Full Circle: The Philadelphia Phillies 2024 Ricardo Pinto Revenge Tour got off to a HOT start last night against the Reds

Back in February, the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to terms on a minor league contract with Ricardo Pinto that included an invitation to Spring Training. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the now 30-year old Pinto originally signed with the Phillies as an international free agent in December 2011.

Pinto made his debut with the Venezuelan Summer League Phillies in 2012 until 2013 before spending the 2015 season with the Lakewood BlueClaws and Clearwater Threshers.

He won the Paul Owens Award as the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Year after posting a 15-4 record with an impressive 2.97 ERA and 105 strikeouts that season. 

Former Phillies’ minor league pitcher of the year Ricardo Pinto is BACK, will get a non-roster invite to Spring Training >>

Pinto was officially added to the Phillies 40-man roster after the 2016 season and spent 2017 in Lehigh Valley. Pinto was called up to the big leagues on May 31st – but was horrible in his debut allowing four runs on six hits to go along with three walks and a home run allowed. 

That pretty much was the end of Pinto in Philadelphia and he bounced around the MLB over the next three years without finding a home. 

Other Stops in the MLB: 

• 2018: Chicago White Sox 
• 2019: Tampa Bay Rays / San Francisco Giants 
• 2021: Detroit Tigers 

Most recently, Pinto had been playing baseball in the Mexican League, 9 games (5 Starts) for Diablos Rojos del México. He posted a 3.34 ERA with 18 strikeouts in just over 32 innings of work. 

He also won the MVP Award in the Caribbean Series as a member of the Venezuelan Team. 

Caribbean Series: Most Valuable Player Award: 2-0; 0.83 ERA; 10.2 IP; 1 R, 14 K, 3 BB

Venezuela Finals: 2-0; 0.00 ERA; 14.0 IP, 0 R, 11 K, 6 BB

Bryce Harper snaps ‘slump’ with 3 home runs, Turnbull and Pinto impress in Phillies 9-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds >>

Full Circle: Ricardo Pinto back on the mound for the Phillies

Pinto had a performance for the ages last night as Bryce Harper went nuclear at the plate in the Phillies 9-4 victory of over the Cincinnati Reds.

He tossed a 4-inning save in his first MLB appearance in five years and what made it even more special, is how he managed to get to Citizens Bank Park from Rochester, New York – where the Lehigh Valley IronPigs were playing.

Yesterday, the Phillies announced that ahead of last night’s game against the Reds, they selected Ricardo Pinto’s contract from Lehigh Valley, and DFA’d Connor Brogdon. 

Johan Rojas’ blunder on the base paths paired with a disaster-class from Connor Brogdon dooms Phillies in 6-3 extra-inning loss to the Reds >>

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies sent a car at noon for Ricardo Pinto, who was in Rochester, N.Y. with the IronPigs. He got stuck in traffic and did not arrive until the fourth inning. Pinto said hello to Rob Thomson, then went to the bullpen.

Pinto then entered the game, tossing four innings in relief of Spencer Turnbull. He allowed five hits and two earned runs while striking out four and earning the save.

Legendary: Ricardo Pinto

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The Odyssey: Ricardo Pinto had a wild ride to pitch 4-inning save in Phillies win >>

Obviously, it was the first appearance for Pinto but like I said back in February, he definitely has “the goods” to be a successful pitcher at the major league level. Last night after a long journey to Citizens Bank Park, only to immediately warm up and enter the game to throw four innings was nothing short of impressive.

Reds – Phillies Series Finale Moved to 4:05 PM

Today’s series finale between the Reds and Phillies has been moved from 1:05 PM to 4:05 PM due to heavy rain forecasted in Philadelphia throughout the morning and early afternoon. 

Frankie Montas will take the mound for the Reds against Zack Wheeler. 

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