Radhames Liz

Liz, who is one of eight children in his family, started playing baseball when he was 16 years old and learned how to pitch in {{Baseball year|2003}} and {{Baseball year|2004}} while playing in the Dominican Summer League.{{cite web |last=Winston |first=Lisa |date=July 5, 2006 |title=Host family makes Liz feel at home in U.S. |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-102116 |access-date=March 8, 2014 |work=Minor League Baseball}} He started pitching in the United States during the {{Baseball year|2005}} season.

Liz began his professional career in 2005, going 7–7 with a 2.86 ERA in 21 starts with the Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds.{{Cite web |title=Radhames Liz Minor, Winter, Korean, Japanese, CPBL & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=liz---001rad |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} In {{Baseball year|2006}}, Liz started the year with the Frederick Keys, the highest of the Orioles' three Single-A teams. Liz began the season by striking out 33 batters in his first 15 innings pitched. Later in the year, he represented the Orioles on the World squad at the All-Star Futures Game. He also received a promotion to the Double-A Bowie Baysox; between the two teams, he struck out 149 batters in 133{{frac|1|3}} innings before playing in the Dominican Winter League. However, he had difficulty with his control in the 2006 season, walking 75 batters. Baseball America named Liz the Orioles' fifth-best prospect going into the {{Baseball year|2007}} season, following Billy Rowell, Brandon Erbe, Nolan Reimold, and Pedro Beato.

Liz returned to Bowie for the 2007 season and was selected for the Eastern League's All-Star Game. He no-hit the Harrisburg Senators on June 1. His no-hitter was the first nine-inning no-hitter ever pitched at Prince George's Stadium, which has been open since {{Baseball year|1994}}. On August 14, Liz took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Connecticut Defenders; he then allowed a single and a two-run home run, but struck out 14 batters in eight innings.

For the 2007 season, Liz had an 11–4 record for the Baysox with a 3.22 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 137 innings pitched. In his 10 starts at the Baysox' Prince George's Stadium, he was 9–0 with a 2.02 ERA in 62{{frac|1|3}} innings pitched.{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2007 |title=Bowie Baysox 2007 Home Notes |url=http://baysox.com.ismmedia.com/ISM2//2007%20Game%20Notes/8-20-07.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926232819/http://baysox.com.ismmedia.com/ISM2//2007%20Game%20Notes/8-20-07.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2007 |access-date=September 26, 2007 |website=Bowie Baysox}}

The Orioles recalled Liz from Bowie on August 24, {{mlby|2007}}, to make a start against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards the following day.{{cite web |last=Bass |first=Geremy |date=August 24, 2007 |title=Liz makes big league debut vs. Twins |url=http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070824&content_id=2167826&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212034620/http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070824&content_id=2167826&vkey=news_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal |archive-date=February 12, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |work=Baltimore Orioles |publisher=MLB.com}} He allowed five runs, including a three-run home run to Torii Hunter, in six innings. He consistently threw 97–98 miles per hour, with one pitch clocked at 100.{{Cite web |date=August 26, 2007 |title=Hunter's three-run homer helps Twins rough up skidding O's |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270825101 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313215925/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270825101 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press}} In 2008, he mostly played for the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia. In 15 starts with the Tides, Liz was 3–7 with a 3.62 ERA.

On November 25, 2009, Liz was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres.{{Cite web |last=Zrebiec |first=Jeff |date=November 26, 2009 |title=Padres claim pitcher Liz off waivers |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-xpm-2009-11-26-bal-sp-orioles26nov26-story.html |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=The Baltimore Sun |language=en}} He played the 2010 season with the Portland Beavers, Triple-A affiliate of the Padres, and posted an 8–8 record with a 4.83 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 25 games (22 starts).

On January 5, 2011, Liz was released by the Padres.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Padres Release Radhames Liz |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/01/padres-release-radhames-liz.html |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On January 7, 2011, he signed with the LG Twins of the KBO League.{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Drew |date=January 9, 2011 |title=Radhames Liz signs contract with Korean team |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2011/01/09/radhames-liz-signs-contract-with-korean-team/ |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}} Liz enjoyed a tenure of success in the KBO, leading the league in strikeouts in 2013 with 188. He would post a 26–38 record with a 3.51 ERA in three seasons with the Twins, totalling 518{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched.

Liz signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on March 8, 2014,{{cite web |last=Liddell |first=Mackenzie |date=March 8, 2014 |title=Report: Jays sign Korean league K leader Liz |url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/report-jays-sign-korean-league-k-leader-liz/ |access-date=March 8, 2014 |work=Sportsnet}} and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. After starting the season on the disabled list, he was assigned to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on May 25 for a start against the Portland Sea Dogs.{{cite web |date=May 25, 2014 |title=Bleier, Wilson Lead Fisher Cats Over Sea Dogs |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-76783146 |access-date=May 26, 2014 |work=New Hampshire Fisher Cats}}

On December 13, 2014, Liz signed a one-year Major League contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $1 million. Initially it was reported to be a two-year contract for $3 million. However, the deal was adjusted due to the Pirates being "uncomfortable" with Liz's physical results.{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=December 13, 2014 |title=Pirates To Sign Radhames Liz To Major League Deal |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/pirates-to-sign-radhames-liz-to-major-league-deal.html |access-date=December 13, 2014 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}} On May 25, Liz was designated for assignment.{{cite web |last=Gitlin |first=Marty |date=May 25, 2015 |title=Pirates SP Charlie Morton back; RP Radhames Liz designated |url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25195206/pirates-sp-charlie-morton-back-rp-radhames-liz-designated |access-date=May 25, 2015 |work=CBS Sports}} He was re-added to the major league roster on September 1 and designated for assignment again on September 15.{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=September 15, 2015 |title=Pirates Designate Radhames Liz, Recall Vance Worley |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/09/pirates-to-designate-radhames-liz-recall-vance-worley.html |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On November 26, 2015, Liz signed a one-year deal with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2016 season.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=November 26, 2015 |title=Eagles acquire veteran pitcher Liz |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/11/26/baseball/japanese-baseball/eagles-acquire-veteran-pitcher-liz/ |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}

On December 22, 2017, Liz signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web |last1=Adams |first1=Steve |last2=Todd |first2=Jeff |date=December 22, 2017 |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 12/22/17 |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/12/minor-mlb-transactions-122217-2.html |access-date=December 22, 2017 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}} He was released on June 1, 2018.

On February 1, 2019, Liz signed with the Lamigo Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.{{cite web |date=February 1, 2019 |title=Lamigo Monkeys Sign Radhames Liz |url=http://cpblstats.com/lamigo-monkeys-sign-radhames-liz/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=CPBL Stats}} On January 5, 2020, he re-signed with the team (now named the Rakuten Monkeys) for the 2020 season.{{cite web |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Rakuten Monkeys Re-Sign Radhames Liz for 2020 Season |url=http://cpblstats.com/rakuten-monkeys-re-sign-radhames-liz-2020-season/ |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=CPBL Stats}} However, on February 9, Liz opted out of his contract for unspecified reasons, though he later clarified that it was due to a herniated disc in his back that he wanted to address.{{cite web |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Radhames Liz Diagnosed with Herniated Disc |url=http://cpblstats.com/radhames-liz-diagnosed-herniated-disc/ |access-date=February 13, 2020 |website=CPBL Stats}}

On February 23, 2021, Liz signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.{{cite web |date=February 23, 2021 |title=El dominicano Radhamés Liz es nuevo abridor de Yucatán |url=http://www.leones.mx/el-dominicano-radhames-liz-es-nuevo-abridor-de-yucatan/ |access-date=February 24, 2021 |work=Leones de Yucatán |language=Spanish}} In 10 starts for the team, he registered a 4-3 record and 3.96 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 52.1 innings pitched. The following year, he made 15 starts, logging a 3-5 record and identical 3.96 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 72.2 innings of work. Liz won the Mexican League Championship with the Leones in 2022.{{Cite web|title=LMB King's Series — Championship Series 2022 — Round-up|url=https://gambyl.com/en/baseball/lmb/lmb-kings-series-championship-series-2022-round-up/|access-date=2023-05-10|website=gambyl.com|date=20 September 2022 |language=en}}

On December 2, 2022, Liz was traded to the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League in exchange for P Tyler Alexander.{{cite web |date=December 2, 2022 |title=LLEGA RADHAMES LIZ A TOROS DE TIJUANA

|url=http://www.torosdetijuana.com/?p=19869 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |work=Toros de Tijuana |language=Spanish}} He was released on April 5, 2023, without making an appearance for the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-5-de-abril-de-2023|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 5 de abril de 2023|website=Minor League Baseball|language=ES|date=April 5, 2023|access-date=April 5, 2023}} However, he later rejoined the team and officially signed with them on May 19.{{Cite web|title=Radhames Liz Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.milb.com/player/radhames-liz-467785|access-date=May 21, 2023|website=Minor League Baseball|language=en}} In 6 starts, he posted a 1–0 record with a 2.96 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 27.1 innings. Liz was waived on June 25, 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-25-de-junio-de-2023|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 25 de junio de 2023|website=Minor League Baseball|language=ES|date=June 25, 2023|access-date=June 26, 2023}}

On July 8, 2023, Liz signed with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League. In 4 starts for Dos Laredos, Liz logged a 2–1 record and 4.26 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 19 innings pitched.

On February 22, 2024, Liz signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Pretemporada de Guerreros ya tiene fecha|url=https://imparcialoaxaca.mx/super-deportivo/beisbol/843753/pretemporada-de-guerreros-ya-tiene-fecha/|access-date=March 21, 2024|website=imparcialoaxaca.mx|date=February 24, 2024 |language=en}} In 9 starts for Oaxaca, he posted a 2–2 record and 3.43 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 42 innings of work.

Liz is known for his remarkably long arms; when he stands with his arms at his sides, his fingers reach below his knees.{{cite web |last=Kline |first=Chris |date=May 15, 2006 |title=BaseballAmerica.com: Prospects: Daily Dish: Weekend Dish |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/261271.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060522045359/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/261271.html |archive-date=May 22, 2006 |access-date=May 22, 2016 |work=Baseball America}} Liz uses a straight overhand pitching motion and throws his fastball consistently in the mid- to upper-90s{{cite web |title=Real Estate |url=http://www2.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/07_29-62/SPO |work=Hometown Annapolis}} {{Dead link|date=March 2022}} and has been clocked at 99 mph.{{cite web |date=June 13, 2007 |title=Minor League Recaps, 6/13 |url=http://www.orioleshangout.com/article.asp?id=1011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006090906/http://www.orioleshangout.com/article.asp?id=1011 |archive-date=October 6, 2007 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |website=Orioles Hangout}} His other pitches include an overhand curveball, a sinker, a slider, and two variations of a changeup.{{cite web |title=Orioles Hangout - Prospect Tracker |url=http://www.orioleshangout.com/plus/tracker.asp?ID=53 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817212400/http://www.orioleshangout.com/plus/tracker.asp?ID=53 |archive-date=August 17, 2007 |access-date=August 21, 2007 |website=Orioles Hangout}}

Early in his professional career, Liz received attention because of a clicking sound which is sometimes loud enough to be heard in the stands and occurs whenever he throws a pitch. Some have thought it to be his thumb clicking against his index finger.{{cite web |date=July 24, 2007 |title=Who Needs Pitching? |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/pneumonia-pony/tag/BostonRedSox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209040716/http://www.sportingnews.com:80/blog/pneumonia-pony/tag/BostonRedSox |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |access-date=October 1, 2007 |website=Sporting News}} Orioles head athletic trainer Richie Bancells discovered that Liz's scapula caused the clicking; although rare, this condition does not hurt his pitching career. To treat this condition, Liz has been doing an exercise program to strengthen the muscles around his collarbone.{{cite web |date=February 26, 2007 |title=Liz Looking To Live Up To Prospect Status At Orioles Camp |url=http://www.baysox.com/news/?id=11979 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030012832/http://www.baysox.com/news/?id=11979 |archive-date=October 30, 2007 |access-date=October 30, 2007 |work=Bowie Baysox}}

Lamigo Monkeys

• Taiwan Series Champions: 2019

• CPBL wins champions: 2019
• CPBL strikeout champions: 2019

Liz is of Haitian descent.{{cite web |last=Briceño |first=Pedro G. |date=April 15, 2007 |title=Muchos peloteros profesionales son de pura ascendencia haitiana |url=http://www.listindiario.com/el-deporte/2007/04/15/9523/muchos-peloteros-profesionales-son-de-pura-ascendencia-haitiana |access-date=May 24, 2017 |website=Listín Diario |language=es}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Radhames Liz}}

{{Baseballstats |mlb=467785|espn=28858|br=l/lizra01|fangraphs=5843|brm=liz---001rad}}

• [http://eng.koreabaseball.com/teams/playerinfopitcher/summary.aspx?pcode=61158 Career statistics and player information] from the KBO League

{{DEFAULTSORT:Liz, Radhames}}

Category:1983 births

Category:Living people

Category:Aberdeen IronBirds players

Category:Baltimore Orioles players

Category:Bowie Baysox players

Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players

Category:Delmarva Shorebirds players

Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Japan

Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Mexico

Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in South Korea

Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Taiwan

Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States

Category:Dominican Republic people of Haitian descent

Category:Estrellas Orientales players

Category:Frederick Keys players

Category:Indianapolis Indians players

Category:KBO League pitchers

Category:Lamigo Monkeys players

Category:Leones de Yucatán players

Category:LG Twins players

Category:Major League Baseball pitchers

Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic

Category:21st-century Dominican Republic sportsmen

Category:New Hampshire Fisher Cats players

Category:Nippon Professional Baseball pitchers

Category:Norfolk Tides players

Category:People from El Seibo Province

Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players

Category:Portland Beavers players

Category:Tigres del Licey players

Category:Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles players

Category:Toros de Tijuana players

Category:Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos players