Fernando Antonio Abad (; born December 17, 1985) is a Dominican professional

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...

pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("Pitch (baseball), pitches") the Baseball (ball), baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of out (baseball), retiring a batter (baseball), batter, ...

for the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the

Mexican League The Mexican Baseball League (, or LMB, ) is a professional baseball league in Mexico. It is the oldest running professional sports league in the country. The league has 20 teams organized in two divisions, North and South. Teams play 114 games ...

. He has previously played in

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...

(MLB) for the

Houston Astros The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. They are one of two major leag ...

Washington Nationals The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. They play their home games at Na ...

Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...

Minnesota Twins The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. The team is named afte ...

Boston Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Founded in as one of the Ameri ...

San Francisco Giants The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...

Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles (also known as the O's) are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. As one of the America ...

, and

Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...

Professional career

Houston Astros

Abad began his professional career in 2006, pitching for the Dominican Summer Astros. That year, he went 5–2 with a 1.32 ERA in 15 games (11 games started). He also struck out 64 batters in 61 innings. He split 2007 between the

Greeneville Astros The Greeneville Astros were a Minor League Baseball team that played in the Rookie League, Rookie-level Appalachian League from 2004 to 2017. They represented the town of Greeneville, Tennessee, though Pioneer Park (stadium), Pioneer Park, their h ...

(17 games, four starts) and

Tri-City ValleyCats The Tri-City ValleyCats are a professional baseball team based in Albany, New York. The ValleyCats compete in the Frontier League (FL) as a member of the North Division in the Atlantic Conference. The team was established in 2002, along with the ...

(two games), going a combined 6–4 with a 4.25 ERA, with 59 strikeouts in 53 innings. In 2008, he pitched for the

Lexington Legends The Lexington Legends are an American professional baseball team based in Lexington, Kentucky. They are a member of the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a "partner league" of Major League Baseball. The Legends have ...

, going 2–7 with a 3.30 ERA in 45 relief appearances, striking out 94 batters in 76 innings. Abad pitched for the

Lancaster JetHawks The Lancaster JetHawks were a baseball team located in Lancaster, California. They were named for the city's association with the aerospace industry and played their home games at The Hangar. From 1996 to 2020, they were members of Minor League B ...

(41 games) and

Corpus Christi Hooks The Corpus Christi Hooks are a Minor League Baseball team of the Texas League and the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. They are located in Corpus Christi, Texas, and are named for the city's association with fishing. The team is owned b ...

(three games, all starts) in 2009, going a combined 4–7 with a 4.00 ERA, striking out 92 batters in 96 innings of work. In 3 seasons with the Astros, Abad went 1–11 with a 5.10 ERA in 88 games while striking out 65 in 84 innings. On November 1, 2012, Abad was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A

Oklahoma City RedHawks Oklahoma ( ; Choctaw language, Choctaw: , ) is a landlocked U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. It borders Texas to the south and west, Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northea ...

Washington Nationals

On November 22, 2012, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

. He was called up to the big leagues when Ryan Mattheus was placed on the disabled list and he posted a 3.35 ERA in innings out of the bullpen. On November 20, 2013, Abad was

designated for assignment Designated for assignment (DFA) is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball (MLB). A player who is designated for assignment is immediately removed from the team's 40-man roster, after which the team must, within seven days, return the pla ...

Oakland Athletics

On November 25, 2013, the Nationals traded Abad to the

for minor league outfielder John Wooten. In his first season in Oakland, Abad pitched a career high 69 games with a career low 1.57 ERA in innings. Abad regressed the following season, allowing 11 home runs in under 60 innings. The Athletics designated Abad for assignment after the 2015 season, and he later elected free agency.

Minnesota Twins

On December 17, 2015, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

organization. On April 2, 2016, the Twins selected Abad's contract after he made the team's

Opening Day Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball (MLB) and most of the American minor leagues, this day typically falls during the first week of April, although in recent year ...

roster. He became an integral part of the Twins' bullpen in 2016, posting a 1–4 record and 2.65 ERA with 29 strikeouts across 39 appearances.

Boston Red Sox

On August 1, 2016, the Twins traded Abad to the

in exchange for Pat Light. In 2017, Abad appeared in 48 games for the

Red Sox The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. The Red Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight ch ...

, pitching to a 3.30 ERA with 37 strikeouts in innings of work. On November 2, 2017, Abad elected free agency.

Long Island Ducks

On February 17, 2018, Abad agreed to a minor league contract with the

Philadelphia Phillies The Philadelphia Phillies are an American professional baseball team based in Philadelphia. The Phillies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. Since 2004, the team's home stadium has ...

that included an invitation to spring training. He was released prior to the start of the season on March 21. Abad signed a minor league contract with the

New York Mets The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National ...

on March 25, 2018. On June 7, Abad was suspended 80 games after testing positive for

Stanozolol Stanozolol (Abbreviation, abbrev. Stz), sold under many brand names, is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is used to treat hereditary angioedema. It was developed by American ph ...

, a performance-enhancing substance and was released by the Mets upon the announcement of the news. On August 3, 2018, Abad signed with the

Long Island Ducks The Long Island Ducks are an American professional minor league baseball team based on Long Island in Central Islip, New York. The Ducks compete in the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), an independent "par ...

of the

Atlantic League of Professional Baseball The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is a professional independent baseball league in the United States. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States, and the headquarters are l ...

. In 19 games for the Ducks, he logged a 1-0 record and 0.48 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 2 saves across innings pitched. Abad became a free agent following the 2018 season.

San Francisco Giants

On February 16, 2019, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

organization. In 41 appearances split between the Double–A

Richmond Flying Squirrels The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a Minor League Baseball team based in Richmond, Virginia. The team, which is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond. Th ...

and Triple–A

Sacramento River Cats The Sacramento River Cats are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and are the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Prior to 2015, the River Cats were the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland ...

, he compiled a 2.70 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 13 saves over 50 innings pitched. On August 15, the Giants selected Abad's contract, adding him to their active roster. In 21 games for San Francisco, he logged a 4.15 ERA with 9 strikeouts across 13 innings of work. On November 2, the Giants declined their option on Abad for the 2020 season, making him a free agent.

New York Yankees

On December 18, 2019, Abad returned to the

, signing a minor league contract with the organization. He was released by the Nationals on July 17, 2020. On July 24, 2020, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

New York Yankees The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the Boroughs of New York City, New York City borough of the Bronx. The Yankees compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Am ...

organization. He became a free agent on November 2.

Baltimore Orioles

On December 16, 2020, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

organization. After the 2020 season, he played for

Toros del Este Toros del Este (formerly Azucareros del Este) are a baseball team in the Dominican Winter League established in . Based in the eastern city of La Romana, the Toros have won three championship series in their history, winning the title in , , . ...

of the

Dominican Professional Baseball League The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League ( or LIDOM) is a professional baseball winter league consisting of six teams spread across the Dominican Republic; it is the highest level of professional baseball played in the Dominican Repub ...

(LIDOM). He has also played for Dominican Republic in the 2021 Caribbean Series. After posting a 4.26 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 26 appearances for the Triple-A

Norfolk Tides The Norfolk Tides are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. They are located in Norfolk, Virginia, and are named in nautical reference to the city's loc ...

, the Orioles selected Abad's contract on August 15, 2021.

Saraperos de Saltillo

On March 23, 2022, Abad signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the

. In 4 games for Saltillo, he registered a 2-0 record and 2.25 ERA with 7 strikeouts over 4 innings of relief.

Seattle Mariners

On May 4, 2022, Abad signed a minor league deal with the

Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners are an American professional baseball team based in Seattle. The Mariners compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. The team joined the American ...

. He was assigned to the Triple-A

Tacoma Rainiers The Tacoma Rainiers are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. They are located in Tacoma, Washington, and play their home games at Cheney Stadium, ...

, with whom he recorded a 3.56 ERA in 40 appearances, striking out 32 batters in 43 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.

Colorado Rockies

On January 9, 2023, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

organization. He was assigned to the Triple-A

Albuquerque Isotopes The Albuquerque Isotopes are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. They play home games at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at an ...

to begin the year, where he pitched to a 1.69 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 2 saves across 13 appearances. On May 15, Abad's contract was selected to the active roster. He pitched in 3 games for Colorado, surrendering 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks in innings of work. On May 21, Abad was designated for assignment following the promotion of Matt Carasiti. He was released by the Rockies on May 24. Abad re-signed with the Rockies organization on a minor league contract on May 30. On July 2, Abad was selected back to the major league roster. He was the

winning pitcher Winning may refer to: * Victory Film * ''Winning'' (film), a 1969 movie starring Paul Newman * '' Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman'', a 2015 documentary by Adam Carolla and Nate Adams Music * ''Winning'', an album by Ten Foot Pole, 2022 ...

for the first time in 2,226 days in a 4–3 victory over the

Astros The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. They are one of two major leag ...

Coors Field Coors Field is a baseball stadium in downtown Denver, Colorado. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. Opened in 1995 Major League Baseball season, 1995, the park is located in Denver's LoDo, Lower Downtown neighborhood, ...

on July 18. His previous win was with the Red Sox six years prior on June 13, 2017, when he defeated the

. After posting a 4.26 ERA across 6 appearances, Abad was designated for assignment on July 19, after Brent Suter was activated from the injured list. On July 22, he again cleared waivers and was outrighted to Albuquerque. Abad was released by the Rockies organization on August 15.

Milwaukee Brewers

On August 25, 2023, Abad signed a minor league contract with the

Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...

organization. In 9 appearances for the Triple–A

Nashville Sounds The Nashville Sounds are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the ci ...

, he posted a 7.88 ERA with 8 strikeouts and 2 saves across 8 innings pitched. Abad elected free agency following the season on November 6.

Saraperos de Saltillo (second stint)

On February 24, 2024, Abad signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the

. In 42 appearances for Saltillo, he logged a 2–1 record and 4.65 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 3 saves over innings of relief. Abad was released by the Saraperos on March 19, 2025.

Algodoneros de Unión Laguna

On April 8, 2025, Abad signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the

Pitching style

Abad features a

four-seam fastball A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch (baseball), pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family of pitches and is usually the fastest ball thrown by a pitcher. It is s ...

(94–97 mph), a sinker (92–95 mph), a

curveball In baseball and softball, the curveball is a type of pitch thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball, causing it to dive as it approaches the plate. Varieties of curveball include the 12–6 curve ...

(78–83 mph), and a

changeup A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball and fastpitch softball. The changeup is a staple off-speed pitch often used in a pitcher's arsenal, usually thrown to look like a fastball, but arriving much more slowly to the plate. Its reduced spee ...

(75–79 mph). He tends to use the sinker and changeup more against right-handed hitters, and his four-seamer and curveball more against left-handed hitters. He also occasionally throws an eephus pitch, around 55 mph.

References

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Abad, Fernando 1985 births Living people Albuquerque Isotopes players Azucareros del Este players Baltimore Orioles players Baseball players suspended for drug offenses Boston Red Sox players Colorado Rockies players Corpus Christi Hooks players Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Mexico Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Venezuela Dominican Republic sportspeople in doping cases Dominican Summer League Astros players Greeneville Astros players Gulf Coast Astros players Houston Astros players Lancaster JetHawks players Lexington Legends players Long Island Ducks players Minnesota Twins players Oakland Athletics players Oklahoma City RedHawks players Baseball players from La Romana, Dominican Republic Major League Baseball pitchers Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic 21st-century Dominican Republic sportsmen Nashville Sounds players Navegantes del Magallanes players Norfolk Tides players Richmond Flying Squirrels players Round Rock Express players Sacramento River Cats players San Francisco Giants players Saraperos de Saltillo players Syracuse Chiefs players Tacoma Rainiers players Toros del Este players Tri-City ValleyCats players Washington Nationals players World Baseball Classic players of the Dominican Republic 2017 World Baseball Classic players