Efraín Nieves

Efraín J. Nieves

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 0", Weight 172 lb.
• High School Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

• Born November 15, 1989 in Bayamon Puerto Rico

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Efraín Nieves is the son of former Olympic catcher Efrain Nieves Sr.

Nieves was picked by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 7th round of the 2007 amateur draft. He was signed by scouts Manolo Hernandez and Charlie Sullivan and went 2-4 with a 5.31 ERA for the 2007 AZL Brewers and then was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two games for the Helena Brewers. He struck out 45 in 40 2/3 IP for the AZL Brewers but walked 25 and threw 7 wild pitches.

In 2008, the southpaw went 6-3 with a 4.48 ERA for Helena. He was 5th in the Pioneer League in wins and innings (76 1/3). His control improved significantly, with 10 walks to 66 strikeouts and he was 4th in the circuit in lowest walk rate by a starting pitcher. Baseball America rated him as the #13 prospect in the Pioneer League.

Nieves struggled with the 2009 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, going 5-7 with a save and a 5.70 ERA and allowing 116 hits in 94 2/3 IP for a .311 opponent average. He still made Puerto Rico's roster for the 2009 Baseball World Cup, 19 years after his father made his World Cup debut with Puerto Rico.

Sources

• 2009 Brewers Media Guide
• 2008-2009 Baseball Almanacs