Antonio José Armas (born April 29, 1978), better known as Tony Armas, Jr., is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who plays for the Washington Nationals. Previously, he played with the Montreal Expos (1999-2004).

Armas was born in Puerto Píritu, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela. He is the son of former All-Star outfielder Tony Armas, and a nephew of former first baseman Marcos Armas.

Signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1994, Armas was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1997, and was sent to Montreal later the same year along with pitcher Carl Pavano to complete the deal for Pedro Martinez.

Armas uses a low-90s moving fastball and a sharp-breaking curve to establish what he wants to do with each hitter. He'll mix in an effective slider, a splitter and a changeup to keep opponents out of balance. His slide step has improved to the point where opposing baserunners no longer take him for granted.

However, few starting pitchers have had as much bad luck as Armas. Various injuries held him back until 2003, when he was the team's Opening Day starter, shutting down the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field, 10-2. But the strong start turned into a breakdown weeks later, after he was diagnosed with injuries in his arm and shoulder which required season-ending surgery. At that time, Armas was off to a fine start with a record of 2-1, 23 strikeouts and a 2.61 earned run average, while allowing barely more than a baserunner per inning (1.065) and not allowing a home run until his fifth and last start.

Armas worked out in 2004 spring training, and his recovery was proceeding. Although the team initially hoped he could be ready for the start of the season, the rehabilitation was slower than expected. He finished the season with a 2-4 mark in 72 innings.

In a six-year career, Armas has a 32-41 record with 445 strikeouts and a 4.21 ERA in 565 innings. At bat, he is a .102 hitter (16-for-157) with seven RBI.

Note

• On March 28, 2005, the Washington Nationals placed Armas on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin pull, the team's first significant injury of spring training.

See also

• Players from Venezuela in MLB

External links

• Tony Armas, Jr. at:
  • ESPN (profile and daily updates)
  • Baseball Reference (statistics and analysis)