Colon passes Marichal for most wins by Dominican-born pitcher

Bartolo Colon now stands alone among his fellow Dominicans.

The Texas Rangers right-hander tossed six solid innings on Monday to earn his 244th career victory, passing Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for the most wins by a pitcher from the Dominican Republic.

Colon, who hails from the small town of Altamira, broke Marichal's record in his 21st season and 552nd game. Marichal, who spent the majority of his stellar career with the San Francisco Giants, needed only 471 appearances spread across 16 seasons to win his 243 games.

Colon is one of only three Dominican-born pitchers to record 200-plus wins, alongside Cooperstown inductees Marichal and Pedro Martinez.

Most MLB wins among Dominican-born pitchers

*indicates Hall of Famer

The 45-year-old's next win will also be historic in nature, as it will move him into a tie with Nicaraguan legend Dennis Martinez for the most victories by a Latin American pitcher. Catching Martinez apparently carries special significance for Colon and was reportedly part of the reason behind his decision to return in 2018.

On Monday, Colon earned win No. 244 by allowing only three runs and striking out one on 90 pitches during the Rangers' 6-3 victory over Kansas City. He now owns a 4.91 ERA this season to go along with 49 strikeouts in 15 appearances (13 starts).

Colon, who won the American League Cy Young Award in 2005 with the Los Angeles Angels, was already MLB's active leader in wins, games started, and innings pitched.