The Miami Marlins’ Edinson Vólquez became the first major-league pitcher to throw a no-hitter after leaving the San Diego Padres, two years ago today.
At Marlins Park on Saturday, June 3, 2017, Vólquez threw the major’s 296th no-hitter, blanking the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-0. Vólquez struck out 10 and walked two D-Backs hitters but managed to face the minimum 27 batters, as both walkers were retired on double plays.
Although the New York Mets during their 50-plus-year no no-no streak had seven pitchers throw no-hitters after leaving the team, the Padres didn’t have a single pitcher to fit into the “No-hitters … after they were Padres” category until Vólquez’s accomplishment.
Vólquez began his major-league career with the Texas Rangers before spending four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, then joined the San Diego Padres in the 2011-2012 off-season via a trade. Vólquez was the Opening Day starter in both 2012 and 2013 and had a decent year in 2012 (11-11 4.14 ERA), but he struggled in 2013 and was released in August of that season.
Although Vólquez’s no-no marks the only official feat after leaving the Padres, Andy Hawkins, who pitched for the Friars from 1982-1988, no-hit the Chicago White Sox as a member of the New York Yankees. It’s no longer considered an official no-hitter because Hawkins lost the game 4-0 on the road, thus never had to pitch the ninth inning.
Vólquez’s no-no was the sixth no-hitter in Florida/Miami Marlins history, adding him to a list that includes Al Leiter, Kevin Brown, A.J. Burnett, Anibal Sanchez and Henderson Alvarez. The no-hitter broke a drought dating back to April 21, 2016, when the Cubs’ Jake Arrieta no-hit the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.
