Former Braves pitcher Bartolo Colon signs with Mexican League

With hopes of reviving his Major League career in what will be his age-47 season (his 47th birthday is in May), Bartolo Colon is at it again after laying low in 2019. Late Friday night, Katherine Acquavella of CBS Sports reported that Colon had signed a one-year deal with the Monclova Acereros of the Mexican Baseball League. The right-hander, and former Braves pitcher (2017), hasn’t pitched in the majors since September 22, 2018 — a relief appearance featuring four earned runs in 0.2 innings with the Texas Rangers.

Colon doesn’t have much of a past with the Braves, as he played for the team for just parts of one season in 2017; but the Dominican was a influential veteran while in Atlanta, not to mention an extremely well-liked player among Braves Country. 

During his time with the Braves — before being DFA’d by the team in late June — Colon went 2-8 in 13 starts, including a bloated 8.14 ERA in 63 total innings-pitched. However, out of nowhere Colon put together a gem in April of that season, tossing a seven-inning 1-hitter versus the Padres. In just 85 pitches (60 strikes), Colon struck out six and walked just one, posting his highest Game Score while with the team (76).

 

Colon’s time with the Braves was short, but it’s admirable that after all these years he still continues to pitch. In 21 total seasons in the majors, Colon has accumulated 3,461.2 innings and 247 wins, while carrying a 4.12 ERA. Arguably his greatest season came in 2005 while with the Angels, when he led the American League with 21 wins, earning himself an AL Cy Young. 

Colon has revitalized his career before, though it’s probably safe to say his chances at pitching in the majors again are slim. Either way, he apparently still loves the game, which at this point in his career is perhaps the most impressive part.