Biography
Erick Johan Aybar (born January 14, 1984) is a Dominican professional baseball shortstop for the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican Baseball League. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, and San Diego Padres.
Professional career
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Aybar was signed by the then Anaheim Angels as an amateur free agent in 2002 and made his Major League debut on May 16, 2006 a pinch runner against the Toronto Blue Jays. He recorded his first Major League hit, in his first start, on May 20, 2006 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a single to right field in the fourth inning off of Brett Tomko. Aybar hit his first career major league home run on September 25, 2007, in a game against the Texas Rangers. On September 5, 2009, Aybar tied a franchise record for most triples in a game with two against the Kansas City Royals. On September 8, 2009, Aybar had his first career walk-off hit, against the Seattle Mariners. In 2009, Aybar hit .312 (eighth in the AL) and posted the fourth-best OPS (.776) of all AL shortstops. On November 1, 2011, Aybar was awarded his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award.On July 10, 2014, Aybar was named an All Star for the first time in his career, replacing injured Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon. Aybar was hitting .283 with six home runs and 45 RBIs through 89 games at the time of his selection.
Atlanta Braves
On November 12, 2015, the Angels traded Aybar, Sean Newcomb, Chris Ellis and cash to the Atlanta Braves for Andrelton Simmons and Jose Briceno.
Detroit Tigers
On August 16, 2016, the Braves traded Aybar to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Mike Avilés and Kade Scivique. At the time of the trade, Aybar was batting an average of .242 with two home runs and twenty-six RBI.
San Diego Padres
Aybar signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres for the 2017 season, receiving a non-roster invitation to spring training. With the Padres in 2017 he batted .234/.300/.348.
Minnesota Twins
On February 24, 2018, Aybar signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. He opted out of his contract and became a free agent on March 23.
Acereros de Monclova
On July 13, 2018, Aybar signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican Baseball League.
Personal life
Aybar is the youngest brother (by 10 months) of former Tampa Bay Rays infielder/outfielder Willy Aybar.