Carlos Silva

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**Carlos Silva**

Minnesota Twins — No. 52
Pitcher
Bats: Right	Throws: Right
Major League Baseball debut
April 1, 2002 for the Philadelphia Phillies
Selected MLB statistics (through 2005)
Wins-Losses	31-17
ERA	3.84
Strikeouts	236
Teams
Philadelphia Phillies (2002 – 2003)

Carlos Silva (born April 23, 1979 in Bolívar State, Venezuela) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the Minnesota Twins since 2004. Previously, he played for the Philadelphia Phillies (2002-03). He bats and throws right handed. Silva was acquired from Philadelphia in exchange for Eric Milton, who was a staple of the Minnesota rotation since 1998. During May 2006, Silva was demoted to the bullpen after struggling through the beginning of the season. In June, he re-entered the rotation when the struggling #5 starter, Scott Baker, was demoted to the Twins' AAA team in Rochester, New York. Silva's old #3 slot is currently occupied by Johan Santana.

Silva throws a low-nineties sinking fastball, a slider and a changeup. He is known for his relatively quick pace, as he takes very short breaks between pitches. A ground ball pitcher, Silva has excellent command of his pitches, and walks very few batters.

With the Twins, Silva made a successful conversion from reliever to starter, for one of the biggest surprises in the 2004 season. He posted a 14-8 mark in 203 innings pitched and finished second in the rotation behind Cy Young winner Johan Santana. In 2005 he set the record for walks per 9 innings in the modern era with an average of .43 BB/9 innings.

Through 2004, Silva has posted a 22-9 record with 165 strikeouts and a 4.04 ERA in 374.1 innings.