The Baltimore Orioles have added a new arm to their pitching roster, claiming right-hander Yosver Zulueta off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. In a straightforward move, Baltimore slotted Zulueta into their Triple-A team, taking advantage of an open spot on their 40-man roster. This transaction, first reported by Francys Romero, marks Zulueta's second waiver claim in just two weeks, highlighting the league's ongoing intrigue in his potential.
Zulueta's journey has been a whirlwind. After being designated for assignment by the Cubs, who had picked him up from the Mariners just a short while ago, he now finds himself with the Orioles. Despite these quick transitions, Zulueta hasn't yet had the opportunity to showcase his skills on Chicago's major league stage.
His major league experience is still limited to the 23 2/3 innings he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds during the 2024-25 seasons, where he posted a 5.32 ERA. Following his time with the Reds, Zulueta was designated for assignment and traded to the Mariners.
This season at Triple-A, he has struggled with a 7.54 ERA over 22 2/3 innings, primarily due to a concerning 17.9% walk rate. These control issues have been a persistent hurdle throughout his career, becoming even more pronounced this year.
Yet, there are silver linings in Zulueta's profile. He boasts a strong 55.4% ground ball rate this season, consistent with his major league stint's 54% rate.
Known for his velocity and ability to rack up strikeouts, Zulueta's 21.4% strikeout rate in the minors this season is slightly below his usual performance but still impressive. The key for him is refining his control; if he can manage even average command, there's a blueprint for him to evolve into a reliable reliever in the majors.
Now with the Orioles, Zulueta is on his fifth team, each hoping to unlock the potential that could make him a standout bullpen asset. Baltimore's coaching staff will aim to harness his raw talent and address those control issues, providing Zulueta with yet another opportunity to prove his mettle in the big leagues.
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