Oscar Salazar (baseball)


Oscar Enrique Salazar is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He previously played in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. He also played in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

Career

Signed by Oakland as an amateur free agent in 1994, Salazar was selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers in 2002, making his debut in that season.
In one season as a backup with the Tigers, Salazar batted.190 with one home run and three RBI in three games.
In 2003, Salazar was diagnosed with injuries in his arm and shoulder which required season-ending surgery. He worked out in 2004 spring training, but his recovery was slower than expected. He played that season for the Buffalo Bisons, the Cleveland Indians' Triple-A team.
In 2005, Salazar played for Cancún of the Mexican League. He played for his hometown team, the Tigres de Aragua the Caribbean Series, after he plays on his actual team, Tiburones de La Guaira.

Baltimore Orioles

Salazar joined the Orioles system in 2007, when he played for the Bowie Baysox of the Double-A Eastern League. He began 2008 with the Norfolk Tides of the International League.
On June 10, 2008, Salazar was called up to the Orioles to replace struggling starter Steve Trachsel on the roster.

San Diego Padres

On July 19, 2009 Salazar was traded to the San Diego Padres for relief pitcher Cla Meredith. On February 1, 2011, the Padres designated Salazar for Assignment. He was released by the Padres on March 28, 2011.

Florida Marlins

On April 14, 2011, Salazar signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars

On February 12, 2012, Salazar passed a try out for a Japanese team, Yokohama DeNA BayStars and signed a contract. He was released by the BayStars on October 16, 2012.

Guerreros de Oaxaca

On March 23, 2013, Salazar signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican Baseball League.

Pericos de Puebla

On April 14, 2013, Salazar was traded to the Pericos de Puebla. He was released on April 24, 2013.