thinning-role-for-brewers-rs4ljd9-143585116.html |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |language=en}} In 2012, he pitched to a 3.63 ERA, while striking out 79 and walking 40 batters, in 67 innings across 72 games. He became a free agent following the season.

=Houston Astros=

On December 21, 2012, Veras signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Houston Astros with a 2014 option worth $3.25 million and a $150,000 buyout.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|date=December 21, 2012|title=Astros Sign Jose Veras|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/12/astros-to-sign-jose-veras.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}} He pitched for the Dominican Republic national team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, winning gold.{{Cite web |last=Brian T. |first=Smith |date=March 22, 2013 |title=Astros' Veras on D.R.'s WBC gold medal he'll cherish to 'last day of my life,' plantain power |url=https://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/03/22/astros-veras-on-d-r-s-wbc-gold-medal-hell-cherish-to-last-day-of-my-life-plantain-power/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en-US}} Veras entered the season as the Astros closer.{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2013 |title=2013 Team Preview: Houston Astros |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2013-team-preview-houston-astros/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He pitched to a 2.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 19 saves in 43 innings.

=Detroit Tigers=

On July 29, 2013, Veras was traded to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.{{cite web|last=Farrell|first=Perry A.|date=July 30, 2013|title=Detroit Tigers land RP Jose Veras in trade with Astros; 'We're happy'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801164616/http://www.freep.com/article/20130729/SPORTS02/307290053/detroit-tigers-jose-veras-trade-houston-astros|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20130729/SPORTS02/307290053/detroit-tigers-jose-veras-trade-houston-astros|archive-date=August 1, 2013|access-date=July 30, 2013|website=Detroit Free Press|publisher=}} The Tigers used him as a setup reliever for closer Joaquin Benoit.{{Cite web |last=Fine |first=Larry |date=July 29, 2013 |title=Tigers get Astros closer Veras in deadline deal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-baseball-tigers-veras-idUSBRE96S10B20130729/ |website=Reuters}} He gave up the game winning grand slam home run to Shane Victorino of the Red Sox in Game 6 of the 2013 American League Championship Series.{{Cite web|last=MacMullan|first=Jackie|date=October 20, 2013|title=MacMullan: Victorino slam sends Sox to Series|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9853944/shane-victorino-grand-slam-sends-boston-red-sox-2013-world-series|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en}} At the conclusion of the season, the Tigers declined Veras' club option for 2014.{{Cite web|date=November 1, 2013|title=Tigers opt out on Veras, lose 2 to waivers|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9913227/detroit-tigers-decline-option-jose-veras|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en}}

=Chicago Cubs=

On December 27, 2013, Veras agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2014 season worth $3.85 million with a $5.5 million club option for 2015 and performance bonuses.{{cite news|last1=Muskat|first1=Carrie|date=December 27, 2013|title=Cubs announce deal with righty closer Veras|work=Chicago Cubs|publisher=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306070427/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/66213716|access-date=June 11, 2014|url=http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/66213716|archive-date=March 6, 2016}}{{Cite web |title=MLB: Paul Blair, star CF for Yankees and Orioles, dies |url=https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2013/12/28/mlb-paul-blair-star-cf-for-yankees-and-orioles-dies/4228519/ |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=Poughkeepsie Journal |language=en-US}}

Veras struggled early in the 2014 season, blowing two saves and allowing 10 earned runs in his first 6 appearances. Veras would then land on the disabled list with an oblique injury.{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2014 |title=Cubs place RHP Jose Veras on 15-day disabled list, recall RHP Brian Schlitter from Triple-A Iowa |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cubs-place-rhp-veras-on-15-day-dl-recall-rhp-schlitter-from-triple-a/c-73475470 |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} He then lost the closer role to fellow Cubs reliever Héctor Rondón.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jesse |date=May 3, 2014 |title=Hector Rondon makes ninth look easy |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/23626/hector-rondon-makes-ninth-look-easy |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} On June 3, he was designated for assignment.{{cite news|date=June 3, 2014|title=Cubs put C Castro on DL, cut reliever Veras|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11028286|access-date=June 4, 2014}} On June 10, the Cubs officially released Veras.{{cite news|last1=Rogers|first1=Jesse|date=June 10, 2014|title=Cubs release Jose Veras|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/11062467/chicago-cubs-release-relief-pitcher-jose-veras|access-date=June 11, 2014}}

=Houston Astros (second stint)=

On June 20, 2014, Veras signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2014 |title=Astros sign ex-Cub closer Veras to minor league deal |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/chi-jose-veras-astros-20140615-story.html |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune}} He was called up to the major league squad on June 26.{{cite news |url=http://www.kspr.com/sports/Astros-call-up-RHP-Veras/21051914_26675140 |title=Astros call up RHP Veras |newspaper=KSPR |location=Springfield, Missouri |publisher=Perkin Media |date=June 26, 2014 |agency=The Sports Xchange |access-date=June 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140628034050/http://www.kspr.com/sports/Astros-call-up-RHP-Veras/21051914_26675140 |archive-date=June 28, 2014 }} He pitched to a 3.03 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. He became a free agent following the season.

=Atlanta Braves=

On February 10, 2015, Veras signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|date=February 10, 2015|title=Braves give righty Veras Minor League deal|work=Atlanta Braves|publisher=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004325/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/108915818/braves-give-veteran-pitcher-jose-veras-minor-league-deal|access-date=February 11, 2015|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/108915818/braves-give-veteran-pitcher-jose-veras-minor-league-deal|archive-date=February 12, 2015}} Veras was released by the Braves on March 19, 2015.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|date=March 19, 2015|title=Veteran reliever Veras released by Braves|work=Atlanta Braves|publisher=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321201928/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/113487556/veteran-reliever-jose-veras-released-by-braves|access-date=March 19, 2015|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/113487556/veteran-reliever-jose-veras-released-by-braves|archive-date=March 21, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=David|date=March 19, 2015|title=Braves release veteran reliever Veras|work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321210722/http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-release-veteran-reliever-veras/nkZjc/|access-date=March 19, 2015|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-release-veteran-reliever-veras/nkZjc/|archive-date=March 21, 2015}}

=Houston Astros (third stint)=

On May 15, 2015, Veras signed a minor league deal to return to the Astros.{{cite news|last1=de Jesus Ortiz|first1=Jose|date=May 15, 2015|title=Astros ink Veras to Minor League deal|work=Houston Chronicle|publisher=|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/05/15/astros-ink-reliever-jose-veras-to-minor-league-deal/#31931101=0|access-date=May 15, 2015}} After allowing 12 earned runs on 23 hits in 19 innings at Triple-A, he was released on July 30.{{Cite web|last=Adams|first=Steve|date=August 7, 2015|title=Jose Veras Released By Astros|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/08/jose-veras-released-astros.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}}

=Bridgeport Bluefish=

On June 20, 2016, Veras signed with the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web |title=Bluefish Add Nine-Year MLB Vet to Bullpen |url=http://www.atlanticleague.com/news/index.html?article_id=566 |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=www.atlanticleague.com |language=en}} This marks the first time Veras has ever pitched in independent baseball. He became a free agent after the 2016 season. In 26 games 23.2 innings of relief he struggled going 2-2 with a 5.32 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 12 saves.

Coaching career

Veras was named pitching coach of the DSL Royals for the 2024 season.

Scouting report

He has a mid to high 90s mph 4-seam fastball and a mid 80s changeup. Both pitches generate an above average number of ground balls. Veras also throws a mid 70s curveball, which is his top swing and miss pitch.{{cite news|title=Player Card: Jose Veras|work=Brooks Baseball|publisher=|url=http://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=407842|access-date=February 11, 2015}} He throws with a low 3/4 arm motion.

Personal life

Veras is married to Gissel Veras. They have a daughter, Gijen, and two sons, Genson and Hansel.{{Cite web|title=Jose Veras: Biography and Career Highlights|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321121702/http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=407842|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=407842|archive-date=March 21, 2008|access-date=March 21, 2008|website=New York Yankees}}