Quick Facts
Biography
Dámaso Matias Espino (born May 8, 1983 in Los Santos, Panama), is a Panamanian professional baseball catcher who is currently a free agent. He was selected for the Panamanian National Baseball Team for the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, and 2013.
Professional career
Cincinnati Reds organization
Espino was originally signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an undrafted free agent infielder in 1999. He played for the Gulf Coast Reds from 2000–2002, earning Gulf Coast League All-Star honors in 2002 as a third baseman when he hit .332 in 58 games.
Kansas City Royals organization
He was traded by the Reds on March 6, 2003 to the Kansas City Royals. The Royals assigned hin to the Class-A Burlington Bees for 2003 and promoted him to the Wilmington Blue Rocks in 2004. In 2005 he returned to Burlington and made the transition to playing catcher. He spent 2006-2007 in AA with the Wichita Wranglers and made it to AAA in 2008 with the Omaha Royals.
Cleveland Indians organization
Espino was traded by the Royals to the Cleveland Indians on June 12, 2008 for cash. He remained with the Indians through 2010, playing for the AA Akron Aeros and AAA Columbus Clippers.
World Baseball Classic
Espino played in the World Baseball Classic for Panama in both 2006 and 2009, with a total of three at-bats in the two series.
Los Angeles Dodgers organization
He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011 and received an invitation to major league camp. He was assigned to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes, where he appeared in 65 games and hit .292.
Chicago White Sox
He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox for 2012. In 66 games with the AA Birmingham Barons, he hit .284. He also played in 3 games with AAA Charlotte in 2012 and 1 game at Charlotte in 2013 before he was released.
Los Angeles Dodgers
He rejoined the Dodgers in July 13, 2013 and reported to AAA Albuquerque, where he appeared in 19 games and batted .333.
Personal
Espino's cousin Paolo plays in the Indians organization, was also on Panama's roster for the World Baseball Classic.