Tony Armas Jr.

Professional career

Tony Armas Jr. began his professional career when the New York Yankees signed him as an amateur free agent in 1994. In 1997, the Yankees traded him and a player to be named later, Jim Mecir, to the Boston Red Sox for Mike Stanley and Randy Brown. Later that same year, the Red Sox sent Armas and pitcher Carl Pavano to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Pedro Martínez. Armas struggled with injuries early on, but in 2003 he finally got a big opportunity.

He started on Opening Day for the Expos and dominated the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field, winning 10–2. That strong performance did not last. A few weeks later, doctors found injuries in his arm and shoulder that required surgery, ending his season. At that point, he had a 2–1 record, 23 strikeouts, a 2.61 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.065.

He had not allowed a home run until his fifth and final start of the year. He worked out in spring training in 2004 and seemed to be recovering, but the team’s hope that he would be ready for the start of the season did not pan out. His rehab took longer than expected, and he finished 2004 with a 2–4 record over 72 innings. Over his nine-year career, Armas posted a 52–65 record with 674 strikeouts and a 4.62 ERA in 917.3 innings.

At the plate, he was a .098 hitter (26-for-265) with ten RBIs. In 2006, he made 30 starts and went 9–12. He missed a month with arm trouble, but in his second game back from the disabled list, he threw seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits. On October 29, 2006, he filed for free agency.

New York Mets

On February 1, 2007, Armas signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates that included a mutual option for 2008. He started the 2007 season 0–3 with an 8.92 ERA and was pulled from the rotation. On February 11, 2008, he signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the New York Mets. He re-signed with the Mets in January 2009 but was released on March 31, 2009, after not making the team.

Atlanta Braves

In April 2009, the Atlanta Braves signed him and assigned him to the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves. The Braves released Armas on July 25, 2009.

Did You Know?

• Tony Armas Jr. is the son of former All-Star outfielder Tony Armas and a nephew of former first baseman Marcos Armas.
• He did not allow a home run until his fifth and final start of the 2003 season.