Edward José Mujica (Spanish pronunciation: [muˈxika]; born May 10, 1984) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball pitcher.
He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, Florida/Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers.
[1] He became a full-time reliever in 2005, and dominated the Carolina League as the closer with the Single-A Kinston Indians, earning a 2.08 ERA, 14 saves, 32 strikeouts and just two walks in 26 innings before being promoted to the Double-A Akron Aeros.
[1] Mujica began 2006 in Akron, where he recorded eight saves without surrendering an earned run, 17 strikeouts, and nine walks in 19 innings before getting promoted to Triple-A Buffalo.
[4] Mujica did not surrender an earned run in 2006 until his fourth appearance with the Indians, on July 14, a streak of 43+1⁄3 consecutive innings (19 for Akron, 19+2⁄3 for Buffalo and 4+2⁄3 for Cleveland).
[8] Mujica spent the entire 2009 season with the Padres, posting a 3–5 record, two saves, and a 3.94 ERA in 67 relief appearances.
[2] He also saw his first postseason action, posting a 2.35 ERA in nine appearances and earning the win in Game 1 of the 2012 National League Championship Series.
[14] On July 14, 2013, it was confirmed that Mujica would replace fellow Cardinal Adam Wainwright in the 2013 All-Star Game, who had pitched two nights before against the Chicago Cubs.
Mujica began to struggle due to lingering shoulder problems near the end of the season, and he posted a 11.05 ERA in September, resulting in his removal from the closer role.
[17] On December 5, 2013, Mujica agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, pending the completion of a physical examination.
[2] On December 17, 2015, Mujica signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, receiving an invitation to spring training.
[26] On January 10, 2017, Mujica signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers that included an invitation to spring training.
[27] On August 3, he was recalled from the Toledo Mud Hens by Detroit to replace Michael Fulmer, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list.