1. Early Life and Background
Esmil Antonio Rogers was born on August 14, 1985, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His elder brother, Ed Rogers, also played professional baseball, including three seasons in Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles. Esmil Rogers began his amateur baseball career before signing as an amateur free agent with the Colorado Rockies in 2003.
2. Professional Career
Rogers' professional career spanned various leagues across North America and Asia, starting in the minor league system of the Colorado Rockies before making his MLB debut and then moving on to play in the KBO League, Mexican League, and Chinese Professional Baseball League.
2.1. Major League Baseball (MLB) Stint
Rogers spent several years in Major League Baseball, playing for four different teams in both starting and relief roles.
2.1.1. Colorado Rockies (2009-2012)
Rogers began his professional journey after being signed by the Colorado Rockies on July 10, 2003. He started his minor league career in 2006 with the Rookie-level Casper Rockies in the Pioneer League. The following season, he played for the Single-A Asheville Tourists of the South Atlantic League. In 2008, Rogers moved to the Single-A Modesto Nuts in the California League. He advanced through the ranks, playing for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League before reaching the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox of the Pacific Coast League.
Rogers was promoted to the Rockies in September 2009, making his major league debut as a starter on September 12, 2009, against the San Diego Padres. In that game, he pitched four innings, allowing two runs and three hits in a 3-2 loss. He returned to the Rockies in 2010, appearing in 28 games, including eight starts, where he compiled a 2-3 record with a 6.13 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP. His first Major League win came on May 23, 2010, against the Kansas City Royals, where he pitched two innings of relief, allowing two runs on five hits.
In April 2011, Rogers started strong as a starter with a 3-1 record despite a 6.33 ERA. He later replaced Ubaldo Jiménez in the pitching rotation after Jiménez was traded to the Cleveland Indians on July 30. On May 7, 2011, Rogers was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to lat muscle pain but returned on July 25. He concluded the 2011 season with a 6-6 record and a 7.05 ERA in 18 games (13 starts). In 2012, he made 23 relief appearances for the Rockies, posting a 0-2 record with an 8.06 ERA. On June 9, 2012, he was designated for assignment and subsequently traded to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations on June 12.
2.1.2. Cleveland Indians (2012)
After joining the Cleveland Indians on June 12, 2012, Rogers replaced Matt LaPorta on the active roster. Indians manager Manny Acta expressed optimism, stating, "We're hoping that getting him out of the Colorado ballpark and new surroundings, maybe we can cash in on a very good arm." Rogers thrived in Cleveland, compiling a 3-1 record with a 3.06 ERA, striking out 54 batters in 53 innings across 44 relief appearances.
2.1.3. Toronto Blue Jays (2013-2014)
On November 3, 2012, Rogers was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in a two-for-one deal for Mike Avilés and Yan Gomes. He began the 2013 season in a relief role but transitioned to a starter after J.A. Happ suffered an injury and Sean Nolin was ineffective. His first start as a Blue Jay was on May 29, 2013, against the Atlanta Braves. On June 13, he earned a win against Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers in a 3-1 game. In a notable performance on June 18 against his former team, the Colorado Rockies, Rogers carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning, ultimately pitching 6 and 2/3 innings in an 8-3 Blue Jays victory, extending their winning streak to seven games. His success as a starter was attributed by manager John Gibbons and catcher J. P. Arencibia to increased confidence and the effective use of his sinker. However, on June 24, he took the loss in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays that ended the Blue Jays' 11-game winning streak, giving up three consecutive home runs. For the 2013 season, he pitched in 44 games (20 starts), with a 5-9 record, a 4.77 ERA, and 96 strikeouts.
In January 2014, Rogers filed for salary arbitration with Toronto but agreed to a one-year, 1.85 M USD contract on January 17. Despite this, he was designated for assignment on May 23 after recording a 6.97 ERA in 16 appearances. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on May 24. While in Triple-A, he posted a 2-2 record with a 3.14 ERA in 12 appearances. His contract was re-selected by the Blue Jays on July 22, but he was again designated for assignment on July 27 without making a major league appearance.
2.1.4. New York Yankees (2014-2015)
The New York Yankees claimed Rogers off waivers from the Blue Jays on July 31, 2014. He made a strong debut for the Yankees on August 3, pitching three scoreless innings. On August 8, he recorded his first win as a Yankee, allowing only one run over five innings in his first start for the team. For the remainder of the 2014 season, he appeared in 18 games (1 start), achieving a 2-0 record with a 4.68 ERA and 23 strikeouts.
After the 2014 season, the Yankees signed Rogers to a one-year, 1.48 M USD contract for the 2015 season. However, he struggled in 2015, posting a 6.27 ERA and allowing 41 hits in 33 innings. On June 13, 2015, he was outrighted to the Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the International League, removing him from the team's 40-man roster. He was briefly recalled on June 28 but outrighted again on July 1 and subsequently released on July 31.
2.2. KBO League (First Stint): Hanwha Eagles (2015-2016)
After his release from the Yankees, Rogers signed with the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO League on August 1, 2015, as a replacement for the injured Shane Youman. He made an impressive KBO debut as a starting pitcher on August 6, 2015, against the LG Twins. He earned a complete game victory, striking out seven batters and allowing only one run on three hits in a 4-1 win for the Eagles, becoming the first foreign pitcher in KBO history to achieve a complete game in his debut.
Just five days later, on August 11, 2015, against the KT Wiz, Rogers recorded his second KBO victory with a complete-game shutout in a 4-0 win, again allowing only three hits and striking out seven. This achievement made him the first pitcher in KBO history to throw two consecutive complete games in his first two starts. He earned his third complete game win on August 22, 2015, against the Kia Tigers, which was also his second shutout. He recorded a quality start on August 16, 2015, against the Samsung Lions, pitching 7 and 1/3 innings and allowing four runs. In the 2015 season, he compiled a 6-2 record with a 2.97 ERA in 10 appearances, all starts. After the season, despite interest from Japanese teams like the Yomiuri Giants and Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, he re-signed with the Eagles for one year at 1.90 M USD. However, due to two separate injuries and extended absences during the 2016 season, he was waived on June 24, 2016, and replaced by Eric Surkamp. He finished the 2016 season with a 2-3 record and a 4.30 ERA in six starts.
2.3. Washington Nationals (Minor League Stint) (2017)
On August 1, 2017, Rogers signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals organization, assigned to the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, in an attempt to return to MLB. He was released on October 26, 2017.
2.4. KBO League (Second Stint): Nexen Heroes (2018)
On October 27, 2017, the Nexen Heroes of the KBO League (now Kiwoom Heroes) announced they had signed Rogers to a one-year contract worth 1.50 M USD for the 2018 season, marking his return to the KBO League after two years. He was brought in to replace Andy Van Hekken. Rogers made his debut on March 24, 2018, as the opening day starter against his former team, the Hanwha Eagles, earning the win by pitching 6 and 2/3 innings and allowing three runs (two earned). However, on June 3, 2018, during a game against the LG Twins, Rogers suffered a finger ligament injury and fracture after being hit by a line drive from Kim Hyun-soo. Due to the severity of the injury, he was waived by the team on June 20, 2018, to open up a spot for another foreign player. He was replaced by Eric Hacker, who had previously played for the NC Dinos. For the 2018 season, he had a 5-4 record with a 3.80 ERA in 13 starts.
2.5. Mexican League (First Stint): Guerreros de Oaxaca (2019)
On February 1, 2019 (or April 3, 2019, depending on source), Rogers signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League. He struggled during his tenure, posting a 6-5 record with a high 7.19 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 17 starts covering 91.1 innings. He was released on July 20, 2019.
2.6. Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL): CTBC Brothers (2020-2021)
On January 9, 2020, Rogers signed with the CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). His registered name in the CPBL was 羅傑斯Luo Jié-sīChinese. He made his CPBL debut on April 17, 2020, against the Uni-Lions, earning his first CPBL win by pitching seven innings and allowing one run. On May 9, 2020, during a game against the Rakuten Monkeys, Rogers was ejected for arguing with an umpire and was subsequently demoted to the minor league due to his performance. He rejoined the first team on July 15, pitching four innings and allowing two runs. In August, he had a strong month, earning a Monthly MVP award for pitchers with a 2-0 record and a 0.97 ERA. On September 5, 2020, against the Fubon Guardians, he achieved his first complete game and shutout in the CPBL. However, inconsistent pitching led to another demotion to the minor league on September 26. He finished the 2020 season with a 6-4 record and a 3.47 ERA in 17 appearances, all starts. The Brothers initially decided not to re-sign him for the following season.
Despite this, Rogers re-signed with the CTBC Brothers on February 20, 2021. He arrived in Taiwan on April 9 and, after completing quarantine, joined the team on July 14, making his first team promotion on July 20. On August 19, 2021, in a game against the Fubon Guardians, he recorded a CPBL record 12 strikeouts in four innings but ultimately allowed eight runs in six innings, resulting in a loss. He was not re-signed for the 2022 season due to foreign player roster limits. In 2021, he posted a 2-5 record with a 4.94 ERA in 17 appearances (12 starts).
2.7. Mexican League (Second Stint) (2022-Present)
Rogers returned to the Mexican League for subsequent stints.
On February 25, 2022, Rogers signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League. In 14 starts, he registered a 3-5 record with a 5.60 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 72.1 innings. He was released on August 1, 2022.
On February 12, 2023, Rogers signed with the Mariachis de Guadalajara. In eight starts, he posted a 2-4 record with a 7.12 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 36.2 innings before being released on June 2, 2023.
On June 13, 2023, Rogers signed with El Águila de Veracruz. For Veracruz in 2023, he made eight appearances (seven starts), posting a 4-2 record and a 4.22 ERA with 34 strikeouts across 49 innings pitched. He continued with Veracruz in 2024, making 17 starts, logging a 6-7 record and a 4.85 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 91 innings of work.
3. Playing Style
Esmil Rogers is known for his stable pitching balance and effective breaking balls. His primary pitch is a four-seam fastball, which he throws at speeds ranging from 94 mph to 98 mph, accounting for about 60% of his total pitches. His main breaking pitch is a slider, which typically ranges from 85 mph to 89 mph. He also utilizes a curveball, usually thrown between 81 mph and 85 mph, and a cutter around 90 mph. He rarely throws a changeup. These velocities are based on his relief appearances and PITCHf/x data from 2012.
4. Achievements and Awards
Esmil Rogers has achieved several notable individual records and received recognition throughout his professional career, particularly in the Asian baseball leagues.
4.1. Individual Records and Milestones
In the KBO League, Rogers became the first foreign pitcher to record a complete game victory in his debut (August 6, 2015). He further distinguished himself by becoming the first pitcher in KBO history to throw two consecutive complete games in his first two starts (August 11, 2015). He achieved a total of three complete game victories in his initial 2015 KBO season.
In the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), Rogers recorded his first complete game and shutout on September 5, 2020. He also set a CPBL record on August 19, 2021, by striking out 12 batters within the first four innings of a game.
4.2. Monthly MVP Awards
Rogers received a Monthly MVP award in the CPBL as a pitcher for August 2020, during which he posted a 2-0 record with an impressive 0.97 ERA.
5. Public Image and Nicknames
During his time in the KBO League, particularly during his successful 2015 season with the Hanwha Eagles, Esmil Rogers earned several distinctive nicknames from fans and media. He was often referred to as "Monster Pitcher" (괴물 투수Goemul TusuKorean) due to his dominant performances. Another common nickname was "Jesus" (지저스JijeoseuKorean). A combination of these, "Ryujesus" (류저스RyujeoseuKorean), also emerged, blending his "Jesus" moniker with the name of former Hanwha Eagles ace and MLB pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin, signifying his perceived impact on the team.
6. Career Statistics
| Year | Appearances | Starts | Complete Games | Shutouts | No-Walk Games | Wins | Losses | Saves | Holds | Win% | Batters Faced | Innings Pitched | Hits Allowed | Home Runs Allowed | Walks | Intentional Walks | Hit Batters | Strikeouts | Wild Pitches | Balks | Runs Allowed | Earned Runs | ERA | WHIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | COL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ---- | 16 | 4.0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4.50 | 1.25 |
| 2010 | 28 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | .400 | 333 | 72.0 | 94 | 5 | 26 | 2 | 5 | 66 | 5 | 2 | 59 | 49 | 6.13 | 1.67 | |
| 2011 | 18 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | .500 | 404 | 83.0 | 110 | 14 | 47 | 5 | 6 | 63 | 5 | 1 | 65 | 65 | 7.05 | 1.89 | |
| 2012 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | .000 | 131 | 25.2 | 36 | 2 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 23 | 23 | 8.06 | 2.10 | |
| CLE | 44 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | .750 | 217 | 53.0 | 47 | 5 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 54 | 5 | 0 | 19 | 18 | 3.06 | 1.11 | |
| '12 Total | 67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | .500 | 348 | 78.2 | 83 | 7 | 30 | 4 | 5 | 83 | 10 | 0 | 42 | 41 | 4.69 | 1.44 | |
| 2013 | TOR | 44 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 4 | .357 | 598 | 137.2 | 152 | 21 | 44 | 2 | 6 | 96 | 7 | 2 | 76 | 73 | 4.77 | 1.42 |
| 2014 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 96 | 20.2 | 28 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 16 | 6.97 | 1.69 | |
| NYY | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1.000 | 106 | 25.0 | 22 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 4.68 | 1.28 | |
| '14 Total | 34 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1.000 | 202 | 45.2 | 50 | 8 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 44 | 1 | 1 | 30 | 29 | 5.72 | 1.47 | |
| 2015 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .500 | 153 | 33.0 | 41 | 5 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 31 | 6 | 0 | 29 | 23 | 6.27 | 1.67 | |
| Hanwha | 10 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | .750 | 296 | 75.2 | 62 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 4 | 60 | 1 | 1 | 26 | 25 | 2.97 | 1.08 | |
| 2016 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | .400 | 160 | 37.2 | 42 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 24 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 18 | 4.30 | 1.43 | |
| 2018 | Nexen | 13 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | .556 | 345 | 83.0 | 89 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 5 | 65 | 8 | 0 | 40 | 35 | 3.80 | 1.27 |
| 2020 | Brothers | 17 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | .600 | 461 | 109.0 | 111 | 8 | 28 | 2 | 7 | 113 | 2 | 2 | 50 | 42 | 3.47 | 1.28 |
| 2021 | 17 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | .286 | 346 | 78.1 | 92 | 4 | 21 | 0 | 4 | 67 | 6 | 2 | 46 | 43 | 4.94 | 1.44 | |
| MLB Total: 7 years | 210 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 22 | 0 | 18 | .463 | 2054 | 454.0 | 533 | 60 | 180 | 13 | 26 | 386 | 34 | 6 | 303 | 282 | 5.59 | 1.57 | |
| KBO Total: 3 years | 29 | 29 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 0 | .591 | 801 | 196.1 | 193 | 12 | 48 | 0 | 11 | 149 | 9 | 4 | 88 | 78 | 3.58 | 1.23 | |
| CPBL Total: 2 years | 34 | 29 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | .471 | 807 | 187.1 | 203 | 12 | 49 | 2 | 11 | 180 | 8 | 4 | 96 | 85 | 4.08 | 1.33 | |
7. Jersey Numbers
Esmil Rogers wore the following jersey numbers during his professional career:
- 48 (2009-2012): Colorado Rockies
- 32 (2012-2014): Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays
- 53 (2014-2015): New York Yankees
- 42 (2015-2016): Hanwha Eagles
- 45 (2018): Nexen Heroes
- 22 (2019): Guerreros de Oaxaca
- 35 (2020-2021): CTBC Brothers