Braulio Armando Lara was a professional baseball pitcher from the Dominican Republic. Born in Baní in Peravia Province on 20 December 1988, he spent his career moving between leagues in the Americas and Asia. Lara was best known as a journeyman pitcher who combined stints in U.S. major-league organizations with overseas and Mexican League play.
Career overview
Lara signed with several Major League Baseball organizations and spent much of his playing life in their minor league systems. He later took opportunities abroad, including a season in South Korea, and returned to compete in the Mexican professional circuit. Throughout his career he was valued for his ability to provide innings and for experience on international rosters.
Teams and leagues
- Dominican Republic — birthplace and early baseball development.
- Professional baseball — career across multiple organizations and countries.
- Pitcher — primary playing role throughout his career.
- United States — member of U.S.-based organizations at the minor-league level.
- Tampa Bay Rays — one of the MLB organizations that signed him.
- Miami Marlins — another club he joined during his U.S. career.
- Washington Nationals — also part of his professional path.
- South Korea — he spent a season with the SK Wyverns in the KBO League.
- Baní — his hometown in the Dominican Republic.
- Peravia Province — the province where Baní is located.
Playing style and role
As a professional pitcher Lara filled roles as a starter and reliever at different times in his career, depending on team needs. Players who follow a similar path often adapt to a variety of assignments, including long relief, spot starts and work in international rotations. Lara’s movements between organizations and leagues are typical for many international pitchers seeking regular playing time and contract opportunities.
Death and legacy
Braulio Lara died in a traffic accident in Baní on 20 April 2019 at age 30. His death was noted by teammates and organizations that had employed him across several countries. While he did not become a household name in Major League Baseball, Lara’s career illustrates the international nature of professional baseball and the many routes players take to pursue the sport at a professional level.