Ryan Verdugo


Ryan L. Verdugo is an American professional baseball player for the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals and the Chinese Professional Baseball League for the Uni-President Lions.

Career

Verdugo attended Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. He was chosen by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 43rd round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign. Verdugo then attended Skagit Valley College for two years. He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 47th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, but again did not sign.
Verdugo transferred to Louisiana State University for his junior season, where he played for the LSU Tigers baseball team. Following the 2008 season, he was drafted by the Giants in the 9th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, and signed.

Kansas City Royals

Following the 2011 season, Verdugo was traded by the Giants to the Kansas City Royals with Jonathan Sánchez for Melky Cabrera. He was added to the Royals 40 man roster on November 18 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Verdugo made his major-league debut on July 17, 2012, against the Seattle Mariners. He allowed six runs in innings, including an RBI double to Jesus Montero and a two-run home run to Justin Smoak, and picked up the loss. The left hander fared better after being sent down to Triple-A Omaha, posting a season record of 12–4 with a 3.75 ERA in 24 starts. Verdugo was designated for assignment by the Royals on November 20, 2012 as they cleared room on the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft. He was subsequently outrighted to AAA.

Naranjeros de Hermosillo

Verdugo pitched for Naranjeros de Hermosillo of the Mexican Pacific League on the 2013–14 season.

Boston Red Sox

On July 16, 2014, Verdugo was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations.

Oakland Athletics

Verdugo then signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics, along with LHP Jim Fuller, in November 2014.

Los Angeles Angels

Verdugo was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in May 2015, where he played for the AAA team the Salt Lake Bees.

Rojos del Águila de Veracruz

On April 28, 2016, Verdugo signed with the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz of the Mexican Baseball League.

Leones de Yucatán

On July 3, 2016, Verdugo was traded to the Leones de Yucatán. He was released on April 23, 2017.

Pericos de Puebla

On April 24, 2017, Verdugo signed with the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican Baseball League.

Acereros de Monclova

On May 9, 2017, Verdugo was traded to the Acereros de Monclova.

Uni-President Lions

On February 14, 2018, Verdugo signed with the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. On October 7 of the same year, Verdugo completed the first and to date only perfect game in CPBL history. He re-signed with the Uni-Lions for the 2019 season. Verdugo became a free agent following the season.

Acereros de Monclova (second stint)

On February 11, 2020, Verdugo signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.