Anthony Reyes - Professional Career

Professional Career

Reyes was eventually considered the top pitching prospect in the St. Louis farm system. He spent the 2004 season initially with the Palm Beach Cardinals, where he compiled a 3-0 record with a 4.66 ERA, and then later with the Tennessee Smokies, where he achieved a 6-2 record with a 2.91 ERA.

After a solid 2005 season with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, Reyes was given a chance to prove himself in the major leagues. On August 9, at Miller Park, Reyes threw 6⅓ innings in his debut start against the Milwaukee Brewers, earning the win and giving up just two runs on two hits. He was demoted immediately after the game, having fulfilled his role of giving the regular rotation an extra day's rest by manager Tony La Russa.

Reyes opened the 2006 season with Memphis. He was recalled to St. Louis June 23 when Mark Mulder was placed on the disabled list. As a result, Reyes was asked to start the final game of a three game series against the Chicago White Sox. In the previous two games, the White Sox scored 33 runs against the Cardinals. In the third game Reyes threw 90 pitches, 67 for strikes, had six strikeouts and no walks, and carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning. The only White Sox hit was a home run by Jim Thome. The Cardinals offense could not respond in kind and the White Sox won 1-0. Reyes pitched an eight inning complete game and took the loss despite giving up only the one hit (albeit a home run) to Thome.

During the Cardinals' 2006 playoff run, Reyes was left off the roster for the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. However, after advancing to the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, the Cardinals added him to the roster in place of starting pitcher Jason Marquis. Reyes started Game 4 of the series and pitched four innings, taking a no-decision. He pitched the first game of the 2006 World Series and earned the win, pitching eight innings and retiring 17 consecutive batters from the first through the sixth inning, a World Series record for a rookie. Reyes gave up two runs and earned player of the game honors. The Cardinals went on to win the series, defeating the Detroit Tigers four games to one.

After starting the 2007 season 0-8 with a 6.08 ERA (although he had the worst run support in the majors), the Cardinals optioned him to Memphis on May 27. Todd Wellemeyer replaced him in the Cardinals starting rotation. He made three strong starts for the Redbirds and was recalled to St. Louis June 16, but was optioned back to Memphis again on July 2. Reyes was called up again from Memphis to make a spot start in a doubleheader against Milwaukee. He pitched well allowing 2 runs on two hits.

Reyes began the 2008 season in St. Louis' bullpen, going 2-1 with a 4.91 ERA before being demoted to Triple-A Memphis. He went 2-3 with a 3.25 ERA in 11 starts at Memphis.

On July 26, 2008, Reyes was traded to the Cleveland Indians for right-handed reliever Luis Perdomo and cash.

On August 8, 2008, the Indians promoted Reyes from Triple-A Buffalo. That same day, he made his first start for Cleveland, going 6⅓ innings, allowing just 1 run, and picked up the win.

Reyes was non-tendered by the Indians on December 12, 2009, making him a free agent. He was re-signed to a minor league contract on December 13. During spring training his contract was purchased by the Indians, at which time he was placed on the 60-day disabled list, while recovering from Tommy John surgery. After spending the entire 2010 season on the disabled list, Reyes was outrighted to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers on October 29, 2010. After electing free agency, Reyes signed a one-year minor league contract with the Indians on November 15. His contract includes a non-roster invitation to the Indians' 2011 spring training camp.

Reyes spent the 2011 season rehabbing his injured elbow, never appearing on the 40-man roster. He was released by the Indians on August 5, 2011.