Polin Trinidad

Polin Trinidad

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 3", Weight 194 lb.

• Born November 19, 1984 in El Seibo D.R.

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Polin Trinidad signed with the Houston Astros at age 17, scouted by Julio Linares and Rick Aponte. He made his pro debut with the 2002 DSL Astros, going 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA. He struck out 49 and walked only six in 49 1/3 innings but allowed 59 hits in a low-offense league.

Trinidad saw limited action for the DSL Astros in 2003 (0-1, 2.57 in 2 G) and 2004 (1-1, 1.38 in 5 G). Moving stateside with the 2005 Greeneville Astros, he was 1-2 with two saves and a 4.89 ERA but allowed a .308 average. The southpaw split 2006 between Greeneville (4-4, 2.39, .208 opponent average, 10 BB in 75 1/3 IP) and the Tri-City ValleyCats (4 R in 8 IP). He led the Appalachian League in innings, was third in ERA (behind Jamie Richmond and Zach Clark) and fifth with 66 strikeouts. He was named the All-Star left-handed pitcher. Baseball America did not include him on their list of the league's top 20 prospects, though.

Trinidad spent 2007 with the Lexington Legends (6-8, 4.18) and the Salem Avalanche (2-1, 2.81). He had a 0-1, 4.73 record that winter the Tigres del Licey. Baseball America rated him as having the best control in the Houston chain. The El Seibo native pitched in 2008 for Salem (4-2, 2.32, .92 WHIP) and the Corpus Christi Hooks (6-5, 3.61). He tied Douglas Arguello for the most wins by an Astros farmhand, led in ERA (3.14) and led in innings (169 1/3). Had he qualified, he would have led the Carolina League in ERA (beating out Jake Arrieta) and been 5th in the Texas League. He also worked in the 2008 Futures Game, relieving Carlos Carrasco to open the second for the World team. He struck out Nate Schierholtz, but Matt LaPorta singled. Dexter Fowler then ground into an inning-ending double play. Hector Rondon replaced him. The Astros added him to their 40-man roster in the off-season. Baseball America again ranked him as the top control pitcher in the Houston minors.

Trinidad split 2009 between Corpus Christi (7-5, Sv, 2.94) and the Round Rock Express (6-5, 4.53), walking 35 in 170 innings overall. He led Astros farmhands in innings and wins. He had a 2.45 ERA for Licey in a LOOGY role during the winter.

Polin opened 2010 back in AAA.