Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2024 Postseason. A compendium from several MLB sources
The Yankees advanced into the ALCS as Cole dominated the Royals.
On Thursday night, Gerrit Cole showcased his postseason prowess by limiting the Kansas City Royals to just one run in seven innings, leading the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory and securing their spot in the American League Championship Series. The six-time All-Star allowed only six hits and recorded four strikeouts before passing the ball to the New York bullpen, which excelled in the intense AL Division Series. Clay Holmes delivered a flawless eighth inning, while Luke Weaver smoothly handled the ninth, extending the Yankees relievers' scoreless streak to 15 2/3 innings this postseason. On Monday night at Yankee Stadium, New York will face either Cleveland or Detroit in the ALCS.
During the game, Yulieski Gurriel of the Royals failed to get a hit, going 0-for-4 and concluding his 2024 postseason with a batting line of .190/.292/.238, along with three walks and four runs scored. Despite Gurriel's four hits during the series, which placed him in the Top-10 in postseason history with 91, tied with Carlos Correa, his overall performance fell short of the Royals' expectations when they signed him primarily for his experience of a seasoned veteran in the playoffs. It remains uncertain whether Gurriel will secure a spot on any MLB roster in 2025, and Thursday's game may have marked the end of his postseason and MLB career.
Guardians push Tigers to Game 5.
David Fry, serving as a pinch-hitter, hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Cleveland Guardians the lead. He then executed a bunt in the ninth inning to bring in an additional run, helping the Guardians secure a 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers and force a decisive Game 5 in the AL Division Series on Thursday night. With the win, Cleveland broke a streak of 11 consecutive losses in postseason elimination games, dating back to Game 6 of the 1997 World Series, as Emmanuel Clase secured his third multi-inning save of the year by retiring five batters. In Game 5 on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland, the Tigers will have AL Cy Young Award contender Tarik Skubal as their starting pitcher.
During the game, Andy Ibáñez played as a pinch hitter for Detroit and had one at-bat going 0-for-1. In his debut postseason, Ibáñez has been assigned a restricted role, achieving a .250/.250/.500 slash line with two doubles and three RBIs. He notably stood out in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series versus the Astros by delivering a crucial bases loaded RBI double, securing a commanding 5-2 lead for his team.
In other notes
Adolis García, the outfielder for Texas, was diagnosed with a left patella tendon strain after an MRI was conducted earlier this month. García had been dealing with knee problems all year, but the specific reason had been unknown. It is expected that he will make a full recovery following an eight-week rehabilitation program.
Furthermore, Néstor Cortés of the Yankees is increasing the level of his training, continuing his throwing routine and stepping up the intensity during Thursday's session. Cortés is optimistic about pitching in the ALCS. Despite making progress in his recovery from the flexor strain, the left-handed pitcher's participation in the remaining playoff games is uncertain.
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