José Quijada

José Gregorio Quijada (born November 9, 1995) is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels.

Professional career Miami Marlins Quijada was signed as an international free agent by the Miami Marlins on September 9, 2013. He made his professional debut in 2014 for the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Marlins, going 5–5 with a 2.91 ERA in 74 innings. In 2015, he pitched 8 innings for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Marlins, going 0–0 with a 0.00 ERA. He opened the 2019 season with New Orleans. He made his major league debut on April 24, pitching of an inning in relief. His first decision was a loss to the Chicago Cubs on May 8 that year; he allowed a walk-off solo home run to Jason Heyward in the 11th inning. He was optioned to New Orleans three days later. On February 3, 2020, Quijada was designated for assignment by the Marlins.

Los Angeles Angels On February 10, 2020, Quijada was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels. On September 11, Quijada surrendered a walk-off grand slam to Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies. On the year, Quijada pitched to a 7.36 ERA with 6 strikeouts in innings pitched.

On July 30, 2021, the Angels recalled Quijada from the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. On October 1, in a game against a Seattle Mariners team attempting to make the playoffs for the first time in 20 years, Quijada entered the game with baserunners on first and third and no outs. He proceeded to strike out all three batters, thwarting an opportunity for Seattle to take the lead and win the game, greatly hurting the team's chances of making the playoffs. In 2021, Quijada made 26 appearances, posting an 0–2 record, 4.56 ERA, and innings pitched.

In 2022, Quijada pitched in 42 games for the Angels, registering a 3.98 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 3 saves in innings of work. For the 2023 season, Quijada made 10 appearances, struggling to a 6.00 ERA with 8 strikeouts and 4 saves before he was placed on the injured list on April 29, 2023. On May 3, it was announced that Quijada would require Tommy John surgery, ending his season.

Quijada was activated from the injured list on July 22, 2024, in order to make his return from surgery. In 22 appearances for the Angels, he compiled a 2-2 record and 3.26 ERA with 24 strikeouts across innings pitched.

On March 25, 2025, Quijada was designated for assignment by the Angels. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Salt Lake on March 30. In 27 appearances for the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas, Quijada compiled a 2-1 record and 2.73 ERA with 39 strikeouts across innings pitched. On July 24, the Angels added Quijada back to their active roster. He made two scoreless appearances for the Angels before being designated for assignment on July 30. Quijada cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Salt Lake on August 4. He elected free agency on October 3.

Tokyo Yakult Swallows On December 19, 2025, Quijada signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball.