Jorge Velandia

Who is Jorge Velandia?

Jorge Luis Velandia Macias [ve-LAHN-deah] is a former Major League Baseball shortstop.

Velandia played with the San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Indians. On December 1, 2006, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays signed Velandia to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. His first major league home run, which was a grand slam came on September 25, 2007.

He started the 2008 season playing for the Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. On May 7, his contract was purchased by the Blue Jays, and was added to the active roster. On May 16, he was designated for assignment and declined an outright assignment on May 19 becoming a free agent. Velandia signed with the Cleveland Indians on May 27, 2008, and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons.

He was called up on June 12, to replace the injured Josh Barfield. Cabrera returned a month later, and Velandia was sent back to Buffalo. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on August 30. On January 15, 2009, Velandia signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.