Topic: Juan Rincon

Juan Manuel Rincón (born January 23, 1979 in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. Rincón bats and throws right-handed. He throws a low 90s fastball and a mid low 80s slider. Because of his lack of an offspeed pitch, he is hit very hard if he misses the corners. In his career, Rincón has posted a .208 BAA against left-handed hitters and a .248 BAA against right-handed hitters. On June 12, 2008 the Minnesota Twins cut ties with him and after rejecting a minor league assignment, he became a free agent. On June 24, 2008, the Cleveland Indians signed Rincon to a minor league contract.

On May 2, 2005, Rincón became the fifth baseball player to be suspended for testing positive for illegal performance-enhancing drugs under Major League Baseball's drug policy. He was suspended for ten days without pay as the policy dictates for a first offense.

On January 20, 2009, Rincón was signed by the Tigers to a minor league contract. Juan made the major league roster after spring training but was designated for assignment on May 13, 2009, to make room on the 25 man active roster for Dontrelle Willis. Rincón had three days to accept an outright assignment to AAA Toledo Mudhens or become a free agent. On May 17 2009, Rincon rejected an assignment to AAA Toledo,thus hitting the free agent market. Rincon posted a 5.23 ERA and was 1-0 in 10 appearances with the Tigers.