Félix Doubront

Félix Doubront
Doubront with the Boston Red Sox in 2011
Dorados de Chihuahua
Pitcher
Born: (1987-10-23) October 23, 1987 (age 36)
Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Professional debut
MLB: June 18, 2010, for the Boston Red Sox
KBO: March 24, 2018, for the Lotte Giants
CPBL: May 16, 2021, for the Uni-President Lions
MLB statistics
(through 2015 season)
Win–loss record31–26
Earned run average4.89
Strikeouts442
KBO statistics
(through April 15, 2018)
Win–loss record0-3
Earned run average9.68
Strikeouts12
CPBL statistics
(through 2021 season)
Win–loss record7–3
Earned run average3.42
Strikeouts67
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Félix Antonio Doubront [doo-bront'] (born October 23, 1987) is a Venezuelan pitcher for the Dorados de Chihuahua of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics in a span of six seasons from 2010 through 2015. He has also pitched in the KBO League for the Lotte Giants and in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Uni-President Lions.

Professional career

Minor leagues

Doubront was 17 years old when he entered the minors in 2005 with the VSL Red Sox (rookie), playing for them one year before joining the GCL Red Sox (rookie, 2006), Lowell Spinners (A–, 2006–2007), Greenville Drive (A, 2007–2008) and Lancaster JetHawks (A+, 2008). His most productive season came in 2008, when he posted a combined 13–9 record with a 3.76 ERA in 119+1⁄3 innings of work.

Boston Red Sox

Doubront playing with the Portland Sea Dogs in 2009

Doubront made his Major League debut on June 18, 2010, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching five innings, allowing three earned runs, two walks, and struck out two for the win.[1] It was a spot start and Doubront was optioned back to Pawtucket after the game.[2] He was recalled on July 5 after Clay Buchholz joined a long list of Red Sox players to go on the disabled list.[3] Doubront made two more starts and lost both of them before being optioned on July 17.[4] He was recalled August 6, and returned to the Red Sox roster as a reliever.[5]

Doubront entered the 2012 season as one of the Red Sox starters, beating out Aaron Cook and Alfredo Aceves in spring training.[6] Despite slow starts for Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester, and Daniel Bard's demotion to the minors, Doubront earned five wins against two losses in his first ten starts. In June, Doubront took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins. He finished the game giving up two runs on three hits and earned the win.[7] He ended the season as a full-time starter, with a record of 11–10.[8]

Doubront turned in another effective season in 2013, posting an 11–6 record over 27 starts[8] for a Red Sox team that would win 97 games and a World Championship. Doubront pitched out of the bullpen in the postseason, earning his first career postseason victory in Game 4 of the 2013 World Series.

Doubront struggled to start the 2014 season. In May, he left a game after experiencing discomfort in his left shoulder, later attributed to hitting it on a car door.[9] He would later lose his spot in the starting rotation due to his inconsistency. He criticized the decision, stating "First of all, I’m not a reliever... They [the Red Sox] know that. They just, you know, it’s hard but I don’t know what they’re doing. I know they’re not doing the right thing for me."[10] After allowing 6 runs in 2⁄3 of an inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 28, Doubront had a meeting with manager John Farrell,[11] and two days later he was traded. To begin the 2014 season, Doubront's record was 2–4 with a 6.07 ERA in 17 games (10 starts).

Chicago Cubs

On July 30, 2014, Doubront was traded to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later (Marco Hernández).[12][13] He was placed on the disabled list on August 1 without having pitched for the Cubs. He was activated from the disabled list on August 30. In 4 more starts, Doubront posted a 3.98 ERA with a 2–1 record. Overall in 2014, combined with both teams, Doubront's record was 4–5 with a 5.54 ERA in 21 appearances (14 starts).

The Cubs released Doubront on March 28, 2015.[14]

Toronto Blue Jays

On April 2, 2015, Doubront signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, and was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.[10] On May 13, he was activated off the disabled list and made his Bisons debut, pitching five shutout innings and allowing only one hit and one walk.[15] Doubront was called up by the Blue Jays in early July, and made his debut for the team pitching 21⁄3 relief innings against the Detroit Tigers on July 3. He made his first start for the Blue Jays on July 7, pitching 62⁄3 innings and getting the win against the Chicago White Sox, 2–1.[16] Doubront was designated for assignment on July 29.[17] In 5 games (4 starts), Doubront went 1–1 with a 4.76 ERA.

Oakland Athletics

On July 31, 2015, Doubront was traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.[18][19] Finishing the season with the Athletics, Doubront made 11 appearances (8 starts) with a 2–2 record and a 5.81 ERA. Overall in 2015, his total record was 3–3 with a 5.50 ERA in 16 appearances (12 starts).

On April 11, 2016, it was revealed that Doubront would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2016 season.[20] Doubront was outrighted to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds on October 7,[21] and he then elected free agency.[22]

On November 15, 2016, Doubront re-signed with Oakland on a minor league contract.[23][24] In 29 appearances for the Triple–A Nashville Sounds, he recorded a 3.86 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 42.0 innings of work. Doubront elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2017.[25]

Lotte Giants

On December 14, 2017, Doubront signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Lotte Giants of the KBO League.[26] Doubront made just three starts and posted a 13.50 ERA in 9+1⁄3 innings. Afterwards, he was placed on waivers in September 2018.[27]

Pericos de Puebla

On February 14, 2019, Doubront signed with the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League. He was released on May 3, 2019. [28]

Saraperos de Saltillo

On May 14, 2019, Doubront signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League.[28]

Uni-President Lions

On January 5, 2021, Doubront signed with the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.[29][28] He posted a 7–3 record with a 3.42 ERA and 67 strikeouts over 84.1 innings. Doubront was not re-signed for the 2022 season and became a free agent.

Saraperos de Saltillo (second stint)

On February 15, 2022, Doubront re-signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League.[30] In 15 starts, he registered a 6–5 record with a 5.28 ERA and 71 strikeouts over 76.2 innings. Doubront was released on February 24, 2023.[31]

Leones de Yucatán

On June 20, 2023, Doubront signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.[32] In 8 games (7 starts), Doubront posted a 4–0 record and 2.23 ERA with 38 strikeouts across 36+1⁄3 innings of work.

Dorados de Chihuahua

On February 8, 2024, Doubront was traded to the Dorados de Chihuahua of the Mexican League.[33]

Scouting report

Doubront's main pitches are a four-seam and two-seam fastball that range between 90 and 95 mph. He also throws a cut fastball (87–89), a big curveball (76–80), and a changeup (85–88) that is used mostly against right-handed hitters.[34] His deceptive delivery results in hitters not being able to pick up the ball until late. The late pick-up also makes his fastball look faster to opposing hitters.[35]

Awards

  • 2005 - BRS Minor League Latin pitcher of the month (July)
  • 2005 - BRS Minor League Latin pitcher of the year
  • 2006 - BRS prospects All-Star (LH starting pitcher)
  • 2008 - BRS prospects pitcher of the week (July 28 - August 3)
  • 2008 - BRS prospects pitcher of the week (August 18–24)
  • 2008 - BRS prospects All-Star (starting pitcher)
  • 2008 - South Atlantic League All-Star
  • 2009 - Portland Sea Dogs Pitcher of the Year
  • 2013 - World Series champion

[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ortiz homers as Red Sox beat Dodgers in Manny return". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 18, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  2. ^ Chimelis, Ron (June 19, 2010). "Red Sox add reliever Robert Manuel and send Felix Doubront to Triple A". The Republican. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  3. ^ Boston Red Sox news. ESPN. Retrieved on July 5, 2010.
  4. ^ "Red Sox RHP Buchholz ready to return Wednesday". Fox News. Associated Press. July 17, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  5. ^ McDonald (August 6, 2010). "Hideki Okajima sent to DL (hamstring)". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  6. ^ Abraham, Peter (April 2, 2012). "Doubront, Bard put in rotation". Boston Globe. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  7. ^ "Felix Doubront shines as Red Sox pound reeling Marlins". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 13, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Felix Doubront Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  9. ^ Gleeman, Aaron (May 21, 2014). "Felix Doubront hurt his shoulder on a car door". hardballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  10. ^ a b Simmons, Jeff (April 2, 2015). "Person of Interest: The 411 on Felix Doubront". Sportsnet. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  11. ^ Doyle, Ricky (July 29, 2014). "Felix Doubront, John Farrell Had Meeting After Implosion Vs. Blue Jays". nesn.com. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  12. ^ Perry, Dayn (July 30, 2014). "Red Sox trade Felix Doubront to Cubs". cbssports.com. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  13. ^ Cohen, Jay; Golen, Jimmy (July 31, 2014). "Cubs acquire struggling LHP Doubront from Red Sox". ESPN.com. Associated Press. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  14. ^ Wilmoth, Charlie (March 28, 2015). "Cubs Release Felix Doubront". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  15. ^ Grossman, Jordan (May 13, 2015). "Bisons shut out by Bulls in final game of set". milb.com. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  16. ^ Davidi, Shi (July 7, 2015). "Doubront buys time for Blue Jays to figure out rotation". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
  17. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (July 29, 2015). "Blue Jays designate Felix Doubront for assignment". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
  18. ^ Kruth, Cash (July 31, 2015). "A's acquire Doubront from Blue Jays for cash". MLB.com. Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  19. ^ "Oakland Athletics 🌳🐘⚾️ on Twitter".
  20. ^ Koo, Jeremy (11 April 2016). "Doubront to have Tommy John surgery". athleticsnation.com. Athletics Nation. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  21. ^ Lockard, Melissa (October 7, 2016). "Oakland A's outright three more to Triple-A". Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  22. ^ Hall, Alex (October 7, 2016). "Oakland A's roster moves: Eric Sogard, Jarrod Parker, 4 others head to free agency". Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  23. ^ Slusser, Susan (November 15, 2016). "A's re-sign Felix Doubront, Matt McBride". sfgate.com. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  24. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 21, 2016). "Minor League Transactions: Nov 12-18". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  25. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2017". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  26. ^ "Lotte Giants agree to terms with ex-MLB pitcher Felix Doubront". english.yonhapnews.co.kr. December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  27. ^ Lotte Giants place Felix Doubront on waivers. Baseball Reference. Retrieved on September 12, 2018.
  28. ^ a b c "Uni-Lions News: Félix Doubront". cpblstats.com. January 6, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  29. ^ "International Transactions: 1/5/21". 5 January 2021.
  30. ^ "REGRESA FÉLIX DOUBRONT A FORTALECER PITCHEO ABRIDOR TRAS LUCIR EN TAIWÁN". saraperos.com.mx (in Spanish). February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  31. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 24 de febrero de 2023". MiLB.com (in Spanish). February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  32. ^ "¡BRAZO VENEZOLANO SE UNE A YUCATÁN!". leones.mx (in Spanish). 21 June 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  33. ^ "LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 8 de febrero de 2024". milb.com. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  34. ^ "PITCHf/x Player Card: Felix Doubront". BrooksBaseball.net. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  35. ^ a b Felix Doubront awards. Sox Prospects. Retrieved on September 12, 2018.

External links