Carlos Corporán

Carlos Fernando Corporán (born January 7, 1984) is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.

Early life Corporán was born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico on January 7, 1984. He said that he wanted to play baseball from an early age. "Even at school, when they gave us homework where you had to pick a career, doctor or dentist or whatever, I would choose baseball. My teacher told me, 'That's not a real career.' I said, 'That's what I'm going to do. I'm a baseball player.'" Corporán attended Lake City Community College, where he was converted from a shortstop into a catcher.

Houston Astros On June 10, 2011, Corporán was called up by the Houston Astros to replace back-up catcher Robinson Cancel. In 52 games for the Astros, he batted .188/.253/.253 with no home runs and 11 RBI. On November 16, Corporán was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks.

On July 15, 2012, the Astros selected Corporán's contract, adding him back to their active roster. In 27 appearances for Houston, he slashed .269/.310/.449 with four home runs and 13 RBI.

In 2013, Corporán appeared in a career-high 64 major league games, and hit .225/.287/.361 with seven home runs and 20 RBI. He made 55 appearances for the Astros during the 2014 season, batting .235/.302/.376 with six home runs and 19 RBI. Corporán was designated for assignment by the Astros on January 19, 2015.

Texas Rangers

On January 21, 2015, Corporán was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league pitcher Akeem Bostick. In 33 games for the Rangers, he batted .178/.244/.299, hitting 3 home runs and driving in 15 runs. His season ended prematurely after suffering a thumb injury in mid-July. On October 26, he refused a minor league assignment by the Rangers and instead, opted for free agency.

Tampa Bay Rays On January 26, 2016, Corporán signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, with an invite to spring training. On April 2, Corporán was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. He was released on May 20, after the team signed J. P. Arencibia.

Miami Marlins On May 25, 2016, Corporán signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins. In 37 appearances for the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs, he batted .195/.246/.348 with four home runs and 16 RBI. Corporán was released by the Marlins organization on August 1.

Chicago Cubs On January 7, 2017, Corporán signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs. He did not appear for the organization before he was released by the Cubs on May 2.

Diablos Rojos del México On January 23, 2018, Corporán signed with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. In 39 games for the team, he slashed .259/.390/.336 with one home run and 20 RBI. Corporán was released by the Diablos on July 2.

Personal life Corporán's 16-month-old son died on October 12, 2012. The Astros organization said that Carlos Corporán Jr. had undergone four heart surgeries since his birth in June 2011. The team released a statement offering its condolences to the Corporán family, calling the boy's battle with serious health issues "an inspiration to so many of us."