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Brayan Villarreal | Relief Pitcher

Team: Minnesota Twins
Age / DOB:  (27) / 5/10/1987
Ht / Wt:  6'0' / 170
Bats / Throws: Right / Right
Contract: view contract details
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Latest News

Recent News

Twins signed RHP Brayan Villarreal to a minor league contract.
The 27-year-old struggled through an injury-plagued 2014 season, posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over just 14 innings between the Red Sox Rookie League squad and Triple-A Pawtucket. He should have a chance to compete for a bullpen job with the Twins this spring. Sat, Dec 27, 2014 10:26:00 AM

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Player News

Date:
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Red Sox sent RHP Brayan Villarreal outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal had been designated for assignment in order to make room on the roster for Grady Sizemore. The 26-year-old will be in big league camp in spring training but is likely to start the season at Triple-A.
Mon, Feb 3, 2014 02:24:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Red Sox designated RHP Brayan Villarreal for assignment.

Villarreal struggled in a big way in 2013, allowing 10 runs in just 4 1/3 innings between the Tigers and Red Sox. The 26-year-old was removed from the roster to make room for Grady Sizemore. He'll likely catch on with another team in short order.
Wed, Jan 22, 2014 07:37:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Red Sox recalled RHP Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal, who was acquired from the Tigers in July, made one appearance with the Red Sox in August. He'll pitch in middle relief.
Tue, Sep 17, 2013 03:36:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Red Sox optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal is no longer needed with Matt Thornton returning from the disabled list. He'll be back up when rosters expand in September.
Sun, Aug 25, 2013 05:14:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Red Sox recalled RHP Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal, who was acquired from the Tigers last month, owns a 4.56 ERA and 86/46 K/BB ratio over 75 innings in the major leagues. He figures to pitch in middle relief.
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 05:23:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

The Red Sox are expected to call up right-hander Brayan Villarreal on Monday.

No official word yet from the team. Villarreal, who was acquired from the Tigers in last month's Jake Peavy deal, owns a 4.56 ERA and 86/46 K/BB ratio in 75 innings in the majors.
Source: WEEI.com
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 04:27:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Right-hander Brayan Villarreal was traded from the Tigers to the Red Sox in a seven-player deal.

Villarreal, 26, has a 4.56 ERA and an 86/46 K/BB ratio in 75 innings as a major leaguer. He seemed to be on his way to emerging as a key piece in the Tigers bullpen last year, but control became an especially big problem late and he was left off the postseason roster. This year has been a disaster for him -- he gave up 10 runs in 4 1/3 innings during his time in the majors -- but the fresh start could do him some good. He throws 94-98 mph, so he has some upside as a short reliever. The Red Sox will likely leave him in Triple-A for now.
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 12:37:00 AM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Tigers optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Toledo.

Villarreal was terrific for the Tigers last season, but he's struggled mightily in the early going this year, posting a 20.77 ERA over his first seven appearances. He'll get another shot later this summer.
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 08:09:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Brayan Villarreal walked all three batters he faced and was charged with three runs Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Villarreal forced an inherited runner in with the third walk. After he left, Octavio Dotel immediately gave up a three-run double to score all of Villarreal's runners and leave the right-hander with a 54.00 ERA after three appearances. Villarreal threw really well this spring to perhaps enhance his status as a sleeper saves candidate, but now it's time to wonder if he might get sent down to get straightened out.
Wed, Apr 10, 2013 07:20:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Brayan Villarreal worked a scoreless eighth inning on Friday, lowering his spring ERA to 1.80.

Villarreal and Joaquin Benoit aren't supposed to be in the mix for saves, but they've been the Tigers' two best relievers this spring. Villarreal, who was left off the postseason roster despite a successful 2012, has allowed two runs and posted a 12/3 K/BB ratio in 10 innings. His bullpen spot should be secure, but he'll probably be a middle reliever initially.
Fri, Mar 22, 2013 04:59:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Brayan Villarreal (elbow) has resumed his throwing program.

Villarreal declared himself "full-go" for spring training after being shut down from pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League due to elbow soreness. The 25-year-old right-hander is expected to open the season in the Tigers' bullpen and will be a candidate to take on a more prominent role in 2013.
Source: Tigers.mlb.com
Sun, Feb 17, 2013 08:33:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Brayan Villarreal has been shut down from pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League due to elbow soreness.

Villarreal tossed three scoreless innings with Caribes de Anzoategui before complaining of elbow soreness in mid-December. He was sent back to the United States for tests, which revealed inflammation but no structural damage. Still, the Tigers want him to play it safe and focus on being ready for spring training. The 25-year-old right-hander posted a 2.63 ERA and 66/28 K/BB ratio over 54 2/3 innings last season and should be a solid lock for a bullpen spot if healthy.
Source: Tigers.mlb.com
Thu, Jan 3, 2013 05:57:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Tigers manager Jim Leyland told reporters on Saturday afternoon that he doesn't anticipate making any changes to his 25-man roster for the World Series.

Leyland admitted that he and his coaches were mulling the idea of carrying an additional pitcher into the National League park, but they'll likely roll with what's worked thus far. If the Tigers were to carry a 12th pitcher, it would likely be Brayan Villarreal at the expense of backup infielder Danny Worth.
Related: Danny Worth
Source: MLive.com
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 06:07:00 PM
Brayan Villarreal - R - Twins

Brayan Villarreal struck out two in an inning of work in his return to action Saturday.

Villarreal hadn't appeared in a game since last Sunday because of inflammation in his pitching elbow. The right-hander now boasts a 2.35 ERA and 1.00 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 38 1/3 innings for the Tigers this season.
Sun, Aug 19, 2012 03:15:00 AM

Depth Charts

Batters
PosRoleName
C1Kurt Suzuki
2Josmil Pinto
1B1Joe Mauer
2B1Brian Dozier
2Eric Farris
SS1Danny Santana
2Eduardo Escobar
3Jose Martinez
3B1Trevor Plouffe
2Eduardo Nunez
3Miguel Sano
LF1Oswaldo Arcia
2Jordan Schafer
3Chris Herrmann
CF1Aaron Hicks
2Eddie Rosario
RF1Torii Hunter
2Shane Robinson
3Wilkin Ramirez
DH1Kennys Vargas
Starting Pitcher
PosRoleName
S1Phil Hughes
2Ervin Santana
3Ricky Nolasco
4Kyle Gibson
5Tommy Milone
6Trevor May
7Mike Pelfrey
8Alex Meyer
9Jason Wheeler
Relief Pitcher
PosRoleName
R1Glen Perkins
2Casey Fien
3Brian Duensing
4Caleb Thielbar
5Ryan Pressly
6Aaron Thompson
7A.J. Achter
8Logan Darnell
9Michael Tonkin
10Lester Oliveros
11J.R. Graham
12Blaine Boyer
13Tim Stauffer
14Brayan Villarreal