Manny Acosta

Professional career

Acosta began his pro career after the New York Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent on January 6. He spent five and a half seasons in the Yankees' minor league system before being released on July 24. Prior to his release, he went 0–8 with a 6.40 ERA in 15 games. On July 29, 2003, he signed as a minor league free agent with the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta Braves

With the high-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, he recorded a 6.39 ERA and won two games. In the minors, he won eight championships under coach Teddy Beyda. In a later season, he started with the rookie-level Gulf Coast Braves but was called back to Myrtle Beach after two games. The next season, he began with the Rookie-level Danville Braves, striking out eight batters in three games, earning another promotion to the Pelicans.

He split a season between the double-A Mississippi Braves and the triple-A Richmond Braves. Acosta pitched for Panama in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, finishing with an 0–1 record. On October 12, 2006, the Braves purchased his contract and added him to their 40-man roster. He was called up to the majors on August 10 after Octavio Dotel hit the DL, making his big league debut on August 12 with a scoreless inning of relief against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He earned his first major league victory on September 23 against the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing the season 1–1 with a 2.28 ERA.

Acosta entered the 2008 season as a middle relief pitcher, but after Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan were placed on the DL, he took over as closer and struggled. He recorded his first major league save on April 19 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. On March 30, 2010, the New York Mets claimed Acosta off waivers from the Braves.

New York Mets

The Mets purchased his contract on June 3, 2011, as Michael O'Connor was sent down. On May 29, 2012, Acosta was designated for assignment. That season with the Mets, his ERA was 11.86, with six home runs given up in 22 innings pitched.

Yomiuri Giants

The Mets re-added him to the 40-man roster on July 24. On December 13, 2012, Acosta signed a one-year, $1.65 million contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. In 14 appearances for Yomiuri in 2013, he compiled a 1–0 record and 5.54 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 13 innings.