Cristofer Ogando

Cristofer Jesus Ogando  (born October 23, 1993) is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher for the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Miami Marlins
Ogando signed with the Miami Marlins on January 17, 2013, as an international free agent. He made his professional debut for the Dominican Summer League Marlins in 2013, pitching in five games and ending the season with an 8.53 earned run average. After being released by the Marlins on December 17, 2013, he did not play professionally from 2014 to 2017, instead playing in amateur baseball leagues.

Arizona Diamondbacks
On June 5, 2018, Ogando signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He split the year between the Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks, rookie–level Missoula Osprey, and Low–A Hillsboro Hops. In 19 relief outings split between the three affiliates, Ogando pitched to a 1.34 ERA with 45 strikeouts across $33 2⁄3$ innings pitched.

Tampa Bay Rays
On December 13, 2018, Ogando was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He split the 2019 season between the Single–A Bowling Green Hot Rods and High–A Charlotte Stone Crabs, accumulating a 2.63 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 8 saves. Ogando did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Ogando split the year between Bowling Green, the Double–A Montgomery Biscuits, and Triple-A Durham Bulls, combining to post a 5–3 record and 4.91 ERA with 74 strikeouts. He began 2022 back with Durham, pitching to a 3.03 ERA across 21 games.

On July 3, 2022, Ogando was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. Ogando made his debut that day against the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing one run in 2.0 innings and striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. He was sent back down to Durham the following day. On July 21, Ogando was designated for assignment following the signing of Roman Quinn. He had his contract selected again on September 23. On September 29, Ogando was designated for assignment following the promotion of Easton McGee. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A Durham on October 1. Ogando elected free agency on October 11.

Pericos de Puebla
On April 19, 2023, Ogando signed with the Pericos de Puebla of the Mexican League. In 10 appearances for Puebla, he logged a 6.75 ERA with 8 strikeouts in $10 2⁄3$ innings of work. Ogando was released by the team on May 11.

Charleston Dirty Birds
On June 20, 2023. Ogando signed with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. In 10 games for the Dirty Birds, he recorded a 3.72 ERA with 13 strikeouts in $9 2⁄3$ innings pitched.

Staten Island FerryHawks
On July 20, 2023, Ogando was traded to the Staten Island FerryHawks in exchange for a player to be named later. In 6 appearances for Staten Island, he registered a 2.57 ERA with 9 strikeouts and one save in 7.0 innings pitched. On January 8, 2024, Ogando was released by the FerryHawks.

Charleston Dirty Birds (second stint)
On February 17, 2024, Ogando signed with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.