Felipe Vázquez: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Fixed error
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
(48 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Venezuelan baseball player}}
{{short description|Venezuelan baseball player and sex offender (born 1991)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
Line 6: Line 6:
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption = Vázquez with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] in 2017
| caption = Vázquez with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] in 2017
| team = Pittsburgh Pirates
| team =
| number = 73
| number =
| position = [[Pitcher]]
| position = [[Pitcher]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|7|5}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|7|5}}
| birth_place = [[San Felipe, Yaracuy]], [[Venezuela]]
| birth_place = [[San Felipe (Venezuela)|San Felipe]], [[Yaracuy]], [[Venezuela]]
| bats = Left
| bats = Left
| throws = Left
| throws = Left
Line 17: Line 17:
| debutyear = 2015
| debutyear = 2015
| debutteam = Washington Nationals
| debutteam = Washington Nationals
| finalleague = <!--MLB
| finalleague = MLB
| finaldate = September 12
| finaldate = September 12
| finalyear = 2019
| finalyear = 2019
| finalteam = Pittsburgh Pirates-->
| finalteam = Pittsburgh Pirates
| statyear = 2019 season
| statyear =
| statleague = MLB
| statleague = MLB
| stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
| stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
Line 37: Line 37:
* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2018]], [[2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2019]])
* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2018]], [[2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2019]])
}}
}}
'''Felipe Javier Vázquez''' (né '''Rivero''', born July 5, 1991), nicknamed "'''Nightmare'''",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/felipe-vazquez-to-wear-nightmare-at-players-weekend |title=Vazquez's 'Nightmare' name has off-field origin|author=Berry, Adam|publisher=MLB mlb.com |date=August 6, 2019}}</ref> is a formerVenezuelan [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]] and convicted [[sex offender]] who is currently on the restricted list for the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. He previously played for the [[Washington Nationals]]. He was an [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] in 2018 and 2019 before his legal issues off the field led to his being placed on the restricted list by both the Pirates and [[Major League Baseball]].
'''Felipe Javier Vázquez''' ({{né}} '''Rivero''', born July 5, 1991) is a Venezuelan convicted [[sex offender]] and former [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]]. He played for the [[Washington Nationals]] and the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. He was an [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] in 2018 and 2019 before his arrest on sexual assault charges led to his being placed on the [[restricted list]] by both the Pirates and [[Major League Baseball]].


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
Line 43: Line 43:
Vázquez signed with the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] as an international free agent on July 30, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=553878|title=Felipe Vazquez Stats, Highlights, Bio &#124; MiLB.com Stats &#124; The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|website=MiLB.com}}</ref> He represented the Rays at the 2012 [[All-Star Futures Game]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120620&content_id=33666532&vkey=news_tb&c_id=tb |title=Promising Rays duo cued for Futures Game |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref> He was added to the Rays' 40-man roster on November 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121120&content_id=40387908&vkey=pr_tb&c_id=tb |title=Rays add four players to 40-man roster |publisher=Tampabay.rays.mlb.com |date=November 20, 2012 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref>
Vázquez signed with the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] as an international free agent on July 30, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=553878|title=Felipe Vazquez Stats, Highlights, Bio &#124; MiLB.com Stats &#124; The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|website=MiLB.com}}</ref> He represented the Rays at the 2012 [[All-Star Futures Game]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120620&content_id=33666532&vkey=news_tb&c_id=tb |title=Promising Rays duo cued for Futures Game |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref> He was added to the Rays' 40-man roster on November 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121120&content_id=40387908&vkey=pr_tb&c_id=tb |title=Rays add four players to 40-man roster |publisher=Tampabay.rays.mlb.com |date=November 20, 2012 |access-date=November 8, 2013}}</ref>


On February 13, 2014, Vázquez was traded to the [[Washington Nationals]], along with [[José Lobatón]] and Drew Vettleson, in exchange for [[Nate Karns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curlyw.mlblogs.com/2014/02/13/nationals-acquire-catcher-jose-lobaton-lhp-felipe-rivero-and-of-drew-vettleson-from-tampa-bay/|title=Nationals acquire catcher Jose Lobaton, LHP Felipe Rivero and OF Drew Vettleson from Tampa Bay|work=Curly W Live|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2014/02/27/felipe-rivero-acquired-in-jose-lobaton-nate-karns-trade-adjusting-to-the-nationals/|title=Felipe Rivero, acquired in Jose Lobaton-Nate Karns trade, adjusting to the Nationals|work=[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]|first=James|last=Wagner|date=February 27, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref> He suffered through elbow inflammation during the season, and was limited to 14 [[games started]].<ref name=thrust/> After the 2014 regular season, the Nationals assigned Vázquez to the [[Mesa Solar Sox]] of the [[Arizona Fall League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masnsports.com/byron-kerr/2014/11/felipe-rivero-with-bounce-back-win-for-mesa-3-1.html|title=Byron Kerr: Felipe Rivero with bounceback win for Mesa|work=MASNsports|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>
On February 13, 2014, Vázquez was traded to the [[Washington Nationals]], along with [[José Lobatón]] and Drew Vettleson, in exchange for [[Nate Karns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curlyw.mlblogs.com/2014/02/13/nationals-acquire-catcher-jose-lobaton-lhp-felipe-rivero-and-of-drew-vettleson-from-tampa-bay/|title=Nationals acquire catcher Jose Lobaton, LHP Felipe Rivero and OF Drew Vettleson from Tampa Bay|work=Curly W Live|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2014/02/27/felipe-rivero-acquired-in-jose-lobaton-nate-karns-trade-adjusting-to-the-nationals/|title=Felipe Rivero, acquired in Jose Lobaton-Nate Karns trade, adjusting to the Nationals|newspaper=[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]|first=James|last=Wagner|date=February 27, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref> He suffered through elbow inflammation during the season, and was limited to 14 [[games started]].<ref name=thrust/> After the 2014 regular season, the Nationals assigned Vázquez to the [[Mesa Solar Sox]] of the [[Arizona Fall League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masnsports.com/byron-kerr/2014/11/felipe-rivero-with-bounce-back-win-for-mesa-3-1.html|title=Byron Kerr: Felipe Rivero with bounceback win for Mesa|work=MASNsports|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>


The Nationals transitioned Vázquez into a [[relief pitcher]] during spring training in 2015.<ref name=thrust>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/felipe-rivero-thrust-into-a-relievers-role-now-sees-himself-as-a-future-closer/2016/03/06/3fe7dc32-e3e5-11e5-a6f3-21ccdbc5f74e_story.html|title=Felipe Rivero, thrust into a reliever's role, now sees himself as a future closer|first=James|last=Wagner|work=Washington Post|date=March 6, 2016|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> Vázquez opened the 2015 season with the [[Syracuse Chiefs]] of the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Class AAA]] [[International League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/chiefs/index.ssf/2015/04/the_2015_syracuse_chiefs_pitching_is_a_plus_offense_will_be_a_work_in_progress.html|title=2015 Syracuse Chiefs: pitching is a plus, offense will be a work in progress|work=syracuse.com|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>
The Nationals transitioned Vázquez into a [[relief pitcher]] during spring training in 2015.<ref name=thrust>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/felipe-rivero-thrust-into-a-relievers-role-now-sees-himself-as-a-future-closer/2016/03/06/3fe7dc32-e3e5-11e5-a6f3-21ccdbc5f74e_story.html|title=Felipe Rivero, thrust into a reliever's role, now sees himself as a future closer|first=James|last=Wagner|newspaper=Washington Post|date=March 6, 2016|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> Vázquez opened the 2015 season with the [[Syracuse Chiefs]] of the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Class AAA]] [[International League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/chiefs/index.ssf/2015/04/the_2015_syracuse_chiefs_pitching_is_a_plus_offense_will_be_a_work_in_progress.html|title=2015 Syracuse Chiefs: pitching is a plus, offense will be a work in progress|work=syracuse.com|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>


===Washington Nationals (2015–2016)===
===Washington Nationals (2015–2016)===
[[File:MG 2166 Felipe Rivero.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Vázquez with the [[Washington Nationals]]]]
[[File:MG 2166 Felipe Rivero.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Vázquez with the [[Washington Nationals]]]]
On April 17, 2015, Vázquez made his major league debut by coming in to pitch the top of the ninth inning in a 7–2 win over the [[Philadelphia Phillies]]. He pitched one inning, allowing two hits and one run while striking out two batters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2015/04/18/felipe-rivero-makes-major-league-debut/|title=Felipe Rivero makes major league debut|work=Washington Post|access-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> He went on the [[disabled list]] due to [[gastrointestinal bleeding]] on April 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2015/04/22/nationals-call-up-matt-grace-put-felipe-rivero-on-the-dl-trade-xavier-cedeno/|title=Nationals call up Matt Grace, put Felipe Rivero on the DL, trade Xavier Cedeño|work=Washington Post|access-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> On June 1, the Nationals called up Vázquez to the major leagues from Syracuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2015/06/01/felipe-rivero-recalled-matt-grace-optioned-to-syracuse/|title=Felipe Rivero recalled, Matt Grace optioned to Syracuse|first=James|last=Wagner|work=Washington Post|date=June 1, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> At the end of the season, Vázquez was able to reach {{convert|100|mph}} with his [[fastball]] in relief. In 49 games for the Nationals, he pitched in {{frac|48|1|3}} innings, posting a 2–1 record with a 2.79 ERA. With [[Jonathan Papelbon]] suspended and [[Drew Storen]] injured, Vázquez converted two [[save (baseball)|save]] opportunities during the final week of the season. He finished the season with a 2.79 [[earned run average]].<ref name=thrust/>
On April 17, 2015, Vázquez made his major league debut by coming in to pitch the top of the ninth inning in a 7–2 win over the [[Philadelphia Phillies]]. He pitched one inning, allowing two hits and one run while striking out two batters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2015/04/18/felipe-rivero-makes-major-league-debut/|title=Felipe Rivero makes major league debut|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> He went on the [[disabled list]] due to [[gastrointestinal bleeding]] on April 22.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2015/04/22/nationals-call-up-matt-grace-put-felipe-rivero-on-the-dl-trade-xavier-cedeno/|title=Nationals call up Matt Grace, put Felipe Rivero on the DL, trade Xavier Cedeño|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> On June 1, the Nationals called up Vázquez to the major leagues from Syracuse.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2015/06/01/felipe-rivero-recalled-matt-grace-optioned-to-syracuse/|title=Felipe Rivero recalled, Matt Grace optioned to Syracuse|first=James|last=Wagner|newspaper=Washington Post|date=June 1, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> At the end of the season, Vázquez was able to reach {{convert|100|mph}} with his [[fastball]] in relief. In 49 games for the Nationals, he pitched in {{frac|48|1|3}} innings, posting a 2–1 record with a 2.79 ERA. With [[Jonathan Papelbon]] suspended and [[Drew Storen]] injured, Vázquez converted two [[save (baseball)|save]] opportunities during the final week of the season. He finished the season with a 2.79 [[earned run average]].<ref name=thrust/>


During the 2016 season, Vázquez's ERA reached a peak at 6.82 following a game on June 18 where he allowed all six batters he pitched to, to reach base. In the next 13 appearances, he had a 0.93 ERA to lower his season ERA to 4.53.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spector |first=Jesse |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/mlb-trade-rumors-mark-melancon-nationals-pirates-felipe-rivero-taylor-hearn/sezikbpw89tf1xsfx25bh4yv7 |title=Mark Melancon trade could be National disaster if Felipe Rivero pans out |publisher=Sporting News |date=July 30, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref>
During the 2016 season, Vázquez's ERA reached a peak at 6.82 following a game on June 18 where he allowed all six batters he faced to reach base. In the next 13 appearances, he had a 0.93 ERA to lower his season ERA to 4.53.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spector |first=Jesse |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/mlb-trade-rumors-mark-melancon-nationals-pirates-felipe-rivero-taylor-hearn/sezikbpw89tf1xsfx25bh4yv7 |title=Mark Melancon trade could be National disaster if Felipe Rivero pans out |publisher=Sporting News |date=July 30, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref>


===Pittsburgh Pirates (2016–present)===
===Pittsburgh Pirates (2016–2019)===
====2016&ndash;17====
====2016–17====
On July 30, 2016, the Nationals traded Vázquez, along with [[Taylor Hearn (baseball)|Taylor Hearn]], to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] for [[Mark Melancon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.pirates.mlb.com/news/article/192634870/nationals-land-mark-melancon-from-pirates/|title=Nationals land closer Melancon from Pirates|work=MLB.com|date=July 30, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> For the Pirates, he finished with a 3.29 ERA in 28 games.
On July 30, 2016, the Nationals traded Vázquez, along with [[Taylor Hearn (baseball)|Taylor Hearn]], to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] for [[Mark Melancon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.pirates.mlb.com/news/article/192634870/nationals-land-mark-melancon-from-pirates/|title=Nationals land closer Melancon from Pirates|work=MLB.com|date=July 30, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> For the Pirates, he finished with a 3.29 ERA in 28 games.


Line 62: Line 62:
Before the 2018 season, Vázquez signed a four-year contract with the Pirates, with club options for another two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/01/18/pirates-sign-closer-rivero-to-4-year-deal/109570740/ |title=Pirates sign closer Felipe Rivero to 4-year deal |website=[[USA Today]] |date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> In 2018, Vázquez was selected to play in the [[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2018 All-Star Game]], his first All-Star appearance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berry |first=Adam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/felipe-vazquez-selected-to-nl-all-star-team-c284891652 |title=Felipe Vazquez selected to NL All-Star team |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=July 8, 2018 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> For the season, he was 4–2 with 37 saves and a 2.70 ERA.
Before the 2018 season, Vázquez signed a four-year contract with the Pirates, with club options for another two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2018/01/18/pirates-sign-closer-rivero-to-4-year-deal/109570740/ |title=Pirates sign closer Felipe Rivero to 4-year deal |website=[[USA Today]] |date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> In 2018, Vázquez was selected to play in the [[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2018 All-Star Game]], his first All-Star appearance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berry |first=Adam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/felipe-vazquez-selected-to-nl-all-star-team-c284891652 |title=Felipe Vazquez selected to NL All-Star team |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=July 8, 2018 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> For the season, he was 4–2 with 37 saves and a 2.70 ERA.


In an April 7, 2019, game against the [[Cincinnati Reds]], Vázquez was ejected after his role in a bench-clearing incident involving [[Chris Archer]], [[Derek Dietrich]], [[Yasiel Puig]], [[Amir Garrett]], [[Keone Kela]], and [[David Bell (baseball)|David Bell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/reds-manager-david-bell-yasiel-puig-ejected-after-brawl-pirates/NmsoDXzfZx7PDahjqdyqcM/|title=WATCH: Reds manager David Bell, Yasiel Puig ejected after brawl vs. Pirates|first=Staff Writer|last=John Boyle|website=daytondailynews}}</ref> Vázquez was selected for the [[2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2019 All-Star Game]], as a roster replacement for [[Zack Greinke]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-baseball-mlb-unk-unk-vazquez-all-star-idUSKCN1U10NP|title=Vazquez, Woodruff, Tanaka join All-Star rosters|date=July 6, 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> On September 10, Vázquez and [[Kyle Crick]] got into a clubhouse fight; Crick broke his finger, requiring season-ending surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27590303/pirates-pitcher-crick-surgery-altercation |title=Pirates pitcher Crick has surgery after altercation |website=[[ESPN]] |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> On September 17, the Pirates placed Vázquez on the restricted list, due to his [[#17Sept2019|arrest on multiple charges]] of unlawful contact with a minor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Berry |first=Adam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-statement-on-felipe-vazquez |title=Pirates' Vázquez arrested, put on restricted list |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019}}</ref> At the time, his record for the season was 5–1 with a 1.65 ERA and 28 saves. He was also placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/pirates-closer-felipe-vazquez-arrested-on-charges-of-child-solicitation-reportedly-placed-on-administrative-leave/ |title=Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez arrested on charges of child solicitation, reportedly placed on administrative leave by MLB |first=Matt |last=Snyder |website=[[CBS Sports]] |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019}}</ref>
In an April 7, 2019, game against the [[Cincinnati Reds]], Vázquez was ejected after his role in a bench-clearing incident involving [[Chris Archer]], [[Derek Dietrich]], [[Yasiel Puig]], [[Amir Garrett]], [[Keone Kela]], and [[David Bell (baseball)|David Bell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/reds-manager-david-bell-yasiel-puig-ejected-after-brawl-pirates/NmsoDXzfZx7PDahjqdyqcM/|title=WATCH: Reds manager David Bell, Yasiel Puig ejected after brawl vs. Pirates|first=Staff Writer|last=John Boyle|website=daytondailynews}}</ref> Vázquez was selected for the [[2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2019 All-Star Game]], as a roster replacement for [[Zack Greinke]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-baseball-mlb-unk-unk-vazquez-all-star-idUSKCN1U10NP|title=Vazquez, Woodruff, Tanaka join All-Star rosters|newspaper=Reuters|date=July 6, 2019|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref> On September 10, Vázquez and [[Kyle Crick]] got into a clubhouse fight; Crick broke his finger, requiring season-ending surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27590303/pirates-pitcher-crick-surgery-altercation |title=Pirates pitcher Crick has surgery after altercation |website=[[ESPN]] |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> On September 17, the Pirates placed Vázquez on the [[restricted list]], due to his [[#17Sept2019|arrest on multiple charges]] of unlawful contact with a minor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Berry |first=Adam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-statement-on-felipe-vazquez |title=Pirates' Vázquez arrested, put on restricted list |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019}}</ref> At the time, his record for the season was 5–1 with a 1.65 ERA and 28 saves. He was also placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/pirates-closer-felipe-vazquez-arrested-on-charges-of-child-solicitation-reportedly-placed-on-administrative-leave/ |title=Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez arrested on charges of child solicitation, reportedly placed on administrative leave by MLB |first=Matt |last=Snyder |website=[[CBS Sports]] |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 18, 2019}}</ref>


==Pitching style==
==Pitching style==
Vázquez throws a fastball which can reach over {{convert|100|mph}}. Vázquez's fastball averaged {{convert|96.4|mph}} in 2016 and around {{convert|98|mph}} in 2017.<ref name="MLB-Rivero-Nasty-Mar2017">{{cite news|last1=Berry|first1=Adam|title=Rivero has 'nasty' arsenal of pitches: Reliever one of three lefty hurlers in Majors to hit 100 mph in 2016|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/218306428/pirates-felipe-rivero-has-amazing-arm/|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=March 7, 2017|location=[[Bradenton, Florida]]}}</ref><ref name="WashPost-Rivero-Pitch-Jun2017"/><ref name="PG-Rivero-Changeup-May2017"/> As a prospect with the Rays, Vázquez initially threw only {{convert|86|mph}}.<ref name="MLB-Rivero-Nasty-Mar2017"/> He also throws an effective [[changeup]] at {{convert|89|–|90|mph}} with [[Two-seam fastball|two-seam]] movement, which he picked up in the Rays minor league system. Vázquez began throwing it frequently in 2015, and uses it around 25 percent of the time.<ref name="MLB-Rivero-Nasty-Mar2017"/><ref name="WashPost-Rivero-Pitch-Jun2017"/><ref name="PG-Rivero-Changeup-May2017"/> The pitch has been referred to as a "[[Glossary of baseball (B)#Bugs Bunny change-up|Bugs Bunny changeup]]" by Pirates pitching coach [[Ray Searage]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Biertempfel|first1=Rob|title=Change is good for Pirates reliever Rivero|url=http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/12009929-74/rivero-changeup-fastball|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> Vázquez also throws a slider and a curveball.<ref name="WashPost-Rivero-Pitch-Jun2017">{{cite news|last1=Sheinin|first1=Dave|title=Former Nats reliever Felipe Rivero can throw 101 mph, and that's not even his best pitch|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/06/07/felipe-rivero-has-developed-a-filthy-change-up-and-hes-become-nearly-unhittable/|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 7, 2017|location=[[Baltimore]]}}</ref><ref name="PG-Rivero-Changeup-May2017">{{cite news|last1=Nesbitt|first1=Stephen J.|title=Felipe Rivero can thank the changeup for his strong start|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2017/05/08/felipe-rivero-pirates-bullpen-changeup-mlb/stories/201705090018|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=May 8, 2017}}</ref>
Vázquez throws a fastball which can reach over {{convert|100|mph}}. Vázquez's fastball averaged {{convert|96.4|mph}} in 2016 and around {{convert|98|mph}} in 2017.<ref name="MLB-Rivero-Nasty-Mar2017">{{cite news|last1=Berry|first1=Adam|title=Rivero has 'nasty' arsenal of pitches: Reliever one of three lefty hurlers in Majors to hit 100 mph in 2016|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/218306428/pirates-felipe-rivero-has-amazing-arm/|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=March 7, 2017|location=[[Bradenton, Florida]]}}</ref><ref name="WashPost-Rivero-Pitch-Jun2017"/><ref name="PG-Rivero-Changeup-May2017"/> As a prospect with the Rays, Vázquez initially threw only {{convert|86|mph}}.<ref name="MLB-Rivero-Nasty-Mar2017"/> He also throws an effective [[changeup]] at {{convert|89|–|90|mph}} with [[Two-seam fastball|two-seam]] movement, which he picked up in the Rays minor league system. Vázquez began throwing it frequently in 2015, and uses it around 25 percent of the time.<ref name="MLB-Rivero-Nasty-Mar2017"/><ref name="WashPost-Rivero-Pitch-Jun2017"/><ref name="PG-Rivero-Changeup-May2017"/> The pitch has been referred to as a "[[Glossary of baseball (B)#Bugs Bunny change-up|Bugs Bunny changeup]]" by Pirates pitching coach [[Ray Searage]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Biertempfel|first1=Rob|title=Change is good for Pirates reliever Rivero|url=http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/12009929-74/rivero-changeup-fastball|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]|date=March 2, 2017}}</ref> Vázquez also throws a slider and a curveball.<ref name="WashPost-Rivero-Pitch-Jun2017">{{cite news|last1=Sheinin|first1=Dave|title=Former Nats reliever Felipe Rivero can throw 101 mph, and that's not even his best pitch|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/06/07/felipe-rivero-has-developed-a-filthy-change-up-and-hes-become-nearly-unhittable/|access-date=October 4, 2017|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=June 7, 2017|location=[[Baltimore]]}}</ref><ref name="PG-Rivero-Changeup-May2017">{{cite news|last1=Nesbitt|first1=Stephen J.|title=Felipe Rivero can thank the changeup for his strong start|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2017/05/08/felipe-rivero-pirates-bullpen-changeup-mlb/stories/201705090018|access-date=October 4, 2017|work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=May 8, 2017}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Line 71: Line 71:


===Child sexual abuse conviction===
===Child sexual abuse conviction===
{{anchor|17Sept2019}}Vázquez was arrested on September 17, 2019, on charges of computer pornography, specifically alleging that he solicited a child and provided obscene material to minors, regarding an alleged sexual relationship he had with a 13-year-old female from [[Lee County, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Authorities: Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez arrested, charged with solicitation of child |url=https://www.wtae.com/article/pirates-closer-felipe-vazquez-arrested/29089187 |first=David |last=Kaplan |agency=[[WTAE-TV]] |website=Pittsburgh's Action News 4 |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> Hours later, Vázquez was charged with statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 16-years-old related to a separate incident in [[Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/09/17/pirates-all-star-closer-felipe-vazquez-arrested-on-charges-of-solicitation-of-a-child/ |title=Pirates' All-Star Closer Felipe Vázquez Facing Several Felony Charges, Including Sexual Assault Of Teen He Met At PNC Park |agency=[[KDKA-TV]] |website=pittsburgh.cbslocal.com |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> Vázquez admitted that in 2017, when the girl was 13-years-old, he had a sexual encounter with her that he described as "sex, but not really" because he could not fully insert his penis into her vagina after a minute of trying. He also admitted to sending nude photos of himself and videos of himself engaged in sexual activities to the girl.<ref>https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27644830/vazquez-told-police-attempted-sex-minor</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/18/us/pittsburgh-pirates-felipe-vazquez-investigation/index.html|title=Pirates' closer Felipe Vázquez described sexual encounter with girl as 'sex but not really,' police say|author1=Ray Sanchez |author2=Evan Simko-Bednarski |author3=Kristina Sgueglia|website=CNN|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/18/felipe-vazquez-arrested-sex-charges-pirates-pitcher/stories/201909180128|title=State police: Felipe Vazquez admitted to sexual contact with 13-year-old girl|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref> An additional 21 felony charges (including ten counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, ten counts of child pornography, and one count of corruption of a minor) were announced on November 19, 2019, and Vazquez was denied [[Bail in the United States|bail]].<ref>[https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28116696/pirates-felipe-vazquez-denied-bail-faces-21-new-felony-charges Pirates' Felipe Vazquez denied bail, faces 21 new felony charges]</ref> On May 29, 2020, it was reported that Vázquez faced another child pornography charge in [[St. Louis]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Felipe Vazquez, suspended Pirates pitcher, faces new child porn charge in St. Louis|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/felipe-vazquez-suspended-pirates-pitcher-faces-new-child-porn-charge-in-st-louis/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}}</ref> Vázquez and his attorneys denied the charges, arguing that the alleged victim showed Vázquez an ID indicating she was at least 18, that he was never informed of his rights by police, and that he never actually confessed. Vázquez's attorneys sought to get the charges dropped in September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-01|title=Vazquez: I never confessed to sex with minor|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29788911/felipe-vazquez-testifies-police-lied-says-never-confessed-having-sex-13-year-old|access-date=2020-12-08|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> Another motion to dismiss the charges was filed in late 2020, this time over jurisdictional issues relating to the state in which the crimes allegedly occurred.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-02|title=Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez again seeks dismissal of charges in teen sex case|url=https://triblive.com/sports/former-pirates-pitcher-felipe-vazquez-again-seeks-dismissal-of-charges-in-teen-sex-case/|website=TribLive.com|language=en}}</ref>
{{anchor|17Sept2019}}Vázquez was arrested on September 17, 2019, on charges of computer pornography, specifically alleging that he solicited a child and provided obscene material to minors, regarding an alleged sexual relationship he had with a 13-year-old female from [[Lee County, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Authorities: Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez arrested, charged with solicitation of child |url=https://www.wtae.com/article/pirates-closer-felipe-vazquez-arrested/29089187 |first=David |last=Kaplan |agency=[[WTAE-TV]] |website=Pittsburgh's Action News 4 |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> Hours later, Vázquez was charged with statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old related to a separate incident in [[Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/09/17/pirates-all-star-closer-felipe-vazquez-arrested-on-charges-of-solicitation-of-a-child/ |title=Pirates' All-Star Closer Felipe Vázquez Facing Several Felony Charges, Including Sexual Assault Of Teen He Met At PNC Park |agency=[[KDKA-TV]] |website=pittsburgh.cbslocal.com |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> Vázquez admitted that in 2017, he had a sexual encounter with the girl when she was 13 years old. He also admitted to sending nude photos of himself and videos of himself engaged in sexual activities to the girl.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27644830/vazquez-told-police-attempted-sex-minor|title=Vazquez told police of attempted sex with minor|date=September 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/18/us/pittsburgh-pirates-felipe-vazquez-investigation/index.html|title=Pirates' closer Felipe Vázquez described sexual encounter with girl as 'sex but not really,' police say|author1=Ray Sanchez |author2=Evan Simko-Bednarski |author3=Kristina Sgueglia|website=CNN|date=September 18, 2019|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/18/felipe-vazquez-arrested-sex-charges-pirates-pitcher/stories/201909180128|title=State police: Felipe Vazquez admitted to sexual contact with 13-year-old girl|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-09-22}}</ref> An additional 21 felony charges (including ten counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, ten counts of child pornography, and one count of corruption of a minor) were announced on November 19, 2019, and Vazquez was denied [[Bail in the United States|bail]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28116696/pirates-felipe-vazquez-denied-bail-faces-21-new-felony-charges|title=Vazquez denied bail, faces new felony charges|date=November 19, 2019|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> On May 29, 2020, it was reported that Vázquez faced another child pornography charge in [[St. Louis]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Felipe Vazquez, suspended Pirates pitcher, faces new child porn charge in St. Louis|url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/felipe-vazquez-suspended-pirates-pitcher-faces-new-child-porn-charge-in-st-louis/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=CBSSports.com|date=May 29, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Vázquez and his attorneys denied the charges, arguing that the alleged victim showed Vázquez an ID indicating she was at least 18, that he was never informed of his rights by police, and that he never actually confessed. Vázquez's attorneys sought to get the charges dropped in September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-01|title=Vazquez: I never confessed to sex with minor|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29788911/felipe-vazquez-testifies-police-lied-says-never-confessed-having-sex-13-year-old|access-date=2020-12-08|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> Another motion to dismiss the charges was filed in late 2020, this time over jurisdictional issues relating to the state in which the crimes allegedly occurred.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-02|title=Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez again seeks dismissal of charges in teen sex case|url=https://triblive.com/sports/former-pirates-pitcher-felipe-vazquez-again-seeks-dismissal-of-charges-in-teen-sex-case/|website=TribLive.com|language=en}}</ref>


Vázquez's trial commenced on May 17, 2021.<ref>https://triblive.com/sports/opening-arguments-held-in-sexual-assault-trial-of-suspended-pittsburgh-pirates-pitcher-felipe-vazquez/</ref> On May 20, he was convicted on 15 counts stemming from the relationship with the girl, including: ten counts of sexual abuse of children, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, one count of statutory sexual assault, one count of corruption of a minor, and one count of indecent assault of someone under 16-years-old. He still is facing charges in Missouri and Florida related to the same victim.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilkinson|first=Joseph|title=MLB pitcher Felipe Vazquez convicted in child sex case|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-felipe-vazquez-child-sex-convicted-20210521-h6k5ommkdnh5bnverxwskjrx44-story.html|access-date=2021-05-21|website=nydailynews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez found guilty of statutory sexual assault, other charges |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31480908/former-pittsburgh-pirates-closer-felipe-vazquez-found-guilty-statutory-sexual-assault-other-charges |access-date=August 18, 2021 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> Vázquez was sentenced to two to four years in state prison on August 17, 2021. As he had already served 23 months of his sentence, he will be eligible for a parole one month after reporting to prison.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for sexually assaulting teen |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/08/17/Former-Pirates-pitcher-Felipe-Vazquez-sentence-sexual-assault-girl/stories/202108170109 |access-date=August 17, 2021 |work=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |date=August 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez sentenced for sexual conduct with minor |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32040399/former-pittsburgh-pirates-pitcher-felipe-vazquez-sentenced-sexual-conduct-minor |access-date=August 17, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com |date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>
Vázquez's trial commenced on May 17, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://triblive.com/sports/opening-arguments-held-in-sexual-assault-trial-of-suspended-pittsburgh-pirates-pitcher-felipe-vazquez/|title = Teen testifies to sexual relationship with ex-Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez, says initial contact was 'super cool'|date = May 17, 2021}}</ref> On May 20, he was convicted on 15 counts stemming from the relationship with the girl, including: ten counts of sexual abuse of children, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, one count of statutory sexual assault, one count of corruption of a minor, and one count of indecent assault of someone under 16 years old. He still is facing charges in Missouri and Florida related to the same victim.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilkinson|first=Joseph|title=MLB pitcher Felipe Vazquez convicted in child sex case|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-felipe-vazquez-child-sex-convicted-20210521-h6k5ommkdnh5bnverxwskjrx44-story.html|access-date=2021-05-21|website=nydailynews.com|date=May 20, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez found guilty of statutory sexual assault, other charges |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31480908/former-pittsburgh-pirates-closer-felipe-vazquez-found-guilty-statutory-sexual-assault-other-charges |access-date=August 18, 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> Vázquez was sentenced to two to four years in state prison on August 17, 2021.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |title=Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for sexually assaulting teen |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/08/17/Former-Pirates-pitcher-Felipe-Vazquez-sentence-sexual-assault-girl/stories/202108170109 |access-date=August 17, 2021 |work=Pittsburgh Post Gazette |date=August 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez sentenced for sexual conduct with minor |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32040399/former-pittsburgh-pirates-pitcher-felipe-vazquez-sentenced-sexual-conduct-minor |access-date=August 17, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=August 17, 2021}}</ref> He received credit for the 23 months he already served before his sentencing.<ref name="auto"/>

On March 13, 2023, the [[Superior Court of Pennsylvania]] denied Vázquez's appeal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://triblive.com/sports/pirates/former-pirates-closer-convicted-of-sex-assault-loses-appeal-in-superior-court/|title=Former Pirates closer convicted of sex assault loses appeal in Superior Court|first=Paula Reed|last=Ward|date=March 13, 2023|website=TribLIVE.com}}</ref> [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] deported him to Venezuela on December 1, 2023.<ref>https://triblive.com/sports/ex-pittsburgh-pirates-pitcher-vazquez-expelled-from-u-s-returned-to-venezuela/</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 83: Line 85:
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=553878|espn=32562|br=r/riverfe01|fangraphs=12076|brm=rivero001fel}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=553878|espn=32562|br=r/riverfe01|fangraphs=12076|brm=rivero001fel|retro=R/Privef001}}

{{Pittsburgh Pirates roster navbox}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Vazquez, Felipe}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vazquez, Felipe}}
Line 112: Line 112:
[[Category:Venezuelan Summer League Rays players]]
[[Category:Venezuelan Summer League Rays players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:People from San Felipe, Venezuela]]

Revision as of 12:53, 2 February 2024

Felipe Vázquez
Vázquez with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1991-07-05) July 5, 1991 (age 32)
San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
April 17, 2015, for the Washington Nationals
Last MLB appearance
September 12, 2019, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
Win–loss record17–13
Earned run average2.61
Strikeouts402
Saves89
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Felipe Javier Vázquez (né Rivero, born July 5, 1991) is a Venezuelan convicted sex offender and former professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019 before his arrest on sexual assault charges led to his being placed on the restricted list by both the Pirates and Major League Baseball.

Professional career

Minor Leagues (2009–2015)

Vázquez signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an international free agent on July 30, 2008.[1] He represented the Rays at the 2012 All-Star Futures Game.[2] He was added to the Rays' 40-man roster on November 20, 2012.[3]

On February 13, 2014, Vázquez was traded to the Washington Nationals, along with José Lobatón and Drew Vettleson, in exchange for Nate Karns.[4][5] He suffered through elbow inflammation during the season, and was limited to 14 games started.[6] After the 2014 regular season, the Nationals assigned Vázquez to the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League.[7]

The Nationals transitioned Vázquez into a relief pitcher during spring training in 2015.[6] Vázquez opened the 2015 season with the Syracuse Chiefs of the Class AAA International League.[8]

Washington Nationals (2015–2016)

Vázquez with the Washington Nationals

On April 17, 2015, Vázquez made his major league debut by coming in to pitch the top of the ninth inning in a 7–2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched one inning, allowing two hits and one run while striking out two batters.[9] He went on the disabled list due to gastrointestinal bleeding on April 22.[10] On June 1, the Nationals called up Vázquez to the major leagues from Syracuse.[11] At the end of the season, Vázquez was able to reach 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) with his fastball in relief. In 49 games for the Nationals, he pitched in 48+1⁄3 innings, posting a 2–1 record with a 2.79 ERA. With Jonathan Papelbon suspended and Drew Storen injured, Vázquez converted two save opportunities during the final week of the season. He finished the season with a 2.79 earned run average.[6]

During the 2016 season, Vázquez's ERA reached a peak at 6.82 following a game on June 18 where he allowed all six batters he faced to reach base. In the next 13 appearances, he had a 0.93 ERA to lower his season ERA to 4.53.[12]

Pittsburgh Pirates (2016–2019)

2016–17

On July 30, 2016, the Nationals traded Vázquez, along with Taylor Hearn, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Mark Melancon.[13] For the Pirates, he finished with a 3.29 ERA in 28 games.

Vázquez began the 2017 season as a setup reliever.[14][15] After a 0.58 ERA in 31 games, on June 9 he was named co-closer for the Pirates along with Juan Nicasio, replacing Tony Watson.[16][17] Vázquez later assumed primary closing duties, with Nicasio becoming the eighth-inning setup man.[18] Vázquez was 5–3 with a 1.67 ERA, and earned 21 saves in 23 opportunities in 2017.[19] His fastest pitch of 2017 was 102.6 miles an hour, second-best in MLB only to pitches by Aroldis Chapman.[20] Of all MLB pitchers, he held left-handed batters to the lowest batting average, .082 (in 20 or more innings).[21]

2018–19: All-Star seasons

Before the 2018 season, Vázquez signed a four-year contract with the Pirates, with club options for another two years.[22] In 2018, Vázquez was selected to play in the 2018 All-Star Game, his first All-Star appearance.[23] For the season, he was 4–2 with 37 saves and a 2.70 ERA.

In an April 7, 2019, game against the Cincinnati Reds, Vázquez was ejected after his role in a bench-clearing incident involving Chris Archer, Derek Dietrich, Yasiel Puig, Amir Garrett, Keone Kela, and David Bell.[24] Vázquez was selected for the 2019 All-Star Game, as a roster replacement for Zack Greinke.[25] On September 10, Vázquez and Kyle Crick got into a clubhouse fight; Crick broke his finger, requiring season-ending surgery.[26] On September 17, the Pirates placed Vázquez on the restricted list, due to his arrest on multiple charges of unlawful contact with a minor.[27] At the time, his record for the season was 5–1 with a 1.65 ERA and 28 saves. He was also placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball.[28]

Pitching style

Vázquez throws a fastball which can reach over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). Vázquez's fastball averaged 96.4 miles per hour (155.1 km/h) in 2016 and around 98 miles per hour (158 km/h) in 2017.[14][15][29] As a prospect with the Rays, Vázquez initially threw only 86 miles per hour (138 km/h).[14] He also throws an effective changeup at 89–90 miles per hour (143–145 km/h) with two-seam movement, which he picked up in the Rays minor league system. Vázquez began throwing it frequently in 2015, and uses it around 25 percent of the time.[14][15][29] The pitch has been referred to as a "Bugs Bunny changeup" by Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage.[30] Vázquez also throws a slider and a curveball.[15][29]

Personal life

In 2018, he changed his last name from Rivero to Vázquez to match the surname of his sister, citing that she had been a big part of his career.[31]

Child sexual abuse conviction

Vázquez was arrested on September 17, 2019, on charges of computer pornography, specifically alleging that he solicited a child and provided obscene material to minors, regarding an alleged sexual relationship he had with a 13-year-old female from Lee County, Florida.[32] Hours later, Vázquez was charged with statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old related to a separate incident in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.[33] Vázquez admitted that in 2017, he had a sexual encounter with the girl when she was 13 years old. He also admitted to sending nude photos of himself and videos of himself engaged in sexual activities to the girl.[34][35][36] An additional 21 felony charges (including ten counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, ten counts of child pornography, and one count of corruption of a minor) were announced on November 19, 2019, and Vazquez was denied bail.[37] On May 29, 2020, it was reported that Vázquez faced another child pornography charge in St. Louis.[38] Vázquez and his attorneys denied the charges, arguing that the alleged victim showed Vázquez an ID indicating she was at least 18, that he was never informed of his rights by police, and that he never actually confessed. Vázquez's attorneys sought to get the charges dropped in September 2020.[39] Another motion to dismiss the charges was filed in late 2020, this time over jurisdictional issues relating to the state in which the crimes allegedly occurred.[40]

Vázquez's trial commenced on May 17, 2021.[41] On May 20, he was convicted on 15 counts stemming from the relationship with the girl, including: ten counts of sexual abuse of children, two counts of unlawful contact with a minor, one count of statutory sexual assault, one count of corruption of a minor, and one count of indecent assault of someone under 16 years old. He still is facing charges in Missouri and Florida related to the same victim.[42][43] Vázquez was sentenced to two to four years in state prison on August 17, 2021.[44][45] He received credit for the 23 months he already served before his sentencing.[44]

On March 13, 2023, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania denied Vázquez's appeal.[46] U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported him to Venezuela on December 1, 2023.[47]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Felipe Vazquez Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com.
  2. ^ "Promising Rays duo cued for Futures Game". Mlb.mlb.com. June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  3. ^ "Rays add four players to 40-man roster". Tampabay.rays.mlb.com. November 20, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  4. ^ "Nationals acquire catcher Jose Lobaton, LHP Felipe Rivero and OF Drew Vettleson from Tampa Bay". Curly W Live. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  5. ^ Wagner, James (February 27, 2014). "Felipe Rivero, acquired in Jose Lobaton-Nate Karns trade, adjusting to the Nationals". Washington Post. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  6. ^ a b c Wagner, James (March 6, 2016). "Felipe Rivero, thrust into a reliever's role, now sees himself as a future closer". Washington Post. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  7. ^ "Byron Kerr: Felipe Rivero with bounceback win for Mesa". MASNsports. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  8. ^ "2015 Syracuse Chiefs: pitching is a plus, offense will be a work in progress". syracuse.com. April 8, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  9. ^ "Felipe Rivero makes major league debut". Washington Post. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  10. ^ "Nationals call up Matt Grace, put Felipe Rivero on the DL, trade Xavier Cedeño". Washington Post. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  11. ^ Wagner, James (June 1, 2015). "Felipe Rivero recalled, Matt Grace optioned to Syracuse". Washington Post. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  12. ^ Spector, Jesse (July 30, 2016). "Mark Melancon trade could be National disaster if Felipe Rivero pans out". Sporting News. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  13. ^ "Nationals land closer Melancon from Pirates". MLB.com. July 30, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
  14. ^ a b c d Berry, Adam (March 7, 2017). "Rivero has 'nasty' arsenal of pitches: Reliever one of three lefty hurlers in Majors to hit 100 mph in 2016". MLB.com. Bradenton, Florida. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  15. ^ a b c d Sheinin, Dave (June 7, 2017). "Former Nats reliever Felipe Rivero can throw 101 mph, and that's not even his best pitch". The Washington Post. Baltimore. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  16. ^ "Tony Watson out as closer as Pirates turn to Felipe Rivero and Juan Nicasio". ESPN.com. June 9, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  17. ^ RotoWire (June 9, 2017). "Pirates' Felipe Rivero: Will share closer duties". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  18. ^ Berry, Adam (August 31, 2017). "Bucs part ways with Nicasio; Phils make claim: Pittsburgh opts to place reliever on outright waivers instead of make trade". MLB.com. Pittsburgh. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  19. ^ RotoWire (October 1, 2017). "Pirates' Felipe Rivero: Picks up 21st save". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  20. ^ "Statcast | MLB.com". M.mlb.com. May 24, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  21. ^ "Splits Leaderboards". FanGraphs. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  22. ^ "Pirates sign closer Felipe Rivero to 4-year deal". USA Today. January 18, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  23. ^ Berry, Adam (July 8, 2018). "Felipe Vazquez selected to NL All-Star team". MLB.com. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  24. ^ John Boyle, Staff Writer. "WATCH: Reds manager David Bell, Yasiel Puig ejected after brawl vs. Pirates". daytondailynews.
  25. ^ "Vazquez, Woodruff, Tanaka join All-Star rosters". Reuters. July 6, 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  26. ^ "Pirates pitcher Crick has surgery after altercation". ESPN. July 9, 2019. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  27. ^ Berry, Adam (September 17, 2019). "Pirates' Vázquez arrested, put on restricted list". MLB.com. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  28. ^ Snyder, Matt (September 17, 2019). "Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez arrested on charges of child solicitation, reportedly placed on administrative leave by MLB". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  29. ^ a b c Nesbitt, Stephen J. (May 8, 2017). "Felipe Rivero can thank the changeup for his strong start". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  30. ^ Biertempfel, Rob (March 2, 2017). "Change is good for Pirates reliever Rivero". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  31. ^ Bloom, Elizabeth (April 9, 2018). "Felipe Rivero has changed his name to Felipe Vázquez". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  32. ^ Kaplan, David. "Authorities: Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez arrested, charged with solicitation of child". Pittsburgh's Action News 4. WTAE-TV. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  33. ^ "Pirates' All-Star Closer Felipe Vázquez Facing Several Felony Charges, Including Sexual Assault Of Teen He Met At PNC Park". pittsburgh.cbslocal.com. KDKA-TV. September 17, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  34. ^ "Vazquez told police of attempted sex with minor". September 18, 2019.
  35. ^ Ray Sanchez; Evan Simko-Bednarski; Kristina Sgueglia (September 18, 2019). "Pirates' closer Felipe Vázquez described sexual encounter with girl as 'sex but not really,' police say". CNN. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  36. ^ "State police: Felipe Vazquez admitted to sexual contact with 13-year-old girl". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  37. ^ "Vazquez denied bail, faces new felony charges". ESPN.com. November 19, 2019.
  38. ^ "Felipe Vazquez, suspended Pirates pitcher, faces new child porn charge in St. Louis". CBSSports.com. May 29, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  39. ^ "Vazquez: I never confessed to sex with minor". ESPN.com. September 1, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  40. ^ "Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez again seeks dismissal of charges in teen sex case". TribLive.com. December 2, 2020.
  41. ^ "Teen testifies to sexual relationship with ex-Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez, says initial contact was 'super cool'". May 17, 2021.
  42. ^ Wilkinson, Joseph (May 20, 2021). "MLB pitcher Felipe Vazquez convicted in child sex case". nydailynews.com. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  43. ^ "Former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez found guilty of statutory sexual assault, other charges". ESPN.com. May 21, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  44. ^ a b "Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison for sexually assaulting teen". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  45. ^ "Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez sentenced for sexual conduct with minor". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 17, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  46. ^ Ward, Paula Reed (March 13, 2023). "Former Pirates closer convicted of sex assault loses appeal in Superior Court". TribLIVE.com.
  47. ^ https://triblive.com/sports/ex-pittsburgh-pirates-pitcher-vazquez-expelled-from-u-s-returned-to-venezuela/

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Felipe Vázquez.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Felipe_Vázquez&oldid=1202304092"