{{short description|Venezuelan baseball player (born 1993)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{family name hatnote|Chirinos|Mejias|lang=Spanish}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Yonny Chirinos |image = YonnyChirinos profile pic.jpg |caption = Chirinos with the Tampa Bay Rays |team = LG Twins |number = 46 |position = Pitcher |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|12|26}} |birth_place = Bachaquero, Venezuela |bats = Right |throws = Right |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = April 1 |debutyear = 2018 |debutteam = Tampa Bay Rays |debut2league = KBO |debut2date = March 22 |debut2year = 2025 |debut2team = LG Twins |statyear = 2024 season |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Win–loss record |stat1value = 20–17 |stat2label = Earned run average |stat2value = 4.22 |stat3label = Strikeouts |stat3value = 283 |stat2year = 2025 season |stat2league = KBO |stat21label = Win–loss record |stat21value = 13–6 |stat22label = Earned run average |stat22value = 3.31 |stat23label = Strikeouts |stat23value = 137 |teams = * Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2020}}, {{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}}) * Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2023}}) * Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2024}}) * LG Twins ({{kboy|2025}}–present) |highlights = * Korean Series champion ({{kboy|2025}}) }} '''Yonny Enrique Chirinos Mejias''' (born December 26, 1993) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the LG Twins of the KBO League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, and Miami Marlins.
==Career== ===Tampa Bay Rays=== ====Minor leagues==== Chirinos signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for $10,000 as an international free agent from Venezuela on June 29, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=A. Stacy |title=Left behind from Rays' spring training |url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/biscuitcrumbs/2015/04/06/left-behind-from-rays-spring-training/25364855/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Montgomery Advertiser |date=April 6, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=J. J. |title=New Rays Rising: How Tampa Bay Returned To Its Roots |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/new-rays-rising-how-reconnecting-with-the-past-propels-tampa-bays-future/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Baseball America |date=April 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/4/5/17200442/tampa-bay-rays-rookie-yonny-chirinos-scouting-report|title=A look at Tampa Bay Rays rookie Yonny Chirinos|work=Minor League Ball|access-date=2018-08-04}}</ref> He made his professional debut in 2013 with the Venezuelan Summer League Rays and spent the whole season there, pitching to a 3–3 record and 3.27 ERA in 13 games (12 starts). In 2014, he played for the Princeton Rays where he compiled a 3–0 record and 2.09 ERA in 14 games, and in 2015, he pitched for the Charlotte Stone Crabs, Hudson Valley Renegades, and Bowling Green Hot Rods, collecting a combined 5–5 record, 1.82 ERA, and 1.02 WHIP in 15 games (13 starts). Chirinos spent 2016 with Bowling Green, Charlotte, and the Montgomery Biscuits, pitching to a 12–4 record and 3.36 ERA in 29 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=630023#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL|title=Yonny Chirinos Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=MiLB.com|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> In 2017, Chirinos played for Montgomery and the Durham Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pope |first=Jonas |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/mlb/article150444812.html |title=Durham hurler pitches shutout in win over Toledo | News & Observer |publisher=Newsobserver.com |date=May 13, 2017 |access-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref> He went 13–5 with a 2.73 ERA and 141 strikeouts and was named the Rays minor league pitcher of the year.<ref name="foxsports1">{{cite web|author=Tampa Bay Rays press release |url=https://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/tampa-bay-rays-minor-league-awards-092917 |title=Jesus Sanchez, Yonny Chirinos tabbed as Rays' top minor league performers |work=FOX Sports |date=September 29, 2017 |access-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref> On November 20, 2017, the Rays added Chirinos to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chastain |first=Bill |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/brent-honeywell-jake-bauers-on-rays-roster-c262244548 |title=Brent Honeywell, Jake Bauers on Rays' roster | MLB.com |publisher=MLB.com |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref>
====Major leagues==== On March 25, 2018, the Rays announced that Chirinos had made the Opening Day roster.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=Rays to drop Hudson, Jennings; put Chirinos, Kittredge and Yarbrough on team |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/03/25/rays-to-drop-hudson-jennings-put-chirinos-kittredge-and-yarbrough-on-team/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=March 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mooney |first1=Roger |title=Rays' Chirinos makes case for bullpen job; Wong has big game |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/03/14/rays-chirinos-makes-case-for-bullpen-job-wong-has-big-game/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=March 14, 2018}}</ref> Chirinos made his opening debut in a long relief role against the Boston Red Sox on April 1.<ref>{{cite news |title=Velazquez, Red Sox take 3 of 4 from the Rays with 2-1 win |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/380401130 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=April 1, 2018}}</ref> He worked four scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mooney |first1=Roger |title=Rays journal: Chirinos impressive in debut |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/04/01/rays-journal-chirinos-impressive-in-debut/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=April 1, 2018}}</ref> Chirinos set a franchise record by pitching his first {{frac|14|2|3}} innings without allowing an earned run.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/04/17/its-yonny-chirinos-day-for-rays/|title=It's Yonny Chirinos day for Rays|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=2018-04-18}}</ref> On May 1, Chirinos was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right forearm strain.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=Rays put Yonny Chirinos on DL with forearm strain |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/05/01/rays-put-yonny-chirinos-on-dl-with-forearm-strain/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=May 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Boyd, Tigers edge Tampa Bay 2-1 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/380501106 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> He was activated from the 10-day disabled list on June 4 but was optioned to Triple-A Durham. On July 24, the Rays recalled Chirinos to start against the New York Yankees.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=Rays calling up RHP Yonny Chirinos for Tuesday start |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/07/23/rays-calling-up-rhp-yonny-chirinos-for-tuesday-start/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=July 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=For starters: Rays vs. Yankees, looking for a six-pack of W's |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/2018/07/24/for-starters-rays-vs-yankees-looking-for-a-six-pack-of-ws/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=July 24, 2018}}</ref> In his return, Chirinos pitched 6{{frac|2|3}} innings, allowing three runs on six hits.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tanaka's 3-hitter, Romine's 2 RBIs lead Yanks over Rays 4-0 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/380724130 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=July 24, 2018}}</ref> He won for the first time in his major league career on August 9.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toribo |first1=Juan |title=Keeping the faith: Yonny Chirinos thankful as he picks up his first win |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/466778/2018/08/10/keeping-the-faith-yonny-chirinos-thankful-as-he-picks-up-his-first-win/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=The Athletic |date=August 9, 2018}}</ref> In 18 games, 7 starts, he finished 5–5 in {{frac|89|2|3}} innings. The following season, Chirinos split time between the bullpen and the rotation, appearing in 26 games (18 starts). He finished with a 9–5 record in {{frac|133|1|3}} innings.
On August 21, 2020, it was announced that Chirinos would require Tommy John surgery for an elbow injury, ruling him out for the rest of the 2020 season and likely most of 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Axisa |first1=Mike |title=First-place Rays lose another key pitcher as Yonny Chirinos needs Tommy John surgery |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/first-place-rays-lose-another-key-pitcher-as-yonny-chirinos-needs-tommy-john-surgery/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=CBS Sports |date=August 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rays' Yonny Chirinos to have Tommy John surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29712736/rays-yonny-chirinos-tommy-john-surgery |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=ESPN.com |date=August 21, 2020}}</ref> On August 25, 2020, he underwent the procedure. On February 22, 2021, Chirinos was placed on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from the surgery.<ref>{{cite news |title=Archer Eager to Re-Establish Himself with AL Champion Rays |url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/sports/2021/02/22/chris-archer-right-hander-tampa-bay-rays-pittsburgh-pirates |access-date=July 25, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Bay News 9 |date=February 22, 2021}}</ref>
On March 22, 2022, Chirinos signed a $1.175 million contract with the Rays, avoiding salary arbitration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |last2=Romano |first2=John |title=Rays settle with all 13 arbitration-eligible players |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2022/03/22/rays-settle-with-all-13-arbitration-eligible-players/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=March 22, 2022}}</ref> Chirinos returned from Tommy John late in the season,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=With Drew Rasmussen out, Rays summon Yonny Chirinos (remember him?) |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2022/09/06/with-drew-rasmussen-on-paternity-list-rays-summon-yonny-chirinos/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=September 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=Yonny Chirinos gets win as Rays sweep Red Sox |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2022/09/07/yonny-chirinos-gets-win-as-rays-sweep-red-sox/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=September 7, 2022}}</ref> and logged two scoreless appearances for the Rays, striking out 6 in 7.0 innings pitched. Chirinos was optioned to the Triple-A Durham Bulls to begin the 2023 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bulls Announce 2023 Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/news/bulls-announce-2023-opening-day-roster |access-date=July 25, 2023 |publisher=MILB.com |date=March 31, 2023}}</ref> In 15 appearances (4 starts) for Tampa Bay, he logged a 4–4 record and 4.02 ERA with 31 strikeouts in {{fraction|62|2|3}} innings pitched. On July 17, 2023, Chirinos was designated for assignment by the Rays.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Topkin |first1=Marc |title=Rays say a tough goodbye to pitcher Yonny Chirinos |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2023/07/17/yonny-chirinos-dfa-rays-pitching/ |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=July 17, 2023}}</ref>
===Atlanta Braves=== On July 23, 2023, Chirinos was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.<ref>{{cite news |title=Braves acquire RHP Yonny Chirinos off waivers from Rays |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38060258/braves-acquire-yonny-chirinos-waivers-rays-option-michael-soroka |access-date=July 25, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=July 23, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves option Michael Soroka to Triple A, claim Yonny Chirinos off waivers |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-option-michael-soroka-to-triple-a-claim-yonny-chirinos-off-waivers/2OBDY2HD6NAWDKRVBO7E2AH764/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=July 23, 2023}}</ref> He made his Braves debut five days later, pitching {{frac|3|2|3}} innings in a no-decision.<ref>{{cite news |title=Albies, Riley, Ozuna power the Braves to a 10-7 victory over the Brewers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401472569 |access-date=July 29, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=July 28, 2023}}</ref> Chirinos struggled to a 9.27 ERA across 5 starts for the Braves before he was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation on August 21.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Braves' Yonny Chirinos: Placed on IL with elbow injury|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-yonny-chirinos-placed-on-il-with-elbow-injury/|access-date=September 12, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 21, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He was transferred to the 60–day injured list on September 5, ending his season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Atlanta Braves claim Andrew Velazquez off of waivers; Yonny Chirinos' season is over|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/transactions/atlanta-braves-claim-andrew-velazquez-off-of-waivers|access-date=September 5, 2023|website=si.com|date=September 5, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He was designated for assignment by the Braves on November 14, following the waiver claim of Penn Murfee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Braves Claim Penn Murfee, Designate Yonny Chirinos |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/braves-claim-penn-murfee-designate-yonny-chirinos.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> He was non-tendered and became a free agent on November 17.
=== Miami Marlins === On February 13, 2024, Chirinos agreed to a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 13, 2024 |title=Marlins, Yonny Chirinos Agree To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/marlins-yonny-chirinos-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> In 12 starts for the Triple–A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, he compiled a 6–4 record and 3.00 ERA with 47 strikeouts across 66 innings pitched. On June 19, the Marlins selected Chirinos' contract, adding him to their active roster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marlins Designate Kent Emanuel For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/marlins-designate-kent-emanuel-for-assignment.html|access-date=June 19, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref> In 6 starts for Miami, he struggled to a 6.30 ERA with 25 strikeouts across 30 innings of work. Chirinos was designated for assignment by the Marlins on July 23.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgenstern |first=Leo |date=July 23, 2024 |title=Marlins Designate Yonny Chirinos For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/07/marlins-designate-yonny-chirinos-for-assignment.html |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Jacksonville on July 25.<ref>{{cite web | title=Marlins' Yonny Chirinos: Outrighted to Triple-A | website=CBS Sports | date=2024-07-26 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/marlins-yonny-chirinos-outrighted-to-triple-a/ | access-date=2025-10-31}}</ref> Chirinos elected free agency on October 4.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Transactions |url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-04 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}}</ref>
===LG Twins=== On November 27, 2024, Chirinos signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the LG Twins of the KBO League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20241127006200315?section=news|title=Twins sign ex-MLB pitcher Chirinos |author=Jee-ho, Yoo|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|date=November 27, 2024|access-date=November 27, 2024 |language=}}</ref> He made 30 starts for the Twins in 2025, posting a 13-6 record and 3.31 ERA with 137 strikeouts over 177 innings of work. With the Twins, Chirinos won the 2025 Korean Series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LG Twins Secure Fourth Integrated Championship With Ironclad Defense|url=https://www.chosun.com/english/sports-en/2025/11/03/HH6XGUXCIJERPJEE4IHO3OVGZE/|access-date=November 7, 2025|website=chosun.com|language=en}}</ref>
On December 6, 2025, Chirinos re-signed with the Twins on a one-year contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KBO League’s LG Twins Re-Sign Yonny Chirinos, Austin Dean|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/12/kbo-leagues-lg-twins-re-sign-yonny-chirinos-austin-dean.html|access-date=December 6, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Baseballstats|mlb=630023|espn=39823|br=c/chiriyo01|fangraphs=16401|brm=chirin000yon|retro=C/Pchiry001}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Chirinos, Yonny}} Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:Atlanta Braves players Category:Bowling Green Hot Rods players Category:Bravos de Margarita players Category:Charleston RiverDogs players Category:Charlotte Stone Crabs players Category:Durham Bulls players Category:Florida Complex League Rays players Category:Hudson Valley Renegades players Category:Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp players Category:KBO League pitchers Category:LG Twins players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Major League Baseball players from Venezuela Category:21st-century Venezuelan sportsmen Category:Miami Marlins players Category:Montgomery Biscuits players Category:Princeton Rays players Category:Tampa Bay Rays players Category:Venezuelan Summer League Rays players Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in South Korea Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in the United States