Robert Zarate


Robert Alexander Zárate Ladera is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. From 2012 through 2013, he pitched for the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball. Zarate was released by the Pirates on June 13, 2016.

Career

Toronto Blue Jays

Zárate signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 26, 2005. Zárate played for the Blue Jays minor league system through the 2008 season. He began 2009 with the GCL Blue Jays. The Blue Jays released Zárate on April 15, 2009.

Hanshin Tigers

Zárate played for the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball in 2012. He made his NPB debut on August 5, 2012. He also played the 2013 season for Hanshin before becoming a free agent after the season.

Gunma Diamond Pegasus

Zárate joined the Gunma Diamond Pegasus of Japan's Baseball Challenge League for the 2014 season. He was scouted by the Rays after spending 2014 with the Pegasus.

Tampa Bay Rays

On January 21, 2015, Zárate signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. He elected free agency on November 6, 2015.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On December 7, 2015, Zárate signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He spent the 2016 season with the Indianapolis Indians. Zárate became a free agent following the 2017 season.

Cleveland Indians

On January 4, 2018, Zarate signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Cleveland Indians. He pitched for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, appearing in 29 games as a reliever and finishing with a 3-1 record, 3.30 ERA, and 40 strikeouts. He was released by the organization on July 23, 2018.

Toros de Tijuana

On July 27, 2018, Zárate signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican Baseball League.

Leones de Yucatán

He was traded to the Leones de Yucatán on August 15, 2018. He became a free agent following the season.

Rieleros de Aguascalientes

On January 28, 2020, Zárate signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League.