Pedro Ciriaco

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Pedro Ciriaco

|image = Pedro Ciriaco.jpg

|caption = Ciriaco with the Boston Red Sox

|position = Infielder

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|9|27}}

|birth_place = San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = September 8

|debutyear = 2010

|debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = October 4

| finalyear = 2015

| finalteam = Atlanta Braves

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .268

|stat3label = Home runs

|stat3value = 5

|stat4label = Runs batted in

|stat4value = 51

|stat5label = Stolen bases

|stat5value = 35

|teams =

Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2011}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}})
San Diego Padres ({{mlby|2013}})
Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2013}}–{{mlby|2014}})
Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2015}})

}}

Pedro Joel Ciriaco Leguisamon (born September 27, 1985) is a Dominican former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, and Atlanta Braves and has also had brief stints in the Texas Rangers, Miami Marlins, and Detroit Tigers organizations. Ciriaco has primarily played shortstop and third base throughout his career, but has appeared at every position except for pitcher and catcher.

Professional career

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

Ciriaco was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent on February 28, 2003.

In 2005, Ciriaco played for the rookie-level, the Missoula Osprey. He then played for the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks in 2006. Ciriaco spent the next two seasons with the High-A Visalia Oaks, gaining a promotion to Double-A Mobile Bay Bears in 2009. Ciriaco then began 2010 with Triple-A Reno Aces. At the beginning of the season, Baseball America ranked Ciriaco as the infielder with the best arm in the Diamondbacks' minor league system.{{cite news|last1=Forman|first1=Matt|title=2010 Top Ten Prospects: Arizona Diamondbacks|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269226.html|access-date=May 3, 2015|work=Baseball America|date=December 9, 2009}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On July 30, 2010, Ciriaco and Chris Snyder were traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for D. J. Carrasco, Ryan Church and Bobby Crosby.{{cite news|title=Arizona sends Snyder to Pittsburgh for Crosby, Church and Carrasco|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/arizona-sends-snyder-to-pittsburgh-for-crosby-church-and-carrasco/|access-date=April 8, 2015|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Fox News|date=July 31, 2010}} He was assigned to the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians. Ciriaco was a late season call-up for the Pirates and made his major league debut on September 8. He hit an RBI double in his first Major League at-bat, off Cristhian Martínez of the Atlanta Braves. Ciriaco would play in eight games for Pittsburgh that season.[http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2010/B09080PIT2010.htm Retrosheet Box Score – Atlanta Braves 9, Pittsburgh Pirates 3. Game Played on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 (N) at PNC Park.]

During the team's 2011 spring training, Ciriaco posted a .333 batting average while playing in a team-high 26 games. On March 27, 2011, he returned to Indianapolis after the Pirates named Rule 5 selection Josh Rodriguez to the team's Opening Day roster. The announcement came moments after Ciriaco and Rodriguez helped the Pirates defeat the Tampa Bay Rays by scoring on a throwing error in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the team a 5–4 victory.{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310327123|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106172623/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310327123|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 6, 2012|title=Pirates 5, Rays 4|agency=Associated Press|date=March 27, 2011|access-date=2011-03-28}}

In Indianapolis, Ciriaco played at second, third, shortstop and center field.{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_729488.html|title=Pirates will keep Rule 5 pickup|last=Biertempfel|first=Rob|date=March 28, 2011|access-date=2011-03-28|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908114601/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/s_729488.html|archive-date=September 8, 2012}} He was non-tendered by the Pirates on December 12, after appearing in only 23 major league games in 2011.{{Cite web|title=National League Non-Tenders|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/national-league-non-tenders-2.html|access-date=April 15, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

=Boston Red Sox=

On January 3, 2012, the Boston Red Sox signed Ciriaco to a minor league contract. He attended spring training as a non-roster invitee, and led the Red Sox in batting average (.412), runs (14), hits (18), stolen bases (8), and games played (26), while collecting a .444 on-base percentage and a slugging of .651. He then was assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.[http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp?c_id=mlb&tcid=mm_mlb_stats#game_type='S'§ionType=sp&playerType=ALL&statType=hitting&page_type=SortablePlayer&season=2012&season_type=ANY&sportCode='mlb'&league_code='MLB'&split=&team_id=111&active_sw=&position=&sortOrder='desc'&sortColumn=h&results=&page=1&perPage=50&timeframe=&extended=0&last_x_days=&ts=1338129980522&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+hitting 2012 Boston Red Sox Spring Training] The Red Sox purchased his contract on July 6.

In 64 games with the Pawtucket Red Sox, Ciriaco hit for a .301 average, including four home runs and 21 RBIs.

The next day, Ciriaco made his Red Sox debut in the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the New York Yankees, getting the start at second. In the second game of the doubleheader, broadcasters Joe Buck and Tim McCarver named him the Player of the Game and praised Ciriaco for having a great glove at shortstop while providing some timely hits and speed on the basepaths. Ciriaco finished the game with four hits and 4 RBIs.

Also seeing time at second base and third, the three outfield positions and designated hitter, Ciriaco batted .293 with 16 stolen bases in 76 games for the Boston Red Sox in 2012. On June 10, 2013, Ciriaco was designated for assignment to make room for Will Middlebrooks.{{cite news|title=Middlebrooks back in Red Sox lineup|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/06/10/middlebrooks-back-in-red-sox-lineup/|access-date=April 8, 2015|work=Chicago Tribune|agency=Reuters|date=June 10, 2013}}

=San Diego Padres=

On June 14, 2013, Ciriaco was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named later.{{cite web|last=Boston Red Sox Press Release|title=Red Sox trade infielder Pedro Ciriaco to the Padres for a player to be named later or cash considerations|url=http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50608788&vkey=pr_bos&c_id=bos|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621053229/http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50608788&vkey=pr_bos&c_id=bos|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 21, 2013|access-date=4 July 2013}} Ciriaco was acquired after second baseman Jedd Gyorko went on the disabled list with a groin strain,{{cite web|last=Cotillo|first=Chris|title=Padres acquire Pedro Ciriaco, DFA James Darnell|url=http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2013/6/14/4430038/padres-acquire-pedro-ciriaco-from-red-sox|publisher=MLBDailyDish|access-date=May 25, 2014|date=June 14, 2013}} but he saw most of his action at shortstop, as Everth Cabrera went down with a hamstring injury soon after. He hit .238/.284/.333 with 6 SB and 4 RBI in 23 games with the Padres before being designated for assignment on July 12 when Gyorko returned.{{cite web |url=http://nesn.com/2013/07/pedro-ciriaco-designated-for-assignment-by-padres-as-san-diego-makes-flurry-of-moves/ |title=Pedro Ciriaco Designated for Assignment by Padres As San Diego Makes Flurry of Moves |work=NESN |first=Ricky |last=Doyle |date=July 12, 2013}}

=Kansas City Royals=

On July 16, 2013, Ciriaco was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals.{{cite web |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130716&content_id=53911704&vkey=pr_kc&c_id=kc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304063551/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130716&content_id=53911704&vkey=pr_kc&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2014 |title=Royals claim infielder Pedro Ciriaco off waivers |work=Royals Press Release |date=July 16, 2013}} He was designated for assignment on April 5, 2014.{{cite web|title=Royals bring up pitcher Aaron Brooks from Triple-A|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/04/05/royals-bring-up-pitcher-aaron-brooks-from-triple-a/7348699/|agency=Associated Press|work=USA Today|access-date=April 5, 2014|date=April 5, 2014}} He was eventually called back up to the roster and was again designated for assignment on June 30.{{cite news|last1=Kaegal|first1=Dick|title=Royals sign veteran hitter Ibanez to big league deal|url=http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/82373202/royals-sign-raul-ibanez-recall-christian-colon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210023216/http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/82373202/royals-sign-raul-ibanez-recall-christian-colon|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2014|access-date=April 8, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=June 30, 2014}} On July 6, he was outrighted to the Omaha Storm Chasers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/07/royals-claim-pedro-ciriaco.html|title = Royals Outright Pedro Ciriaco| date=18 July 2013 }} Ciriaco elected free agency on September 29.{{cite news|last1=Eddy|first1=Matt|title=Minor League Transactions: Oct. 10-16|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-transactions-oct-10-16/|access-date=April 8, 2015|work=Baseball America|date=October 18, 2014}}

=Atlanta Braves=

On October 13, 2014, Ciriaco signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves organization. On May 2, 2015, Ciriaco was selected to the active roster. After hitting a double and a triple in two of his first three at-bats in 2015, Ciriaco briefly led the major leagues in wRC+.{{Cite web|url = http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2015&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=17,d|title = Major League Leaderboards » 2015 » Batters » Dashboard | FanGraphs Baseball|date = |website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}

=Texas Rangers=

On January 13, 2016, Ciriaco signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization that included an invitation to Spring Training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/01/rangers-sign-pedro-ciriaco.html|title = Rangers Sign Pedro Ciriaco| date=13 January 2016 }} In 17 spring games, he had a batting average of .487 along with an on-base percentage of 1.013.{{cite web|title=Pedro Ciriaco Brings Experience and Versatility to Rangers|url=http://www.todaysknuckleball.com/american-league/texas-rangers/pedro-ciriaco-brings-experience-and-versatility-to-rangers/|website=todaysknuckleball.com|access-date=April 18, 2016}}

=Miami Marlins=

On July 8, 2016, Ciriaco was traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Eric Jokisch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/07/rangers-marlins-swap-pedro-ciriaco-eric-jokisch.html|title = Rangers, Marlins Swap Pedro Ciriaco, Eric Jokisch| date=8 July 2016 }} In 23 games for the Triple–A New Orleans Zephyrs, he batted .221/.239/.250 with two home runs and four RBI. Ciriaco was released by the Marlins organization on August 12.{{Cite web|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 8/16/16|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/giants-release-chris-denorfia.html|access-date=July 19, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 16, 2016 |language=en}}

=Detroit Tigers=

On August 17, 2016, Ciriaco signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/tigers-sign-pedro-ciriaco.html|title=Tigers Sign Pedro Ciriaco|date=17 August 2016 }} In 14 games for the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens, he hit .250/.241/.327 with no home runs and five RBI. Ciriaco 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 19, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

=Tigres de Quintana Roo=

On May 5, 2017, Ciriaco signed with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League. In 46 appearances for Quintana Roo, he batted .267/.287/.361 with two home runs, 22 RBI, and four stolen bases. Ciriaco was released by the Tigres on July 6.

=Vaqueros Unión Laguna=

On July 11, 2017, Ciriaco signed with the Vaqueros Unión Laguna of the Mexican League. In 27 games for the team, he hit .287/.288/.320 with no home runs, nine RBI, and six stolen bases. Ciriaco was released by the Vaqueros on February 1, 2018.

=Kagawa Olive Guyners=

On April 28, 2018, Ciriaco signed a contract with the Kagawa Olive Guyners of the Shikoku Island League Plus.{{Cite web|url=http://www.iblj.co.jp/news/8959/ |title=香川OG 新入団選手のお知らせ|publisher=Shikoku Island league plus|author=|language=Japanese |date=April 28, 2018|access-date=April 29, 2018}}

Awards and honors

2012 – Triple-A All-Star Game selection [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040226/http://www.milb.com/documents/2012/07/06/34590066/1/IL_ALL-STAR_ROSTER_7-06-2012.pdf MiLB.com – 2012 International League All-Star Team]
2011 – Named the best defensive infielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates Minor League system by Baseball America
2010 – All-Star Futures Game selection
2009
Named by Baseball America as the best defensive shortstop in the Southern League
SOU Post-Season All-Star
SOU Mid-Season All-Star
2008
CAL Post-Season All-Star
CAL Mid-Season All-Star
2006 – MIDW Mid-Season All-Star[https://archive.today/20120906105104/http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=2B&sid=t533&t=p_pbp&pid=465674 MiLB.com – Career profile]