Julio Pinto
From BR Bullpen
Julio Julian Pinto Rangel
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.
- Born October 23, 1984 in Valencia, Carabobo Venezuela
Julio Pinto made his debut in winter ball when he was 20 years old pitching against the Aguilas del Zulia in Carora, throwing 5 innings with 3 runs, 4 hits, one walk and 4 strikeouts and picking up the win in the Venezuelan Winter League. He was signed by the Cleveland Indians on October 18, 2001 when he was 16 years old.
Pinto debuted professionally with the 2002 San Felipe team in the Venezuelan Summer League, going 6-1 with a save and a 2.10 ERA in the pitcher-friendly circuit; his ERA was lower than Yusmeiro Petit. In 2003, Pinto returned to the VSL and had a 6-1, 1.06 record for San Felipe. Had he qualified, he would have finished third in the league in ERA.
In 2004, Julio had a 8-2, 1.24 mark for the DSL Indians 1 in the Dominican Republic, helping them to a title. He was 10th in the Dominican Summer League in ERA.
Pinto split 2005 between the Burlington Indians (3-0, 2.52, .193 opponent average in 16 games) and the Lake County Captains (0-1, 3.86 in one game).
Julio Pinto was third place in voting for the Rookie of the Year Award in 2005 in the Venezuelan Winter League. After 15 1/3 scoreless innings early in the season, he had a ERA of 2.46 in 42 innings and a record of 4-2.
Returning to Lake County in 2006, he posted a 2-4, 4.60 record with a save in 36 appearances.
Pinto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays that winter. Through 30 games in 2007, his record is 1-4, 5.70 with a save for the Lansing Lugnuts.
