Leonel Nunez
- Sport: baseball
- Team: Kansas City Royals
- Position: pitcher
- Nationality: Dominican Republic
- Birth date: 1983-08-14 (25 years)
- Place of birth: Jamao Norte, Dominican Republic
- Nickname: "Leo"
Leonel Núñez, called Leo, was born on August 14, 1983 in Jamao Norte, Dominican Republic. He is a relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals.
Leo throws and bats right-handed.
Minor Leagues
Leo was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an undrafted free agent on February 16, 2000.
He was a starting pitcher in the Pirates farm system from 2001 to 2004. On December 16, 2004, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals for catcher Benito Santiago.
After being traded, Leo was converted to a full time relief pitcher.
He began the 2005 season with the Single-A High Desert Mavericks, then was promoted to the Double-A Wichita Wranglers.
Major Leagues
Leo's contract was purchased by the Royals on May 9, 2005, and he made his major league debut on the same day.
In 2006, Leo played for the Wranglers, for Omaha Royals, and in 7 games at the major league level.
In 2007, he was converted back into a starting pitcher, but now, in 2008, he is back to being a set-up man.
Career Note
On June 22, 2007, Leo was traded to the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Milton Bradley. But because Bradley was injured at the time, and the trade was voided.
Leo throws and bats right-handed.
Minor Leagues
Leo was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an undrafted free agent on February 16, 2000.
He was a starting pitcher in the Pirates farm system from 2001 to 2004. On December 16, 2004, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals for catcher Benito Santiago.
After being traded, Leo was converted to a full time relief pitcher.
He began the 2005 season with the Single-A High Desert Mavericks, then was promoted to the Double-A Wichita Wranglers.
Major Leagues
Leo's contract was purchased by the Royals on May 9, 2005, and he made his major league debut on the same day.
In 2006, Leo played for the Wranglers, for Omaha Royals, and in 7 games at the major league level.
In 2007, he was converted back into a starting pitcher, but now, in 2008, he is back to being a set-up man.
Career Note
On June 22, 2007, Leo was traded to the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Milton Bradley. But because Bradley was injured at the time, and the trade was voided.
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