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Mark Portugal
#31 | Pitcher | Cincinnati Reds | Roster
Profile | Statistics | Splits | Career Notes | Game Log | Batter vs. Pitcher

Career Notes

1996
Pitched his first complete game shutout in more than two seasons in the Reds 7-0 win on June 24 vs. Philadelphia ... On the DL from Aug. 27-Sept. 15 due to a strained right hamstring ... Struck out 12 in eight innings on Apr. 27 in a loss to Philadelphia ... Won five straight decisions from June 19-July 12 ... Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as a free agent on Dec. 11.

1995
Was defeated in three of his first four Reds appearances, before earning his win over the Rockies on August 15 ... Made seven "quality starts" (three or less, 6.0+ IP) after coming to the reds as Cincinnati won all seven games.

1994
Led all San Francisco Giants pitchers in wins (10) ... Had a 14 game winning streak ... Tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Aug. 5 ending his season ... Hit .354 with five doubles, eight RBI's and one triple.

1993
Showed he was one of the league's most consistent moundsmen, allowing three of fewer runs in 29 of 33 starts (including 14 of last 15) ... Had the longest winning streak in the majors, notching his final 12 decisions as an Astro and setting a new team record ... His 18-4 record over 208 innings earned him sixth place in the NL Cy Young voting ... Along with new teammates Swift and Burkett, was one of only six NL hurlers to win as many as 18 games ... After a loss in Pittsburgh April 25, reeled off a 17-2 record and a 2.56 ERA the rest of the way ... During his 12-game win streak, boasted a 1.99 ERA ... Placed among league leaders in ERA (3rd-2.77), wins (Tied 5th-18), and win percentage (1st-.818) ... Signed as a free agent with the Giants, Nov. 21, much to their delight as he had a career record of 11-3, 2.21 ERA in 118 innings against the Giants.

1992
Started off fast, winning four of first five decisions ... Placed on the DL June 15 - July 4 due to right shoulder tendinitis ... Left his next start July 9 with elbow stiffness and returned to the DL, undergoing surgery to remove bone chips and a spur, July 24 ... Made two more starts after being activated Sept. 24 ... Excluding the two games he left due to injury, tossed six or more innings in 12 of 14 outings; allowed three or fewer runs in 13 of 14.

1991
Had his best success before All-Star break (8-4, 3.81, 16 starts) ... In second half, he was 2-8, 5.60 in 16 games (11 starts) ... Worked a career-best 10 innings vs. Phillies June 11, but had no decision in 11-inning Houston win.

1990
In his first full major league season, reached a career-best 11 wins ... Also set personal highs in every category except complete games and shutouts ... Led the club with 136 strikeouts ... Came on strong down the stretch (8-2, 2.90 ERA in 16 starts after All-Star break).

1989
Went 7-0, 2.39 ERA in 17 post-All-Star break starts ... Seven-game win streak was the most by an Astro pitcher since Nolan Ryan's eight in 1983 ... Came to the rescue of fatigued Astros when his contract was purchased from Tucson (AAA) June 5; the team had just endured back-to-back 22 and 13 inning games vs. Los Angeles.

1988
Began the season with Portland (AAA), but was promoted to Twins April 27 and stayed all summer ... Earned a save in his first appearance and collected career-best three saves ... Missed much of August with strained right elbow.

1987
Started off with the Twins, but returned to Portland (AAA) June 8 after compiling a 1-3, 7.77 record.

1986
Started 6-1 at Toledo (AA), earning a trip to the majors ... Fanned a career-high 13 vs. Texas Sept. 21 ... Earned his first major league save Sept. 29 vs. Cleveland.

1985
Started the season with Toledo where he started 19 games ... Reached the majors for the first time in August and debuted vs. Oakland Aug. 14 ... Earned his first major league win Aug. 31 vs. Boston.


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