Steven Fuentes
Steven Oneil Fuentes (born May 4, 1997) is a Panamanian professional baseball pitcher in the Washington Nationals organization.
| Steven Fuentes | |
|---|---|
| Washington Nationals | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: May 4, 1997 Puerto Armuelles, Panama | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right |
Career
As an international amateur free agent, Fuentes signed with Washington for a $35,000 bonus in 2013.[1] Fuentes progressed to full-season ball in 2017, which he divided between the Class-A Hagerstown Suns and Class A-Advanced Potomac Nationals, pitching both in relief and as a starter. He was one of the pitchers selected to pitch to Nationals superstar outfielder Bryce Harper as he rehabbed at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in September 2017 after a knee injury.[2] In 2018, Fuentes spent most of the season with Potomac, where he started in 2019[3] before being promoted to Class-AA Harrisburg. With the Senators, Fuentes was converted from a regular relief role into a starting pitcher.[4]
Fuentes was suspended for 50 games for a positive heptaminol test on August 7, 2019, effectively ending his breakout season early.[5] He was an invited member of the Nationals' 60-man player pool during the coronavirus-shortened 2020 season, which he spent at the alternate training site in Fredericksburg, Virginia. After the 2020 season, the Nationals selected his contract, adding him to their 40-man roster.[6] On April 20, 2021, Fuentes was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. On April 30, Fuentes was optioned down to the alternate training site without appearing in a game.[7] On July 2, Fuentes was placed on the 60-day injured list with a strained right shoulder.[8]
A groundball pitcher, Fuentes employs a crossfire delivery to add deception to his pitches, running his sinking fastball in the low to mid-90s and complementing it with a slider and changeup.[1][9]
Refereneces
- McInturff, Adam (August 15, 2018). "Steven Fuentes". 2080 Baseball. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
- Janes, Chelsea (September 23, 2017). "Nationals' Bryce Harper looks comfortable batting in his second simulated game". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
- "Potomac Nationals Announce 2019 Opening Day Roster". OurSportsCentral. April 2, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
- Erickson, Luke (May 27, 2019). "Monday's News & Notes". NationalsProspects.com. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
- Zuckerman, Mark (August 7, 2019). "Minor league pitcher Fuentes suspended 50 games (Nats up 4-0)". MASN Sports. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
- https://twitter.com/federalbaseball/status/1322263563105349637
- Steve Adams. "Nationals Activate Jon Lester". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
- "Nationals Select Humberto Arteaga".
- "Prospect Spotlight – Steven Fuentes". NatsGM. September 28, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2019.