Izturis originally signed as an undrafted amateur free agent with the Cleveland Indians on April 1, 1998. He spent his first few years with the Indians' minor league affiliates, earning an all star selection in the Carolina League in 2002.

On January 5, 2004, Izturis was traded from the Indians to the Montreal Expos. He made his MLB debut with the Expos on August 27, 2004, playing in 32 games, hitting 10 runs and his first homerun in 107 attempts at bat.

Following his rookie season, Izturis was traded to the then named Anaheim Angels on November 19, 2004. He continued to split his time between the Angels and their minor league teams over the next few years.

Izturis made his first post season appearance in 2005 with the Angels, where they lost the American League Divisional Series to the eventual World Series Champion Chicago White Sox. He joined the Angels for the majority of the season over the next two years, playing 104 games in 2006 and 102 games in 2007. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Maicer E. Izturis
2. Born: December 12, 1980
3. Birthplace: Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela
4. Bats: Switch
5. Throws: Right
6. MLB Debut: 2004
7. Half-brother of Pirates shortstop César Izturis