Pittsburgh Pirates: Players You Likely Forgot From 2013

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DETROIT, MI – MAY 27: Pitcher Jose Contreras of the Pittsburgh Pirates is pulled from the game by manager Clint Hurdle #13 as catcher Russell Martin waits on the mound in the seventh inning of an interleague game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 27, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. Contreras gave up two runs and four hits while walking four batters in the seventh inning. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Reliever Jose Contreras

During the 2013 campaign the Pittsburgh Pirates had one of the best bullpens in all of baseball. Prior to the start of the season, they signed right-handed veteran reliever Jose Contreras expecting him to be part of this bullpen.

The one time starter, became a full time reliever in 2010 when he posted a 3.34 ERA and a 3.27 FIP in 67 games for the Phillies. However, due to injury, Contreras was limited to just 17 games in both 2011 and 2012.

The injury bug would bite Contreras again in 2013. After starting the season on the DL, Contreras made his Pirate debut with a scoreless inning of relief against the Washington Nationals on May 5. After this outing, the wheels came off for Contreras. He would pitch just six more games for the Pirates, allowing five earned runs on seven hits, six walks, a home run, and five strikeouts in 4 innings of work. It goes without saying that Contreras would not become a key cog in the Pirates’ historically good 2013 bullpen.

After struggling Contreras was released by the Pirates on June 13. On June 17, the Bucs re-signed the veteran righty. However, on July 18 he was released for good. Despite signing a minor league contract with the Red Sox the following day, he would never pitch in the MLB again.

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