Luis García (pitcher, born 1987)

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Luis García

|image = Luis García (pitcher, born 1987) stands on the mound, Oct 07 2022 (cropped).jpg

|image_size = 275

|caption = García with the Padres in 2022

|position = Pitcher

|team = Los Angeles Dodgers

|number = 57

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|1|30}}

|birth_place = Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = July 10

|debutyear = 2013

|debutteam = Philadelphia Phillies

|statyear = April 27, 2025

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 27–28

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 4.15

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 513

|teams =

Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2018}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2019}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2020}})
St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2021}})
San Diego Padres ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{mlby|2024}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2024}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2025}}–present)

}}

Luis Amado García (born January 30, 1987) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox.

García was originally signed by the Dodgers organization as an amateur free agent in 2004, at the age of 16. His initial MLB call-up occurred on July 9, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/07/philadelphia_phillies_send_phi.html|title=Philadelphia Phillies send Phillippe Aumont down to Lehigh Valley IronPigs, call up Luis Garcia|date=July 9, 2013|agency=Associated Press|location=Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania|publisher=PennLive LLC|work=lehighvalleylive.com|accessdate=May 22, 2019}} García made his big league debut the next day, versus the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. That day, he pitched one scoreless inning, in relief of Phillies ace, Cliff Lee.

García has had two stints playing professional baseball, initially from {{baseball year|2006}} to {{baseball year|2010}}, and from {{baseball year|2013}} to present. During the period in between stints, García was mostly out of baseball, working in the barbering and moving businesses, save for a brief, rocky {{baseball year|2012}} comeback attempt in independent ball.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/luis-garcia-faces-former-team-phillies-in-nlcs|title=11 years ago, he was a barber. Now? He's pitching in the NLCS|website=MLB.com |date=October 21, 2022|agency=MLB|accessdate=June 20, 2023}}

Professional career

=Early professional career (2006–10)=

García was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization as an amateur free agent on January 22, 2004, and first played in the Dominican Summer League for them in 2006. He remained in the Dodgers organization until 2009; on August 31, García was traded to the Washington Nationals along with a player to be named later (Victor Garate), for infielder Ronnie Belliard.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garcilu03.shtml|title=Luis Garcia Stats|date=2019|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=May 23, 2019}} In total in 2009, García had six wins, three losses, with a 2.76 earned run average (ERA), and five saves, with the Great Lakes Loons and Potomac Nationals.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=garcia011lui|title=Luis Garcia Minor, Independent and Winter Leagues Stats|date=2019|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=May 23, 2019}} He spent the 2010 season in the Nationals organization, playing for Potomac and the Hagerstown Suns before electing free agency on November 6, 2010.

=Philadelphia Phillies=

File:Luis Garcia (41834715350) (cropped).jpg

After spending 2011 out of baseball and in 2012 pitching only nine games for the Newark Bears of the Can-Am League during which he totaled an 11.57 ERA, García assumed his professional career was over, and began trying to learn the trade of barbering at a salon in New Jersey. At night, he worked at a moving company.{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/2013/07/09/phillies-luis-garcia-from-the-salon-to-the-major-leagues-in-four-months/|title=Phillies' Luis Garcia: From the salon to the major leagues in four months|date=July 9, 2013|last=Housenick|first=Mandy|publisher=Tribune Publishing|work=The Morning Call|location=Allentown, Pennsylvania|access-date=May 23, 2019}}

At that time, García's only baseball activity was teaching children and a few pickup games, yet Philadelphia Phillies international scouting director Sal Agostinelli heard about García and sent someone to watch him throw. After discovering that García consistently threw a fastball that was 94 miles per hour (mph) as well as an "impressive" slider, Agostinelli had García come to Phillies spring training. The Phillies signed him to a minor league contract and assigned him to the Clearwater Threshers, their Advanced-A affiliate, on March 25, 2013. Agostinelli was quoted as saying, "It's literally one of those things as a scout that you dream about."

Despite his accolades from the scouting staff, García was not expected to reach the majors.{{cite book|title=2013 Philadelphia Phillies Media Guide|year=2013|publisher=The Phillies|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|editor=Clark, Bonnie}} Beginning the year in Clearwater before earning promotions to the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils and the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, García combined to post a 1.67 ERA and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched (K/9).{{cite web|title=Luis Garcia Baseball Statistics (2007-2013)|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?P=Luis-Garcia-10|work=The Baseball Cube|accessdate=August 31, 2013}} He was called up to the Major Leagues on July 9, 2013.{{cite web|last=Riccaboni|first=Ian|title=Phillies recall Garcia, option Aumont to AAA|url=http://philliesnation.com/archives/2013/07/phillies-recall-garcia-option-aumont-to-aaa/|work=Phillies Nation|accessdate=August 31, 2013|date=July 9, 2013}} He made his debut the following day, working a scoreless eighth inning versus the Nationals and recording his first MLB strikeout against Ryan Zimmerman.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI201307100.shtml|title=Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score: July 10, 2013|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} He pitched in 24 games that season, allowing 13 earned runs in {{fraction|31|1|3}} innings for a 3.73 ERA and picked up his first major league win in his final appearance of the season, against the Atlanta Braves on September 28.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=garcilu03&t=p&year=2013|title=Luis Garcia 2013 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=April 12, 2025}}

García was optioned to Lehigh Valley to begin the 2014 season,{{cite web|url=https://www.thegoodphight.com/2014/3/9/5487990/phillies-first-cuts-include-stutes-biddle|title=Phillies' First Cuts Include Stutes, Biddle|work=SB Nation|first=Liz|last=Roscher|date=March 9, 2014|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} where he produced a 0.96 ERA (five earned runs in {{fraction|46|2|3}} innings) in 39 games. He was recalled to the majors on May 8{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-outright-shawn-camp-and-recall-luis-garcia/c-74782032|title=Phillies outright Camp and recall Garcia|date=May 8, 2014|last=Zolecki|first=Todd|publisher=Major League Baseball|work=MLB.com|accessdate=May 8, 2014}} and appeared in 13 games for the Phillies, allowing 10 runs in 14 innings. In 2015, García made the Phillies' Opening Day roster after a strong spring training.{{cite web|url=https://www.phillyburbs.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/04/05/phillies-finalize-opening-day-roster/18102496007/|title=Phillies finalize opening day roster|work=phillyburbs.com|first=Patrick|last=Berkery|date=April 5, 2015|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} His performance during the first half of the season was characterized as "inconsistent" by then-interim manager Pete Mackanin, who said García had been hanging too many sliders.{{cite web|url=https://www.delcotimes.com/sports/20150717/morgan-deserves-better-but-hell-take-the-hit-as-phils-open-2nd-half-with-win|title=Morgan deserves better, but he'll take the hit as Phillies open 2nd half with win|last=Parent|first=Rob|date=July 17, 2015|publisher=Delaware County Daily Times|work=delcotimes.com|accessdate=July 28, 2015}} Nevertheless, he remained with the Phillies all season, appearing in 72 games with a 3.51 ERA in {{fraction|66|2|3}} innings and a 4–6 record. He also picked up the first two saves of his major league career, with the first occurring on May 15 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=garcilu03&t=p&year=2015|title=Luis Garcia 2015 Pitching Gamelogs|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=April 12, 2025}}

García returned to the minors to start the 2016 season{{cite web|url=https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/03/28/phillies-velasquez-earns-final-spot/17624305007/|title=PHILLIES: Velasquez earns final spot in rotation|work=Burlington County Times|first=Stephen|last=Gross|date=March 28, 2016|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} and was up and down between the Phillies and Lehigh Valley all season. He pitched in 48 games in AAA with a 6–3 record and 2.14 ERA while struggling in the majors, with a 6.46 ERA in 17 games. In 2017, he again began in the minors{{cite web|url=https://www.thegoodphight.com/2017/3/30/15121734/luis-garcia-optioned-adam-morgan-pops-champagne|title=Luis Garcia Optioned, Bullpen Approaches Final Evolution|work=SB Nation|first=Paul|last=Boyé|date=March 30, 2017|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} Though he wound up spending most of the season with the Phillies, appearing in 66 games with a 2–5 record and 2.65 ERA.

In 2018, García was 3–1, with one save, in 59 games, with a 6.07 ERA, a 1.46 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 46 innings.

=Los Angeles Angels=

On December 6, 2018, the Phillies traded García to the Los Angeles Angels for relief pitcher José Álvarez.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-luis-garcia-shipped-to-los-angeles|title=Angels' Luis Garcia: Shipped to Los Angeles|date=December 6, 2018|agency=Rotowire Staff|publisher=CBS Sports|work=www.cbssports.com|accessdate=May 23, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jose-alvarez-luis-garcia-traded/c-301557170|title=Phillies, Angels swap relievers in 1-for-1 deal (Phils acquire LHP Alvarez; Halos receive RHP Garcia)|date=December 6, 2018|last=Thornburg|first=Chad|publisher=Major League Baseball|work=MLB.com|accessdate=May 23, 2019}} García made 64 appearances for the Angels in 2019, posting a 2–1 record and 4.35 ERA. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-bour-others-cut-from-angels-40-man-roster|title=Bour 1 of 5 players cut from Angels' roster|website=MLB.com|author=Rhett Bolinger|date=October 28, 2019|accessdate=October 28, 2019}}

=Texas Rangers=

On January 9, 2020, García signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers that included an invite to Spring Training.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28454466/rangers-reach-minor-league-deals-luis-garcia-james-jones|title=Rangers reach minor league deals with Luis Garcia, James Jones|work=ESPN|author=Associated Press|date=January 9, 2020|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} With the minor league season cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, García began the season at the Rangers alternate training site.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2089627/2020/09/24/you-find-a-way-a-day-behind-the-scenes-at-rangers-alternate-training-site/|title='You find a way': A day behind the scenes at Rangers' alternate training site|work=The Athletic|first=Jamey|last=Newberg|date=September 24, 2020|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} He was added back to the major league roster on August 18{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-rangers-select-rhp-luis-garcia-from-alternate-training-site-hhp-ju|title=Rangers select RHP Luis García from alternate training site, HHP Juan Nicasio placed on restricted list|work=mlb.com|date=August 18, 2020|accessdate=April 12, 2025}} On September 15, García was designated for assignment after struggling to a 7.56 ERA in 11 games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/rangers-designate-luis-garcia.html|title = Rangers Designate Luis Garcia| date=September 15, 2020}} He was granted free agency on September 17.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/rangers-luis-garcia-becomes-free-agent.html|title = Rangers' Luis Garcia Becomes Free Agent| date=September 17, 2020}}

=New York Yankees=

On December 12, 2020, García signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/yankees-sign-derek-dietrich-nick-goody.html|title = Yankees Sign Derek Dietrich, Nick Goody| date=February 17, 2021}} He was assigned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to begin the 2021 season, where he made 18 appearances, logging a 1–2 record and 3.63 ERA. He was granted his released by the Yankees on July 6.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/luis-garcia-472610|title=Luis García Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com}}

=St. Louis Cardinals=

On July 9, 2021, García signed a major league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/cardinals-sign-luis-garcia.html|title = Cardinals Sign Luis Garcia| date=July 9, 2021}} He debuted for the Cardinals against the Chicago Cubs on the same day and hit the first batter he faced, Willson Contreras, in the head with a fastball.{{Cite web|title=Cardinals vs. Cubs - Box Score - July 9, 2021 - ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401228380|access-date=July 9, 2021|website=ESPN.com}} He wound up pitching in 34 games for the Cardinals in 2021, with a 3.24 ERA in {{fraction|33|1|3}} innings. He also pitched in the post-season for the first time in his career, working {{fraction|1|2|3}} scoreless innings in the Wild Card Game against the Dodgers.

=San Diego Padres=

On December 1, 2021, García signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Padres.{{Cite web |title=Padres Sign RHP Luis García to Two-Year Contract |url=https://padres.mlblogs.com/padres-sign-rhp-luis-garc%C3%ADa-to-two-year-contract-fbcc80eb92f |date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=December 1, 2021}} He pitched in 37 games during his contract, with a 6–9 record and 3.73 ERA. In the 2022 postseason, he pitched {{fraction|4|2|3}} innings across four games with the only run he gave up being a home run by Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI202210220.shtml|title=2022 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 4, Padres at Phillies, October 22|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=April 12, 2025}}

=Los Angeles Angels (second stint)=

On December 13, 2023, García signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Angels.{{Cite web|title=Angels sign RHP Luis García and RHP Adam Cimber|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-angels-sign-rhp-luis-garcia-and-rhp-adam-cimber|access-date=December 13, 2023|website=mlb.com}} He made 45 appearances out of the bullpen for the Angels in 2024, compiling a 3.71 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 4 saves across {{fraction|43|2|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web|title=Red Sox trade for Angels righty reliever with 3.71 ERA|url=https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/07/red-sox-trade-for-angels-righty-reliever-with-371-era.html?outputType=amp|access-date=August 2, 2024|website=masslive.com| date=July 30, 2024}}

=Boston Red Sox=

On July 30, 2024, García was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league players Niko Kavadas, Matthew Lugo, Yeferson Vargas and Ryan Zeferjahn.{{cite web|last1=Browne|first1=Ian|title=Red Sox add bullpen depth in trades for Sims, García|url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/lucas-sims-red-sox-trade|website=mlb.com|publisher=MLB|date=July 30, 2024|accessdate=July 30, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Red Sox add relief in Angels' Luis Garcia, Reds' Lucas Sims |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40685766/red-sox-add-relief-angels-luis-garcia-reds-lucas-sims |access-date=July 30, 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=July 30, 2024}} In 15 appearances for Boston, García struggled to an 8.22 ERA with 13 strikeouts across {{fraction|15|1|3}} innings pitched.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On February 13, 2025, García signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.{{Cite web|title=Dodgers, Luis Garcia Agree To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/dodgers-luis-garcia-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=February 16, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=February 13, 2025}} On March 17, the Dodgers selected his contract after he made the team's opening day roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-2025-opening-day-roster|title=Dodgers set roster on eve of Tokyo Series opener|first=Soja|last=Chen|work=mlb.com|date=March 17, 2025|accessdate=March 17, 2025}}