Veras was signed as an undrafted
free agent by the
Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998. He steadily rose through the Tampa Bay minor league system as a starter. He missed spring training in 2002 due to visa issues and briefly pitched in the
New York-Penn League to get himself ready for the season as a result.[1]
Veras was designated for assignment in 2002.[2] He struggled when he reached Triple-A in 2003 and was moved to the bullpen, but still managed to lead the organization in strikeouts with 121.[3] He was released after the 2004 season.[4]
Texas Rangers
Veras signed with the
Texas Rangers for the 2005 season and was converted into a full-time reliever.[5] He pitched for their Triple-A affiliate, the
Oklahoma RedHawks, that year. He became a free agent at the end of the season.[6]
New York Yankees
Veras signed with the
New York Yankees before the 2006 season.[7] He was called up on 5 August[8] and pitched to a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. In March 2007, Veras underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow.[9] He missed most of the season but rehabbed and returned to MLB as a
September call up.[10] Veras was added to the Yankees roster for the
American League Division Series against the
Cleveland Indians.[11]
Veras was cut at the end of spring training in 2008. After being called up to the majors on 3 May,[12] he emerged as a dominant force out of the bullpen. He was predominantly used in the 7th inning[13] and became the setup reliever after the Yankees traded
Kyle Farnsworth.[14] Veras made the opening day roster out of spring training in 2009.[15] After allowing 23 runs on 17 hits and 14 walks in 25 games, he was
designated for assignment by the Yankees on 16 June 2009.[16]
Cleveland Indians
On 24 June 2009, Veras was acquired by the
Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.[17] On 5 August 2009, he was designated for assignment,[18] and on 11 August 2009, he was outrighted to Triple-A.[19] He was called up again in September toward the end of the 2009 season.[20] After the season, Veras was non-tendered by the Indians, making him a free agent.[21]
Florida Marlins
On 29 January 2010, Veras signed a minor league contract with the
Florida Marlins with an invite to spring training[22] and made the opening day roster.[23] On 14 April, after allowing eight runs in just four games, Veras was designated for assignment to bring up
Chris Leroux to take his spot.[24] He was called up on 25 June 2010.
James Houser was designated for assignment to make room.[25]
Pittsburgh Pirates
On 16 January 2011, Veras signed a minor league contract with the
Pittsburgh Pirates with an invitation to spring training worth $1 million plus incentives.[26] He made the team out of spring training[27] and was a reliable late-inning reliever with a 3.80 ERA and 79 strikeouts over 79 appearances.
Milwaukee Brewers
On 12 December 2011, Veras was traded to the
Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for
Casey McGehee.[28] He made the club's opening day roster as a late-inning reliever.[29][30] In 2012, he pitched to a 3.63 ERA, while striking out 79 and walking 40 batters, in 67 innings across 72 games.
Houston Astros
On 18 December 2012, Veras signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the
Houston Astros with a 2014 option worth $3.25 million and a $150,000 buyout.[31] He pitched for the Dominican Republic national team in the
2013 World Baseball Classic, winning gold.[32] Veras entered the season as the Astros closer.[33] He pitched to a 2.93 ERA with 44 strikeouts and 19 saves in 43 innings.
On 27 December 2013, Veras agreed to a one-year contract with the
Chicago Cubs for the 2014 season worth $3.85 million with a $5.5 million club option for 2015 and performance bonuses.[38][39]
Veras struggled early in the 2014 season, blowing two saves and allowing 10 earned runs in his first 6 appearances. Veras would then land on the
disabled list with an oblique injury.[40] He then lost the closer role to fellow Cubs reliever
Héctor Rondón.[41] On 3 June, he was designated for assignment.[42] On 10 June, the Cubs officially released Veras.[43]
Houston Astros (second stint)
On 15 June 2014, Veras signed a minor league deal to return to the Astros.[44] He was called up to the major league squad on 26 June.[45] He pitched to a 3.03 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 32.2 innings
Atlanta Braves
On 10 February 2015, Veras signed a minor league deal with the
Atlanta Braves.[46] Veras was released by the Braves on 19 March 2015.[47][48]
Houston Astros (third stint)
On 15 May 2015, Veras signed a minor league deal to return to the Astros.[49] After allowing 12 earned runs on 23 hits in 19 innings at Triple-A, he was released on 7 August 2015.[50]
Veras was named pitching coach of the
DSL Royals for the 2024 season.
Scouting Report
He has a mid to high 90s mph
4-seam fastball and a mid 80s
changeup. Both pitches generate an above average number of ground balls. Veras also throws a mid 70s curveball, which is his top swing and miss pitch.[3][52] He throws with a low 3/4 arm motion.
Personal life
Veras is married to Gissel Veras. They have a daughter, Gijen, and two sons, Genson and Hansel.[53]
^"Astros call up RHP Veras". KSPR. Springfield, Missouri: Perkin Media. The Sports Xchange. 26 June 2014. Archived from
the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.