| Juan Carlos Oviedo | |
|---|---|
 Oviedo, then known as Leo Núñez, in 2009 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1982-03-15)March 15, 1982 (age 43) Bonao, Dominican Republic | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 9, 2005, for the Kansas City Royals | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| July 19, 2014, for the Tampa Bay Rays | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 21–23 |
| Earned run average | 4.28 |
| Strikeouts | 314 |
| Saves | 93 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Juan Carlos Oviedo[1][2] (born March 15, 1982[a]) is aDominican former professionalbaseballpitcher. He bats and throws right-handed. At age 17, he began using the nameLeo Núñez, although his true identity was revealed in 2011. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theKansas City Royals,Florida Marlins, andTampa Bay Rays.
Oviedo was born inBonao in theDominican Republic. At age 17, Oviedo assumed the identity of his 16-year-old best friend, Leo Nunez, in order to receive a more lucrative contract. In 2011, Marlins relieverEdward Mujica, a close friend of Oviedo's, said that "[a]t 17 years old, you maybe lose $100,000 or $150,000 when you sign [compared to a 16-year-old with the same skills]. And if you're like 18, you might sign for $5,000 and maybe they give you an opportunity."[3]
Oviedo was originally signed by thePittsburgh Pirates as an undraftedfree agent on February 16, 2000. From 2001 to 2004, he was mainly used as astarting pitcher in the Pirates system.
On December 16, 2004, Oviedo was traded to theKansas City Royals in exchange forcatcherBenito Santiago.
After being traded to the Royals, he was converted to a full-timerelief pitcher. He began the 2005 season with the Single-AHigh Desert Mavericks. He was promoted to the Double-AWichita Wranglers after posting a 9.00ERA in eight games.
Oviedo had his contract purchased by the big league club on May 9, 2005, and he made his major league debut the same day.
Along with teammatesAmbiorix Burgos andAndrew Sisco, they were the first trio of rookie pitchers in major league history to throw at least 50 innings each without making a start. Oviedo finished the 2005 season with a 3–2 record and a 7.55 ERA in 41 games.
In 2006, Oviedo played for the Double-A Wranglers, Triple-AOmaha Royals, and at the major league level. He only played in seven major league games in 2006, with a 4.73 ERA.
In 2007, Oviedo was converted back into a starting pitcher. On June 22, 2007, Oviedo would have been traded to theOakland Athletics in exchange foroutfielderMilton Bradley. However, according to the Royals report, Bradley was injured at the time, and the trade was voided.[4] In 13 appearances (six starts) for Kansas City, he posted a 2-4 record and 3.92 ERA with 37 strikeouts across43+2⁄3 innings pitched.[5]
Oviedo made 45 appearances out of thebullpen for Kansas City during the 2008 campaign, compiling a 4-1 record and 2.98 ERA with 26 strikeouts across48+1⁄3 innings pitched.[6]
On October 31, 2008, Oviedo was traded by the Royals to the Florida Marlins in exchange forfirst basemanMike Jacobs.[7] In 2009, he became the Marlins' closer afterMatt Lindstrom was placed on the disabled list in late June. In 75 appearances for the Marlins, Oviedo logged a 4-6 record and 4.06 ERA with 60 strikeouts and 26saves across68+2⁄3 innings pitched.[8]
Oviedo pitched in 68 contests for Florida during the 2010 season, logging a 4-3 record and 3.46 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 30 saves over 65 innings of work.[9] He made another 68 appearances for the Marlins in 2011, registering a 1-4 record and 4.06 ERA with 55 strikeouts and a career-high 36 saves across64+1⁄3 innings pitched.[10]
On April 1, 2012, MLB announced that they would suspend Oviedo for 6 weeks after he was removed from the restricted list; Oviedo had to acquire a visa to be removed.[11] On May 28, Oviedo was suspended for eight extra weeks for age and identity fraud. He would be eligible for one rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues for a maximum of 16 days. Oviedo was eligible to play for the Marlins starting on July 23.[12] During a rehabilitation appearance for theTriple-ANew Orleans Zephyrs on July 16, Oviedo sprained his right elbow'sulnar collateral ligament[13] and was later placed ondisabled list.[14] On September 6, Oviedo underwentTommy John surgery.[15] He became a free agent following the season.
On January 22, 2013, Oviedo signed a minor league contract theTampa Bay Rays. He had his contract selected by the team on March 31. Oviedo began the season on the 60-day disabled list still recovering from the Tommy John surgery he previously had. After missing all of the 2013 season, Oviedo had his $2 million club option for 2014 declined, and was instead paid a $30,000 buyout, making him a free agent.[16]
On December 5, 2013, Oviedo re-signed with Tampa Bay on a major league contract.[17] In 32 appearances for the Rays, he compiled a 3-3 record and 3.69 ERA with 26 strikeouts across31+2⁄3 innings pitched. Oviedo wasdesignated for assignment by Tampa Bay on July 26, 2014. He released by the organization on August 3.[18]
On January 5, 2015, Oviedo signed a minor league contract with theTexas Rangers.[19] He was released by the Rangers prior to the start of the season on March 28.
On September 22, 2011, the Florida Marlins placed Oviedo on the restricted list without listing a reason.[20] The Associated Press reported that his real name was Juan Carlos Oviedo, that he was a year older than listed, and that he returned to the Dominican Republic to deal with the issue.[21][22] Dominican Central Electoral Commission President Roberto Rosario said that Oviedo signed a sworn statement saying he used fake identification documents.[23]
· Baseball Almanac
