Guide Note

Luis Ayala is a right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets. A native of Mexico, Ayala started playing professional baseball in the Mexican leagues as a 19-year old. He made his major league debut on March 31, 2003 with the Montreal Expos. Ayala was considered a talented reliever, and recorded 9 holds in his first season as a member of the Expos bullpen. Ayala missed the entire 2006 season, after suffering an elbow injury in the World Baseball Classic. He returned the next season, after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Luis Ignacio Ayala
2. Born: January 12, 1978
3. Birthplace: Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
4. Bats/Throws: Right/Right

• October 14, 1999: Colorado Rockies purchase contract from the Saltillo.

• May 15, 2001: Saltillo purchase contract from the Colorado Rockies.

• August 13, 2002: Montreal Expos purchase contract from the Saltillo.

• October 23, 2002: Signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a Free Agent.

• December 16, 2002: Drafted by the Montreal Expos 2002 rule 5 draft.

• August 17. 2008: Traded from Washington Nationals to New York Mets

Ayala is a very deceptive pitcher. He has an unorthodox delivery, and throws with various speeds. He is extremely effective against righties.[1]

Ayala is not very effective pitching to left-handed batters.[2]