David Paulino

David Confesor Paulino

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 7", Weight 215 lb.

• Debut September 8, 2016

• Born February 6, 1994 in Nizao, Peravia D.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

In his major league debut with the Houston Astros on September 9, 2016, pitcher David Paulino gave up 4 runs on 4 hits, 2 walk and a hit batsman in 3 innings and was saddled with a 10-7 loss to the Cleveland Indians. He recorded his first major league win the following year, on June 17, 2017, with six solid innings in a 7-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. He had started the year in the minors, but a rash of injuries to Houston's starting pitchers had given him a chance to make some big league starts. However, a mistake of his own making put a stop to that, as on July 1st, he was handed an 80-game suspension for testing positive to Boldenone, an anabolic steroid. He finished the year at 2-0, 6.52 in 6 starts and did not pitch in the postseason. In 2018, he started the season in AAA with the Fresno Grizzlies, with no record and an ERA of 5.50 in 4 starts. However, he spent most of his time on the disabled list and was on a rehabilitation assignment with the GCL Astros on July 30th when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays along with Ken Giles and Héctor Pérez in return for Roberto Osuna. He was immediately assigned to the AAA Buffalo Bisons.

At 6'7", he is one of the tallest pitchers in baseball. He adds to his height advantage with a release point that is particularly high, meaning the ball leaves his hand approximately 7 feet from the ground, then travels on a downward pane towards home. That compensates for a fastball velocity that is not particularly high. He also has a very good curveball.

David's brother, Brenny Paulino, was a top prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization, but injuries prevented him from reaching the majors.

Notable Achievements

• Won one World Series with the Houston Astros in 2017 (he did not play in the World Series)

Related Sites

• David Paulino on mlb.com