(May 24) – The York Revolution announced today the team has signed infielder Alexi Casilla, adding another former major leaguer to its roster.

 

A native of San Cristóbal, DR, Casilla enters his 14th professional season and brings nine years of big league experience to York. The 32-year-old was originally signed as a free agent by the Anaheim Angels in 2003 and made his debut the following season.

 

In 2005, Casilla was traded from the Angels to the Minnesota Twins in a deal that sent pitcher J. C. Romero to Anaheim. Casilla quickly rose through the Twins system, making his major league debut September 1, 2006. He would go on to play over 500 games for the Twins over the following six seasons, hitting an even .250 in his career with Minnesota. His best season came in 2008, when he hit .281 with seven home runs and 50 RBI, and led the American League with 13 sacrifices bunts.

 

In the 2009 AL Central tie-breaker game, Casilla hit a walk-off single to score Carlos Gómez from second base in the bottom of the 12th inning, as the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers, clinching the final playoff spot.

 

Casilla continued his big league career with the Baltimore Orioles in 2013, after being signed off of waivers at the end of the 2012 season. He started in 67 games for the Orioles in 2013 and one more game for the Birds in 2014, hitting .207 and driving in 10 runs as an Oriole.

 

“Alexi should be a major factor for us in the field and at the plate,” said Revolution Manager Mark Mason. “A guy like that brings the experience that will benefit the younger players and can make all the difference in a game, and we’re excited to have him.”

 

The versatile infielder has started games at second base, third base, and short stop in his career, and last year he spent the entire season with Buffalo, the Triple-A Toronto Blue Jays affiliate. There he hit .241, with two home runs and 16 runs driven in. He has also played winter ball at home in the Dominican Republic throughout the majority of his professional career.