In his "cup of coffee" big league career, Carreño had a 0–0 record, with two strikeouts, and a 16.20 earned run average (ERA), in 3+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Carreño started his professional career with the New York Yankees, who signed him as an amateur free agent in 1983.

[2] He pitched in one game the following season, and in 1986 split time between the GCL and Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida State League.

He spent the first part of the season with Prince William, then was promoted to Columbus, where his outings included two shutout innings at the AAA level.

[5] At the start of the 1988 season, the Yankees signed Carreño to a one-year contract and invited him to spring training.

After spending the first three months of the season with the Red Barons, the Phillies placed Roger McDowell on the disabled list and called Carreño up to the major league roster.