Mathew Adam Latos ( ; born December 9, 1987) is an American
professional baseball
Professional baseball is organized baseball in which players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system. It is played in leagues and associated farm teams throughout the world.
Modern professiona ...
pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("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, who attempts to e ...
for the
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are an American professional baseball team based in Waldorf, Maryland. They are members of the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent "partner league" of Major League B ...
of the
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is a professional independent baseball league based in the United States. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The Atlantic League's ...
. He has played in
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization and the oldest major professional sports league in the world. MLB is composed of 30 total teams, divided equally between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL) ...
(MLB) for the
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Founded in 1969, the club has won two NL penna ...
from 2009 through 2011, the
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League Central, Central division and were a charter member of ...
from 2012 through 2014, and the
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East division. The club's home ballpark is LoanDepot Park.
The fra ...
,
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Established in 1883 in the city of Brookly ...
and
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. Since 1966, the team ha ...
in 2015, the
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central division. The team is owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, and ...
and
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C.. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) East division. From 2005 to 2007, the team played in RFK Stadi ...
in 2016, and the
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East division. Since 1989, the team has played its home games ...
in 2017.
Born in
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the northern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. It lies on the western bank of the Potomac River approximately south of downtown Washington, D.C.
In 2020, the population was 159,467. ...
, Latos' family moved to
Florida
Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, a ...
when he was young. He played baseball at
Coconut Creek High School, where he became one of the best high school players in the state. Highly regarded for his talent before the
2006 MLB draft, he fell to the 11th round due to questions about his maturity. After pitching at
Broward College
Broward College is a public college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System. It was established in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year colleges. In 2008 it adopted its current name, reflecting that ...
for a season, he was signed by the
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Founded in 1969, the club has won two NL penna ...
for a $1.25 million bonus. He debuted for the Padres in 2009, and established himself in their
starting rotation
R
rabbit ears
:Indicates a participant in the game who hears things perhaps too well for their own good. A player who becomes nervous or chokes when opposing players or fans yell at or razz them is said to have rabbit ears. Also, an umpire ...
. The Reds traded four players, including three
prospects, to acquire Latos before the 2012 season.
Latos suffered a knee injury in 2014, which reduced his effectiveness. The Marlins traded for Latos before the 2015 season and then traded him to the Dodgers in July 2015. He signed with the White Sox for 2016, but was released during the season, and finished the year with the Nationals. He briefly appeared with the Blue Jays in 2017.
Early life
Latos is the only child
[ born to Lisa and Rich Latos.] He is originally from Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the northern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. It lies on the western bank of the Potomac River approximately south of downtown Washington, D.C.
In 2020, the population was 159,467. ...
. When Latos was 12 years old, his grandfather insisted that he play in a baseball tournament rather than stay at his bedside the day he died.[
]
High school career
Latos attended Coconut Creek High School in Coconut Creek, Florida
Coconut Creek is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. Situated north of Miami, it had a population of 57,833 in 2020. It is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city seceded from ...
, despite being recruited to attend high schools with more prestigious baseball programs.[ He was named the ace ]starting pitcher
In baseball (hardball or softball), a starting pitcher or starter is the first pitcher in the game for each team. A pitcher is credited with a game started if they throw the first pitch to the opponent's first batter of a game. Starting pitc ...
of the Coconut Creek baseball team's as a freshman. That year, he pitched to a 3–4 win–loss record
In sports, a winning percentage is the fraction of games or matches a team or individual has won. The statistic is commonly used in standings or rankings to compare teams or individuals. It is defined as wins divided by the total number of match ...
and a 3.68 earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the numb ...
(ERA), with 41 strikeouts and 26 walks in innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched (IP) are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher is on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning ...
. His fastball reached . He improved his fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch thrown by pitchers in baseball and softball. " Power pitchers," such as former American major leaguers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, rely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit, and have t ...
command and velocity as a sophomore, reaching and his statistics improved to a 5–2 record, a 1.23 ERA, 89 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 68 innings.[
Heading into his junior year, Latos improved his training regimen and diet. He pitched to a 7–4 record with a 0.76 ERA as a junior with 128 strikeouts and 17 walks in 83 innings. Eleven of his thirteen starts were ]complete game
In baseball, a complete game (CG) is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher. A pitcher who meets this criterion will be credited with a complete game regardless of the number of innings played—pit ...
s. Coconut Creek reached the regional quarterfinals, and Latos was named an Aflac
Aflac Inc. (American Family Life Assurance Company) is an American insurance company and is the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the United States. The company was founded in 1955 and is based in Columbus, Georgia. In the U.S., ...
All-America
The All-America designation is an annual honor bestowed upon an amateur sports person from the United States who is considered to be one of the best amateurs in their sport. Individuals receiving this distinction are typically added to an All-Am ...
n and All-Broward County
Broward County ( , ) is a county in the southeastern part of Florida, located in the Miami metropolitan area. It is Florida's second-most populous county after Miami-Dade County and the 17th-most populous in the United States, with over 1.94 ...
by the ''South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The ''Sun Sentinel'' (also known as the ''South Florida Sun Sentinel'', known until 2008 as the ''Sun-Sentinel'', and stylized on its masthead as ''SunSentinel'') is the main daily newspaper of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as surrounding B ...
'' and '' Miami Herald''. By his senior year, Latos could throw his fastball as high as .[ He was an ]honorable mention
An award, sometimes called a distinction, is something given to a recipient as a token of recognition of excellence in a certain field. When the token is a medal, ribbon or other item designed for wearing, it is known as a decoration.
An awa ...
by the Florida Sports Writers Association for the All-State team. As a senior, Latos had a 7–3 record with 110 strikeouts and a 0.64 ERA in innings pitched. He appeared in the Broward County Athletics Association All-Star Game, and was named ''South Florida Sun-Sentinel''s player of the year.
College career
Latos committed to attend the University of Oklahoma
, mottoeng = "For the benefit of the Citizen and the State"
, type = Public research university
, established =
, academic_affiliations =
, endowment = $2.7billion (2021)
, pr ...
to play college baseball
College baseball is baseball that is played on the intercollegiate level at institutions of higher education. In comparison to football and basketball, college competition in the United States plays a smaller role in developing professional pl ...
for the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team. However, many scouts
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement employing the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpack ...
expected Latos to be a first-round pick in the 2006 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. SchoolSports.com ranked Latos the fifth-best high school pitcher available in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft.[ The ]San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Founded in 1969, the club has won two NL penna ...
selected Latos in the 11th round (333rd overall). He fell in the draft since his personality made him difficult to handle in high school, as he was considered immature, often yelled at teammates who made errors and reacted poorly when the umpire
An umpire is an official in a variety of sports and competition, responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, including sportsmanship decisions such as ejection.
The term derives from the Old French nonper, ''non'', "not" and ''per'', ...
made a call with which he disagreed.[
After the draft, Latos demanded a $3 million ]signing bonus
A signing bonus or sign-on bonus is a sum of money paid to a new employee (including a professional sports person) by a company as an incentive to join that company. They are often given as a way of making a compensation package more attractive ...
from the Padres.[ When the Padres did not meet his demands, Latos enrolled at ]Broward College
Broward College is a public college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System. It was established in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year colleges. In 2008 it adopted its current name, reflecting that ...
, a junior college, to pitch for their baseball team. As the Padres retained the right to sign Latos until the start of the 2007 MLB draft
The 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players and was held on June 7, 2007 and June 8, 2007. The first day session of the draft included the fir ...
, they sent scout Joe Bochy to observe every start Latos made.[ Latos had a 10–3 win–loss record and a 2.03 ERA.][ Feeling that Latos was worth the gamble, the Padres paid Latos $1.25 million a few days before he would have re-entered the draft in 2007.]
Professional career
Minor leagues
Latos started his professional career in 2007, minor league baseball with the Eugene Emeralds
The Eugene Emeralds (nicknamed the Ems) are a Minor League Baseball team in the northwest United States, based in Eugene, Oregon. The Emeralds are members of the Northwest League and are affiliated with the San Francisco Giants. Eugene plays their ...
, the Padres' Class A-Short Season
Class A Short Season (officially Short-Season A) was a level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States from 1965 through 2020. In the hierarchy of minor league classifications, it was below Triple-A, Double-A, Class A-Advanced (cre ...
affiliate in the Northwest League
The Northwest League is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the Northwestern United States and Western Canada. A Class A Short Season league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Basebal ...
. Pitching in 16 games for Eugene, Latos had a 1–4 record and a 3.83 ERA. In 2008, Latos started the season with the Fort Wayne Wizards of the Class A Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Minor League Baseball league established in 1947 and based in the Midwestern United States. A Class A league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Baseball's 2021 reorganiza ...
, but missed playing time during the season due to abdominal and shoulder injuries.
The Padres invited Latos to spring training
Spring training is the preseason in Major League Baseball (MLB), a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives estab ...
in 2009,[ but he suffered a minor ankle sprain that limited his appearances. Latos started the 2009 season in Fort Wayne and allowed only one run in four starts. He was then promoted to the ]San Antonio Missions
The San Antonio Missions are a Minor League Baseball team of the Texas League and the Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. They are located in San Antonio, Texas, and are named for the Spanish missions around which the city was founded ...
of the Class AA
Double-A (officially Class AA) is the second-highest level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States since 1946, below only Triple-A. There are currently 30 teams classified at the Double-A level, one for each team in Major League ...
Texas League
The Texas League is a Minor League Baseball league which has operated in the South Central United States since 1902. It is classified as a Double-A league. Despite the league's name, only its five South Division teams are actually based in the ...
. At San Antonio, Latos had a 5–1 win–loss record and threw five perfect innings in his last start for San Antonio on July 9. Between Fort Wayne and San Antonio, Latos had an 8–1 record, a 1.38 ERA, 73 strikeouts, and a .168 batting average against (BAA). The Padres named Latos their Padres Minor League Pitcher of the Month for May.[ Latos was selected to play in the 2009 ]All-Star Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game hosted by Major League Baseball (MLB) in conjunction with the mid-summer MLB All-Star Game. A team of American League-affiliated prospects competes against a team of National Le ...
,[ and threw one scoreless inning.
]
San Diego Padres
The Padres promoted Latos to make his major league debut on July 19, 2009, against the 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 (NL) West division. The team plays its home baseball games at Coors Fi ...
. In his major league debut, Latos pitched four innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four, while throwing 75 pitches. He recorded his first major league win on July 24. Latos became the first pitcher in Padres history to win four of his first five career starts. Latos made ten starts for the Padres in 2009, pitching to a 4–5 record and a 4.68 ERA.[
On May 13, 2010, Latos threw a complete game shutout against the division foe San Francisco Giants. The only hit he allowed was an ]infield single
An infield hit is an outcome in baseball in which the batted ball stays in the infield, but neither the batter (baseball), batter nor any baserunning, runners are out (baseball), put out. If the batter and runners reach safely due to an error (base ...
. The Padres won the game 1–0. After posting a 5.47 ERA through May 1, Latos lowered his ERA down to 2.45 right before the All Star Break, also leading the league in BAA and WHIP (.193 and 0.97 respectively). On September 7, 2010, Latos set a major league record with a seven–inning, 10–strikeout performance in a win against the Dodgers. The victory was Latos' 15th consecutive start logging at least five innings and allowing two or fewer earned runs, which was at the time the longest streak in modern baseball history (since 1900) according to the Elias Sports Bureau The Elias Sports Bureau is a privately held company providing historical and current statistical information for the major professional sports leagues operating in the United States and Canada.
Elias is the official statistician for Major League Ba ...
. The record would be broken by Félix Hernández
Félix Abraham Hernández García (born April 8, 1986), nicknamed "King Félix", is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners from 2005 through 2019.
On August 15, 2 ...
, who recorded 17 such straight outings during the 2014 season. Previously the mark had been set by Greg Maddux
Gregory Alan Maddux (born April 14, 1966) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for four teams. Maddux is best known for his accomplishments while playing for the Atlanta Braves ...
(1993–94) and Mike Scott (1986), who had such streaks lasting 14 starts. On the season, Latos pitched to a 14–10 win–loss record in 31 games started
In baseball statistics, games started (denoted by GS) indicates the number of games that a pitcher has started for his team. A pitcher is credited with starting the game if he throws the first pitch to the first opposing batter. If a player is list ...
, with a 2.92 (ERA), 1.08 walks plus hits per inning pitched
In baseball statistics, walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a pitcher has allowed per inning pitched. WHIP is calculated by adding the number of walks and hits allowed and divi ...
(WHIP), and 189 strikeouts in innings pitched. He placed eighth in voting for the National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League (NL), is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada, and the world's oldest extant professional team ...
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), one each for the American League (AL) and National League (NL). The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Ha ...
.[
However, Latos lost his last five starts of the 2010 season, culminating with a 3–0 loss to the ]San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco, California. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Founded in 1883 as the New Y ...
on October 3 that, combined with an Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East division. The Braves were founded in B ...
win, eliminated the Padres from playoff contention. The ''San Diego Union-Tribune
''The San Diego Union-Tribune'' is a metropolitan daily newspaper published in San Diego, California, that has run since 1868.
Its name derives from a 1992 merger between the two major daily newspapers at the time, ''The San Diego Union'' and ...
'' attributed his struggles at the end of the year to fatigue, as his innings for the season were more than he pitched in 2009.
Latos started 2011 on the disabled list
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the injured list (IL) is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players. Before the 2019 season, it was known as the disabled list (DL).
General guidelines
...
due to a spring training shoulder injury.[ He lost his first four starts of the season, extending his losing streak to nine consecutive starts dating back to 2010. The streak tied the longest streak in Padres history, held by Andy Benes and Dennis Rasmussen. Latos had a no-decision in his next start after the bullpen blew a save opportunity, preventing him from earning a win. He lost another decision for a 10-game losing streak that was one less than the club record held by ]Gary Ross
Gary Ross (born November 3, 1956) is an American film director, writer, and producer. He is best known for writing and directing the fantasy comedy-drama film '' Pleasantville'' (1998), the sports drama film '' Seabiscuit'' (2003), the sci-fi act ...
. Latos won on May 15 against the 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 (NL) West division. The team plays its home baseball games at Coors Fi ...
to end his losing streak. He ended the 2011 season with a 9–14 record and a 3.47 ERA.
Cincinnati Reds
After the 2011 season, the Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are an American professional baseball team based in Cincinnati. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League Central, Central division and were a charter member of ...
were looking for another frontline starter to pair with Johnny Cueto in their starting rotation
R
rabbit ears
:Indicates a participant in the game who hears things perhaps too well for their own good. A player who becomes nervous or chokes when opposing players or fans yell at or razz them is said to have rabbit ears. Also, an umpire ...
. On December 17, 2011, the Padres traded Latos to the Reds in exchange for prospects Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal
Yasmani Grandal (born November 8, 1988) is a Cuban-born American professional baseball catcher for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Milwaukee Bre ...
, and Brad Boxberger
Bradley George Boxberger (born May 27, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas ...
, along with veteran starting pitcher Edinson Vólquez.
In the last week of June 2012, Latos pitched two complete games. He was named the National League Player of the Week for the week ending July 1. Latos finished the 2012 season with a 14–4 win–loss record a 3.48 ERA. The Reds reached the playoffs, and faced the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco, California. The Giants compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Founded in 1883 as the New Y ...
in the 2012 National League Division Series
The 2012 National League Division Series were two best-of-five game series to determine the participating teams in the 2012 National League Championship Series. The three divisional winners and a fourth team—the winner of a one-game Wild Ca ...
(NLDS). On October 11, 2012, Latos gave up a grand slam to Buster Posey in a 6-run top of the fifth inning in the elimination game of the NLDS. Latos took the loss in this game, as the Reds were eliminated.
The Reds signed Latos to a two-year contract worth $11.5 million for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Latos had a 21-game streak without a loss, extending from August 2012 to June 2013. He finished the 2013 season with a 14–7 win–loss record and a 3.16 ERA in innings pitched.[ Though he suffered an abdominal strain on June 30, he continued to pitch without missing any starts. He revealed the injury after a poor outing against the ]Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League Central, Central division. Founded as part o ...
in September. The Reds reached the 2013 National League Wild Card Game, opposing Pittsburgh. Reds' manager
Management (or managing) is the administration of an organization, whether it is a business, a nonprofit organization, or a government body. It is the art and science of managing resources of the business.
Management includes the activities ...
Dusty Baker wanted to start Latos for that game, but a bone spur in his elbow prevented him from being available. Baker chose Cueto as his starter. The Reds lost the game, ending their season.
Latos had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow during the offseason. During spring training in 2014, Latos tore cartilage in his left knee, which was repaired with surgery. His knee had not fully recovered in time for 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 years ...
of the 2014 season, which he started on the disabled list
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the injured list (IL) is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players. Before the 2019 season, it was known as the disabled list (DL).
General guidelines
...
. He began a rehabilitation assignment with the Louisville Bats
The Louisville Bats are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. They are located in Louisville, Kentucky, and are named in dual reference to the winged mammal and baseball ...
of the Class AAA
Triple-A (officially Class AAA) has been the highest level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States since 1946. Currently, two leagues operate at the Triple-A level, the International League (IL) and the Pacific Coast League (PCL ...
International League
The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major League Baseball ( ...
on May 26, and made his 2014 season debut with the Reds on June 14. Latos said that he came back at "80–90 percent" effectiveness due to his desire to help his team, but experienced setbacks with his knee during the season.[ He averaged on his ]fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch thrown by pitchers in baseball and softball. " Power pitchers," such as former American major leaguers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, rely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit, and have t ...
, down from during the 2013 season. His last start came on September 7, as he suffered a bone bruise on the elbow of his pitching arm. His 2014 season ended with a 5–5 record and a 3.25 ERA in 16 starts.
Miami Marlins
With the goal of reducing their payroll, and with Latos eligible for free agency after the 2015 season, the Reds traded Latos to the Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East division. The club's home ballpark is LoanDepot Park.
The fra ...
in exchange for Anthony DeSclafani and Chad Wallach
Chad Arthur Wallach (born November 4, 1991) is an American professional baseball catcher in the Los Angeles Angels organization. He was drafted by the Marlins in the fifth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, and made his MLB debut in 20 ...
during the 2014 Winter Meetings
Representatives of all 30 Major League Baseball teams and their 120 Minor League Baseball affiliates convene for four days each December in the Winter Meetings to discuss league business and conduct off-season trades and transactions. Attendees in ...
.[ Latos sought a $10.4 million salary for the 2015 season in salary arbitration, but the arbiters sided with the Marlins, who proposed a salary of $9.4 million.
Latos had of fluid drained from his left knee during ]spring training
Spring training is the preseason in Major League Baseball (MLB), a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives estab ...
. He allowed seven runs in of an inning in his first start for Miami, and struggled through knee pain through May.[ He went on the disabled list after his May 21 start to rest his knee, and returned in mid-June. Latos missed a start in July after a ]foul ball
In baseball, a foul ball is a batted ball that:
* Settles on foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base, or
* Bounces and then goes past first or third base on or over foul territory, or
* Has its first bounce occu ...
struck him in his foot while he was sitting in the dugout.
Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels
On July 30, 2015, in a three-team trade, the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West division. Established in 1883 in the city of Brookly ...
acquired Latos, Michael Morse, Bronson Arroyo, Alex Wood, Jim Johnson, Luis Avilán
Luis Armando Avilán (born July 19, 1989) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, ...
, and José Peraza, while the Marlins acquired minor league pitchers Victor Araujo, Jake Brigham
Jacob Daniel Brigham (born February 10, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2015 with the Atlanta ...
, and Kevin Guzman, while the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East division. The Braves were founded in B ...
received Héctor Olivera, Paco Rodriguez
Steven Francis "Paco" Rodríguez (born April 16, 1991) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Prior to playing professionally, Rodriguez attended the University of Florida, where he played college baseball for the Florida Gators. ...
, minor league pitcher Zachary Bird, and a competitive balance draft pick for the 2016 MLB draft. He pitched to a 6.66 ERA in innings.[ He lost his starting job due to his poor performance and 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 play ...
on September 17. The Dodgers released Latos on September 25.
On September 28, 2015, Latos signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West division. Since 1966, the team ha ...
that would allow him to pitch the last week of the season for them. Latos was not eligible to pitch for the Angels in the postseason. He made his first appearance for the Angels as a relief pitcher
In baseball and softball, a relief pitcher or reliever is a pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed because of fatigue, ineffectiveness, injury, or ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as inclement weather d ...
on September 29. Latos had a 4.91 ERA in innings pitched for the Angels.[
]
Chicago White Sox
Latos signed a one-year contract worth $3 million with the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The White Sox compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central division. The team is owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, and ...
prior to the 2016 season. Latos pitched to a 0.74 ERA in his first four starts for the White Sox, but then struggled, allowing 29 earned runs in his next 36 innings pitched (7.25 ERA) after April 30. After acquiring James Shields, the White Sox designated Latos for assignment on June 9.
Washington Nationals
Latos signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C.. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) East division. From 2005 to 2007, the team played in RFK Stadi ...
on June 29. After making three appearances for the Gulf Coast Nationals of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League
The Florida Complex League (FCL) is a rookie-level Minor League Baseball league that operates in Florida, United States. Before 2021, it was known as the Gulf Coast League (GCL). Together with the Arizona Complex League (ACL), it forms the l ...
, the Nationals assigned Latos to the Syracuse Chiefs
Syracuse may refer to:
Places Italy
*Syracuse, Sicily, or spelled as ''Siracusa''
*Province of Syracuse
United States
* Syracuse, New York
** East Syracuse, New York
** North Syracuse, New York
* Syracuse, Indiana
*Syracuse, Kansas
*Syracuse, M ...
of the International League. He made his Nationals debut on September 4, 2016, against the Mets. He pitched innings for the Nationals, recording a 6.52 ERA.[
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Toronto Blue Jays
On February 16, 2017, Latos signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East division. Since 1989, the team has played its home games ...
. After not winning a spot on the Blue Jays' roster in spring training, Latos accepted an assignment to the Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons (known colloquially as the Herd) are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Located in Buffalo, New York, the team plays their home games at Sahlen ...
of the International League. He made two starts for the Bisons, pitching to a 1.00 ERA in nine innings, and the Blue Jays promoted Latos to the major leagues on April 21 after injuries to the team's starting rotation. Latos started three games for the Blue Jays, pitching to a 6.60 ERA and 1.80 WHIP.[ The Blue Jays designated Latos for assignment on May 5, and outrighted him back to Buffalo on May 8. He was released by the team on May 30.
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New Jersey Jackals
On April 10, 2018, Latos signed with the New Jersey Jackals of the independent Can-Am League. During a game on June 9, Latos threw at a batter after another player collided with his catcher. The batter charged the mound, and a brawl ensued, leading to Latos's ejection.
Latos finished the 2018 season with a record of 5-4 and ERA of 3.18 in 29 games pitched (10 games started), accumulating 4 saves. In innings pitched, Latos allowed only 66 hits, 31 walks, and struck out 87.
On September 3, Latos was the starting first baseman in the Jackals 6-5 win over the Quebec Capitales, his first professional game at any position other than pitcher. Latos went 3-for-4 at the plate with two doubles and a run scored. On defense, Latos had eight putouts and was part of a 4-6-3 double play.
Following the conclusion of the season, Latos was released by the Jackals on October 3, 2018.
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
On March 28, 2019, Latos signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are an American professional baseball team based in Waldorf, Maryland. They are members of the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent "partner league" of Major League B ...
of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is a professional independent baseball league based in the United States. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The Atlantic League's ...
. He became a free agent following the season.
New Jersey Jackals (second stint)
On January 29, 2020, Latos signed with the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League
The Frontier League is a professional independent baseball league with teams in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Eastern Canada. Formed in 1993, it is the oldest currently running independent league in the United States. The le ...
. On December 14, 2020, Latos had his contract exercised for the 2021 season.
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (second stint)
On March 26, 2021, Latos was traded to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are an American professional baseball team based in Waldorf, Maryland. They are members of the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent "partner league" of Major League B ...
of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is a professional independent baseball league based in the United States. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The Atlantic League's ...
in exchange for a player to be named later. He became a free agent following the season. On March 8, 2022, Latos re-signed with the Blue Crabs for the 2022 season.
Pitching style
Latos throws five pitches. He throws a four-seam fastball (), a two-seam fastball (), a slider (), 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 curv ...
(), 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 speed ...
(). He mostly relies on his four-seamer and slider against right-handed hitters while adding considerable variety against lefties. The 42% whiff rate on his slider is one of the best among major league starters.
Latos is tall and uses an over-the-top delivery. Latos has one of the highest delivery points in baseball. Latos has compiled good strikeout totals in his career as a starter, finishing in the NL's top 10 in strikeouts per 9 innings pitched rate twice.
Personal life
Mat was married in 2010 and divorced in 2017. As a result of the marriage, Mat Latos is father to a son that was born in August 2014.
Latos honors his grandfather by writing his initials on the pitching mound
A baseball field, also called a ball field or baseball diamond, is the field upon which the game of baseball is played. The term can also be used as a metonym for a baseball park. The term sandlot is sometimes used, although this usually refers ...
and with a tattoo
A tattoo is a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. Tattoo artists create these designs using several tattooing proc ...
of his grandfather's initials. He enjoys drawing, especially airbrush
An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that atomizes and sprays various media, most often paint but also ink and dye, and foundation. Spray painting developed from the airbrush and is considered to employ a type of airbrush.
Histor ...
ing, and stated a desire to work on tattoos. Latos has many tattoos, and was described by Tim Sullivan of the ''San Diego Union-Tribune'' as "the righthanded tattoo canvas."
References
External links
{{DEFAULTSORT:Latos, Mat
1987 births
American expatriate baseball players in Canada
American people of Polish descent
Arizona League Padres players
Baseball players from Virginia
Broward Seahawks baseball players
Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players
Chicago White Sox players
Cincinnati Reds players
Eugene Emeralds players
Fort Wayne TinCaps players
Fort Wayne Wizards players
Gulf Coast Nationals players
Living people
Los Angeles Angels players
Los Angeles Dodgers players
Louisville Bats players
Major League Baseball pitchers
Miami Marlins players
New Jersey Jackals players
San Antonio Missions players
San Diego Padres players
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs players
Sportspeople from Alexandria, Virginia
Syracuse Chiefs players
Toronto Blue Jays players
Washington Nationals players
Broward College alumni