Albert Suárez Resurrects MLB Career With Orioles

Starting pitcher Albert Suárez #49 of the Baltimore Orioles throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 22, 2024. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Albert Suárez had not thrown a pitch in Major League Baseball in nearly seven years when he was forced into action for the Baltimore Orioles because of injuries.

The Orioles have three starters—Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells—on the injured list, so the team needed depth in the rotation and turned to the 34-year-old Suárez.

In his first start, Suárez threw 5.2 scoreless innings against the Twins, allowing just three hits and no walks on April 17. Five days later, he had another dazzling performance, shutting out the Angels over another 5.2 innings and earning his first win since June 23, 2016.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde credited his scouting department for finding Suárez and being able to sign him to the team, which is now in first place in the American League East.

“That’s an amazing sign right there. Helped us win a major league baseball game and looks outstanding,” Hyde said.

“To go out and find someone like that who’s (34) and hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2017 and have that kind of performance. Did more than we asked him to do. Think he threw 4 1/3 his last time out and he goes out and gets into the sixth inning against a major league baseball team, just a credit to everybody there, especially him.”

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Suarez, who hails from Venezuela, has now completed 11.1 scoreless innings to begin his Orioles career. He became the first pitcher to throw five or more scoreless innings in each of his first two appearances after not appearing in MLB for at least five years, since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

“I always try to start aggressive and make pitches,” Suárez said. “I think that is something that works well. The fastball is my best pitch and I have a lot of confidence with it. I feel like if I can locate it any time, I’m going to get good results.”

Starting pitcher Albert Suárez #49 of the Baltimore Orioles slaps hands with teammates after coning out of the game in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 22, 2024. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Prior to this season, Suárez had not pitched in the majors since Sept. 26, 2017, when he was a member of the San Francisco Giants. He also pitched in Japan for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows (2019–2021) and Samsung Lions (2022–2023) before joining the Orioles.

He has not changed his approach despite the almost constant change.

“I see almost every hitter always the same,” Suárez said. “Obviously, we do a scouting report and know where to pitch. I feel like every time I execute a pitch the way I’m supposed to, I’m going to get good results. It feels good to get a win. It was a tough one.”

Suárez originally signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2006 as an international free agent at age 16 but never reached the major league level. He later signed a minor-league deal with the Angels in November 2014, but once again, he did not earn a promotion to the major leagues and elected free agency.

Suárez signed another minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants in 2015. He made his MLB debut on May 8, 2016, throwing one scoreless inning of relief against the Rockies. He went 3-5 with a 4.29 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 54 strikeouts over 22 games (12 starts) that season.

Suarez also spent time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and then played in Japan and South Korea before latching on with the Orioles where he might have found a home for this season.

He is certainly having the most fun of his career in Baltimore with the recent success.

“I think I enjoyed this more than the first time I got called up,” Suárez said. “It’s amazing for me and a good feeling to be here.”