Pedro Beato Adds Depth To Reds Bullpen

Pedro Beato was the first round pick of the Baltimore Orioles out of St. Petersburg College in 2006.  It was the second time that he was chosen in the draft.

Beato grew up in Queens, New York just a subway ride from Shea Stadium and the new Citi Field.

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The 27-year old pitched at Brooklyn's Xaverian High School on a team that had six players taken in the draft, including Beato. He was taken by the Mets in the 17th round but didn't sign, electing to improve his lot in St. Petersburg.

"We had a really good team," Beato said.  "Rich Aurilia went there too.  The baseball program there has turned around."

Golden State Warrior and St. John's University star, Chris Mullen, also graduated from Xaverian.

The Mets got him anyway, snatching him from the Orioles in the Rule V draft in December, 2010.

Beato pitched in 60 games in relief for the Mets, forging a 2-1 record with a 4.30 ERA.  He pitched the second most innings by a National League rookie and had the fourth best ERA.  Beato worked 18 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run to start the season.

A stint on the disabled list with tendinitis cost Beato more innings.  Then his shoulder acted up and he missed a significant part of the 2012 season.  The Mets sent Beato to the Red Sox to acquire Kelly Shoppach.  Combined he pitched just 11 innings with one win and a 6.75 ERA.  When the Red Sox signed Ryan Dempster, Beato was outrighted to Pawtucket

Beato spent most of the 2013 season at Pawtucket then filled in admirably for the Red Sox, pitching in 10 games over four stints.  He helped the Red Sox drive to the World Championship with 10 solid innings with a 1-1 record and a 3.60 ERA.  The Red Sox designated him for assignment on October 23, the Reds claimed him.

Beato is 6'6" and weighs 230 pounds.  The Reds hope that he is insurance in case Jonathan Broxton is not ready for the start of the season.