Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Andy Pagés hit a double and drove in a run on Monday. Andy Pagés made his return to the Dodgers' lineup for the Monday game against the Phillies. He recorded a 1-for-4 performance, including his 18th double of the season and an RBI to put the Dodgers on the board in the third inning. Although he struck out once, Pagés has been a consistent player in the Dodgers' lineup this season, maintaining a batting line of .241/.296/.372 with 8 home runs and 33 RBIs. Despite playing for a struggling team, Luis Robert Jr. had a tough game on Monday, going 0-for-4 and lowering his average to .210. It might be premature to draw definitive conclusions about Robert's performance, considering the circumstances of his team. However, his recent statistics are concerning, with a .143/.182/.254 slash line and a 32/3 K/BB ratio in 16 games post All-Star break. Another poor game could bring his season OPS below .700. On Monday, Adolis García was moved down to the seventh spot in the Rangers' lineup. Recently, Adolis García had been hitting in the fifth spot, but in a crucial game against the Astros on Monday, he was moved down to seventh in the batting order. Despite this change, he managed to go 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout in the Rangers' 4-3 win in extra innings. Regrettably, García has struggled as one of the league's poorest hitters for almost three and a half months now, maintaining a slash line of .176/.245/.317 since April 25th. Yordan Alvarez did not get any hits on Monday. Following a game on Sunday where he got on base three times, Yordan Alvarez went 0-for-3 with two walks and a strikeout on Monday against the Texas Rangers, who are the division rivals and reigning 2023 World Series Champions. Despite his efforts, Alvarez was unable to contribute in the 4-3 extra-inning defeat, causing his batting average to drop to 2.98 for the season. Alvarez has had a surprising lack of power production this season, as his .226 ISO is the lowest mark of his career. While that has hurt his counting stats, he's still been an excellent source of batting average and now has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 26 starts. In that span, Alvarez has hit .321 with 14 RBI, 13 runs scored and four home runs. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. got one hit on Monday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was in the starting lineup for the Diamondbacks in their game against the Guardians on Monday. In a 7-6 victory in extra innings, Gurriel managed to get one hit out of five at-bats, striking out once. So far this season, Gurriel has a batting average of .266 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI. Jose Iglesias made his comeback to the Mets' lineup on Monday. On Monday, Jose Iglesias was included in the Mets' starting lineup, playing at third base and batting sixth against the Cardinals. He recorded a 1-for-4 performance with two strikeouts in the game. This season, the experienced utility player holds a .331/.376/.500 slash line with three home runs and 17 RBIs. Pedro León had a rough night on Monday. The Astros' new rookie outfielder struggled in the important game against division rivals Texas Rangers. Batting ninth and playing right field, León went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in a tense 4-3 loss in 10 innings. He was brought up from Triple-A Sugar Land last week to replace Joey Loperfido, who was traded to the Blue Jays for Yusei Kikuchi. León had an impressive season with Sugar Land, hitting .297 with 23 stolen bases, 21 doubles, 19 home runs, and 74 RBI in 93 games this year. Nevertheless, despite the Astros' urgent need for offense and high hopes that León could replicate his Minor League performance at the major league level, he has only managed to go 1-for-9 with 5 strikeouts in three games. This performance might result in his demotion to the Minors soon. On Monday, Dairon Blanco was absent from the Royals' lineup. In Monday's game against Boston, Dairon Blanco was not included in the starting lineup. Blanco's position remains unchanged following the trade deadline, serving as a backup outfielder providing speed off the bench. He has recorded 19 steals this year along with a home run, five RBIs, 25 runs, and a .229/.272/.292 slash line in 105 plate appearances. Yanquiel Fernández is moving up to Triple-A. The Colorado Rockies are advancing outfield prospect Yanquiel Fernández to Triple-A Hartford. The 21-year-old has completed the entire season at Double-A Hartford, experiencing a fluctuating performance thus far. The Cuban player batted .224 in April, .307 in May, .247 in June, and finally .320 in July/August, leading to his promotion. Yanquiel concluded with a .283/.339/.439 slash line with 10 home runs in 88 games and reduced his strikeout rate from 32.9% to just 19.1% compared to the previous year at Double-A. Ranked as the Rockies' No. 4 prospect (MLB No. 64), Yanquiel possesses significant power, and Coors Field is expected to be favorable when he reaches there, likely during the next season. Edgar Quero remains hot at Triple-A. Chicago White Sox catcher prospect Edgar Quero has been impressive since moving up to Triple-A, hitting a home run for Charlotte on Sunday. The White Sox' No. 3 prospect has been having a standout season and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down after his promotion. In 17 games for Charlotte, he has three homers, 14 RBI, a .305 batting average, and a .948 OPS. Overall, the talented catcher is batting .280 with 15 homers and 67 RBI across two levels this season. At just 21 years old, Quero appears to be the White Sox's future catcher, and his MLB debut may not be too far away. He is considered one of the top catching prospects in the game. Lázaro Montes displays his impressive power capabilities. Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lázaro Montes showcased his power potential by hitting a solo home run on Sunday for High-A Everett. This marked his 15th homer of the season and the second since being promoted to High-A. Montes has accumulated 84 RBIs, including 12 with Everett after being a significant RBI contributor at Single-A earlier in the season. At just 19 years old, the Mariners' No. 4 prospect is excelling in the lower levels of the minors, demonstrating his remarkable 65-grade power that positions him as one of the most promising outfield prospects in the minor leagues.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Yandy Díaz knocks 10th homer. Yandy Díaz had a strong performance in Saturday's 6-1 victory over the Astros, going 2-for-5 with a solo home run, a double, and scoring an additional run. Since returning from attending to a personal matter, Díaz has maintained a .310 average, hitting two home runs and driving in four RBIs over seven games. While he has consistently reached double-digit home runs in four of the last six seasons, he has yet to match the 22 homers he hit last year. In the current season, through 101 games in 2024, Díaz holds a .276/.331/.410 slash line with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, 40 runs scored, 23 doubles, one triple, and no stolen bases. Yennier Cano sealed a 7-4 victory over the Guardians on Saturday by pitching a scoreless ninth inning. Yennier Cano effortlessly secured a three-run lead in the ninth inning, requiring only eight pitches to retire the side in order. This right-handed reliever has successfully closed out two of his last three games and has conceded just one run in his past ten appearances. While Cano's recent save opportunity might have been influenced by primary closer Craig Kimbrel pitching in two of the previous three games, Kimbrel's recent struggles, including blowing his last two save chances, suggest that Cano could see more ninth-inning opportunities going forward. Cano has accumulated five saves this season and may be considered part of a closing committee alongside Kimbrel, although he is not assuming the full closer role, at least for now.   Pedro León made his major-league debut Saturday. Pedro León made his highly anticipated MLB debut on Saturday against the Rays, starting in right field and batting ninth. He managed to get his first MLB hit in the third inning, hitting a single to left field off right-hander Zack Littell. Despite attempting to stretch it into a double, he was tagged out at second base. León was brought up from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, replacing Joey Loperfido who was traded to the Blue Jays in exchange for Yusei Kikuchi. Prior to his call-up, León had an impressive season with Sugar Land, boasting a .297/.377/.519 slash line with 23 stolen bases, 21 doubles, 19 home runs, and 74 RBI in 93 games and 424 plate appearances.   Adolis García was back in the lineup for Saturday’s showdown against the Red Sox. Adolis García returned to play in right field and hit fifth in the lineup following his absence in Friday's series opener. He recorded a 1-for-3 performance in the game, securing his 17th double of the season. Additionally, he drew a walk and struck out. Adolis was rested on Friday after starting in the previous 19 games. Over his last 15 games, the 31-year-old has posted a .193/.246/.281 slash line with two stolen bases, one home run, and nine RBIs in 57 at-bats.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Miguel Vargas hit his first home run for the White Sox against the Twins last Friday. The two-run blast in the third inning accounted for the sole runs of the game for the White Sox. It stands as his sole hit so far in three games with his new team. In total, he recorded one hit out of four at-bats, including a home run, two RBIs, and two strikeouts. He has gone 1-for-16 since joining the White Sox. On Friday, Dairon Blanco was included in the lineup. Dairon Blanco started for the Royals on Friday, playing left field and batting ninth against the Tigers. In the 9-2 victory over the Tigers, Blanco went 1-for-4 with a run scored and two strikeouts. His season stats include a .237 batting average, one home run, five RBI, and 18 stolen bases. Jorge Soler proves to be crucial for the Braves. On Friday night, Atlanta suffered a one-run loss to Miami in the eighth inning. The outfielder, who was the 2021 World Series MVP and returned to the Braves in a trade with the Giants at this year's Trade Deadline, came through with a clutch RBI single to tie the game. This successful hit set the stage for Austin Riley and Marcell Ozuna, leading to a 5-3 victory in the end. In the night Soler went 1-for-4 with a strikeout. This year he is slashing .236/.328/.410 with 12 HRs and 46 RBIs. Yandy Díaz had a productive game with multiple hits. Yandy recorded a 2-for-3 performance, including a double, in Friday's 2-3 defeat against the Astros. Additionally, he drew one walk. The double marked his 22nd of the year, following a career-best 35 doubles last season. Showing consistency in July, he posted a slash line of .273/.324/.439 across 16 games in the month. Despite failed trade talks with the Astros or Yankees, he is currently under a reasonable contract that will see him earn $10 million in 2025, with a $12 million club option for 2026. Aroldis Chapman blows save. Aroldis Chapman blew a save and was charged with one run in a 9-8 defeat against the D-backs on Friday. He surrendered a home run to Josh Bell in the seventh inning, which leveled the score at 7-7. Despite striking out two batters to finish the inning, it marked his fourth blown save of the season. Chapman has accumulated four saves in 40 2/3 innings pitched, recording 64 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.76. Andy Pagés was not included in Friday's lineup. Andy Pagés was not in the Dodgers' lineup for Friday game against Oakland. After going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to San Diego, Pagés was be on the bench for the series opener on Friday. He entered the game late and didn't manage to get any hits in two turns at bat, striking out once. Adolis García was on the bench on Friday. Adolis García, who had started the previous 19 games, was absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox. He will be taking a day off after recording a .524 OPS in that stretch. Despite hitting 18 home runs in 104 games, the 31-year-old has had difficulties at the plate this season, evident by his .210/.273/.389 slash line. Raisel Iglesias secures his 23rd save of the season. In Thursday's win over the Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias added to his impressive season by notching his 23rd save. The seasoned player completed a flawless inning with a strikeout sandwiched between two ground outs, helping the Braves claim their 59th win. Despite being 34 years old, Iglesias maintains his status as one of the premier closers in the league, boasting a 1.73 ERA and an 8.42 K/9 ratio.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Néstor Cortés secures his fifth victory. Néstor Cortés secured the victory against the Phillies on Wednesday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in 5.1 innings. Despite being mentioned in trade talks before the deadline for the Yankees to acquire another starter, Cortés stayed with the team and delivered a solid performance. He kept the Phillies hitless for the first three innings, but then surrendered two runs in the fourth and a solo home run by Weston Wilson in the fifth. Nevertheless, the Yankees managed to hold on for a 6-5 win, granting Cortés his first victory since June 18. Prior to this game, Cortés had struggled with a 6.46 ERA in his last six appearances. The 29-year-old now holds a 4.16 ERA for the season with a 1.20 WHIP and 122 strikeouts to 28 walks in 129.2 innings. His next start is scheduled to be against the Angels at home. On Wednesday, Raisel Iglesias preserved the lead in a 6-2 victory. Raisel Iglesias secured the lead in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over the Brewers by pitching a flawless ninth inning, registering two strikeouts. His performance ensured a four-run advantage for Atlanta, reducing the team's deficit to the Phillies to 6 1/2 games. Despite being 34 years old, Iglesias continues to deliver exceptional results this season, boasting 22 saves, a 1.77 ERA, a 0.76 WHIP, and a 38:8 K:BB ratio over 40.2 innings. Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider confirmed Wednesday that Yariel Rodríguez will start against the Yankees on Sunday. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Yariel Rodríguez is set to be the starting pitcher for Sunday's away game against the Yankees. Later on, Toronto manager John Schneider confirmed this information. Despite his recent struggles in his last appearance, where he had difficulty finding the strike zone and was subsequently sent down to Triple-A Buffalo, he has been recalled to replace Yusei Kikuchi. Although he will remain in the starting rotation for the upcoming game against the Yankees, there is a possibility that his performance will be closely monitored. In case Rodriguez faces issues with his control early on, Bowden Francis could be called upon to relieve him during the game. In his debut, Jorge Soler went hitless. Jorge Soler made his highly anticipated comeback for the Braves on Wednesday, going 0-for-3 with one strikeout and one walk. Despite his familiar offensive prowess, the Cuban slugger couldn't showcase his power on the road from his leadoff spot. Having been instrumental in Atlanta's 2021 achievements, Soler aims to replicate his impact with one of the most thrilling squads in the National League East. Miguel Vargas went 0-for-4 on Wednesday. The 24-year-old ex-highly touted prospect has excelled in the advanced minor leagues, but has yet to showcase the same level of performance in the major leagues. During Wednesday's game, he continued his hitless streak for the White Sox by going 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Initially expected to play in the infield for the Sox, Vargas has instead found himself in left field for the struggling American League team. He appeared uneasy in there on Wednesday. Wednesday saw Luis Robert Jr. absent from the lineup. Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. was absent from the team's lineup for Wednesday's game against the Kansas City Royals. This absence seems to be a routine break for the 26-year-old slugger, following the team's decision not to trade him on Tuesday. Despite dealing with injuries this season, the Cuban player has a batting average of just .222 (46-for-207) with a .294 on-base percentage. However, he has managed to hit 12 home runs and steal 15 bases for the struggling team, currently the worst in the league.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Miguel Vargas went hitless in team debut. In Tuesday's 4-3 defeat against the Royals, Vargas had a hitless game, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Making his first appearance for the White Sox following a trade from the Dodgers the day before, Vargas took on the role of designated hitter and batted second in the lineup. The White Sox are considering utilizing Vargas at third base, second base, or in the outfield in the near future, with the remaining months of the season presenting him with the best chance for regular playing time in the major leagues. Vargas has a unique opportunity to prove himself as a hitter in the Majors, but he must leave behind the past experiences with the Dodgers. It would be highly disappointing if the Cuban fails to perform with a team that is playing without pressure this season. Pedro León is set to make his MLB debut. According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Houston Astros outfield prospect Pedro León is poised to make his debut in the major leagues. He is expected to take over the roster spot previously held by Joey Loperfido, who was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. León has spent the last three seasons playing at the Triple-A level, but this summer has shown significant progress in his development. In his 93 games at Triple-A Sugar Land, the 26-year-old has an impressive .297/.377/.519 batting line, along with 19 home runs, 74 RBI, and 23 stolen bases. He was on track to surpass his previous career bests. With Kyle Tucker still recovering from injury, León might have the opportunity to secure the starting role in right field on a regular basis, especially since Chas McCormick has underperformed this season with a .208/.272/.318 batting line. Luis Robert Jr steals his 15th base. In Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Royals, Robert went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. Despite the trade deadline passing with Robert remaining on the White Sox roster, the 26-year-old outfielder marked the occasion by swiping his 15th bag of the year in the eighth inning. However, he was caught stealing for the first time in 2024 in the first frame. Additionally, he showcased impressive fielding skills with a notable play in centerfield. While Robert's performance at the plate has been lackluster in July, with a .244/.313/.400 slash line, three home runs, eight runs, and 11 RBIs, he has been particularly active on the basepaths, with 12 of his stolen bases this season coming in the last 24 games. For Wednesday's game against the Royals, Luis Robert Jr. will not be playing. Randy Arozarena returned to the starting lineup. Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena was back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Boston Red Sox after being taken out of Monday's game for an undisclosed reason following a collision with the left-field wall. Given the lopsided score, the Mariners had little reason to keep the 29-year-old slugger in the game. In Tuesday's game, he recorded a 1-for-5 performance with a run, an RBI, and a strikeout. Arozarena has accumulated six hits in 16 at-bats since joining his new team. According to sources, the Twins had expressed interest in acquiring Néstor Cortés before the Yankees opted to retain the pitcher. If the Yankees' trade for Jack Flaherty had not collapsed, they probably would have traded Cortés, who could have been a valuable addition for the Twins. However, Minnesota only managed to secure one reliever, Trevor Richards, before the deadline. The team is currently facing a shortage in the rotation due to Chris Paddack being on the injured list. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. leaves game prematurely on Tuesday. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was taken out of Tuesday's game ahead of schedule. He was pulled in the third inning due to visible discomfort following his at-bat. With the Diamondbacks holding a significant lead, the decision may have been a precautionary measure. During the game, Gurriel's performance included going 1-for-3 with a run, an RBI, and two strikeouts. José Iglesias will be playing on Wednesday. On Wednesday, José Iglesias is set to start for the Mets. He will be playing at second base and batting seventh against the Twins. So far this season, he has a batting average of .342, with three home runs and 17 RBIs. Both the Yankees and Astros showed interest in acquiring first baseman Yandy Díaz. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Yankees and Houston Astros were both keen on making a potential deal for Tampa Bay Rays' first baseman Yandy Díaz. Heyman also mentioned that the Pittsburgh Pirates were also in the mix as a potential destination for Díaz. Díaz, who has a batting average of .271 with nine home runs and 49 RBIs this season for the Rays, would be a significant addition for either the Yankees or Astros due to his strong on-base skills, boasting a career on-base percentage of .373. Jorge Soler is set to lead off in the batting order. According to a report by David O'Brien of The Athletic, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker announced on Tuesday that Soler will assume the leadoff position for the team. Soler's performance significantly improved when he was moved to the leadoff spot by the Giants, boasting a .911 OPS over his last 24 games. Notably, Soler also occupied this position for Atlanta during their successful 2021 World Series campaign. As a result of Soler's placement at the top of the lineup, Jarred Kelenic will be shifted down in the order.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Yariel Rodríguez has been demoted to Triple-A Buffalo by the Blue Jays. The decision was quite surprising following Rodríguez's rough outing against the Orioles, where he allowed four runs — three earned — in just two-thirds of an inning during the first game of Monday's doubleheader. The Blue Jays felt the need to bring in fresh pitching arms, especially considering concerns about Rodríguez's workload after not pitching last season. His performance in the game was particularly concerning as he walked four batters and hit one before being replaced. Despite this setback, Rodríguez had been performing exceptionally well before this game, boasting a 2.01 ERA and a 25/8 K/BB ratio in four starts this month. It is likely that he will return to the team in a couple of weeks. Randy Arozarena was taken out of Monday's game as a precaution after colliding with the wall in left field. At the time of Arozarena's removal, the score was 14-3, so it was unclear if the collision was a factor. Fortunately, Arozarena wasn't seriously injured, and it appears he will be in the lineup on Tuesday. The 29-year-old hit his first home run in a Seattle uniform against Nick Pivetta during the sixth inning of the lopsided game. He has had a strong start with the Mariners, collecting five hits in 11 at-bats over three games since being traded from the Rays last week. The Braves traded for OF Jorge Soler and RHP Luke Jackson from the Giants in exchange for LHP Tyler Matzek and 3B Sabin Ceballos. Marcell Ozuna is currently designated hitter, making it a gamble to rely on Soler in left field since he hasn't played there this year. It remains to be seen if this strategy will be successful, especially considering the significant $26 million owed to Soler between 2025 and 2026. However, the Braves managed to acquire a valuable hitter without giving up much in return. With this change, Jarred Kelenic is expected to transition to right field and share playing time with Adam Duvall, potentially putting Eddie Rosario's roster spot at risk. The Giants have flexibility at the designated hitter position and may consider giving Wade Meckler an opportunity in the near future. MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports that the Astros are set to promote Pedro León for his first appearance in the major leagues following the trade of Joey Loperfido. Pedro León appeared to be a probable trade option this summer, partly due to Loperfido's involvement. However, it was Loperfido who was traded instead, giving León his first opportunity after four seasons in the minor leagues. He had a batting average of .297, an on-base percentage of .377, and a slugging percentage of .519, along with 19 home runs and 23 stolen bases for Triple-A Sugar Land. While these stats are impressive, it remains uncertain whether they will set him apart in the Astros' outfield. Luis Robert Jr. had a strong performance, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored, and stolen bases in a defeat against the Royals on Monday. Despite recent struggles, this game served as a reminder of the immense talent possessed by the 26-year-old. With his 14th steal of the season, Robert Jr. continues to impress, especially considering he has played just 54 games and has a perfect success rate in stolen base attempts. The looming question is whether the White Sox, amidst a 15-game losing streak and a confirmed losing record in late July, will trade Robert Jr. before the upcoming deadline on Tuesday. José Iglesias is expected to see a decrease in his playing time. After struggling at the plate in recent games, Iglesias was left out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins. Having gone 2-for-18 in the Mets' last five games, Iglesias was benched for the series opener. His recent batting performance may put him at risk of transitioning to a part-time role. Jesse Winker, who was recently acquired, is anticipated to be a regular starter in the outfield against right-handed pitchers, leading to Jeff McNeil likely returning to second base. Yasmani Grandal smashed a solo home run during the Pirates' victory against the Astros on Monday. In the sixth inning, Yasmani Grandal put the Pirates in the lead with a solo blast. The 35-year-old has hit four home runs this season and is showing signs of returning to his previous form, evident in his .184/.221/.319 slash line. Yosver Zulueta, right-handed pitcher, has been optioned by the Reds to Triple-A Louisville. On Monday, the Reds decided to send Zulueta down to Triple-A Louisville. Despite his impressive performance in the short time he spent with the Reds, allowing only one run with a 4:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over five relief innings, the team has chosen to utilize his remaining minor-league options. It is likely that Zulueta will rejoin the major league team soon, as he delivered a scoreless inning on Saturday in his only appearance within a five-day span with the Reds.

The number six played a crucial role in Game 5 of the Final between the Vegueros de Pinar del Río and the Leñadores de Las Tunas. In the initial three innings, the Vegueros failed to capitalize, leaving six runners on base. Despite a remarkable 7-for-14 batting performance against the Leñadores’ starter, 19-year-old rookie Yadier Zamora, they were unable to convert it into runs. Las Tunas managed to take a 1-0 lead with just two singles in the second inning. Héctor Castillo drove in that first run of the game with two outs, however, despite Branlis Rodríguez retiring his next seven opponents in a row, Pinar del Río failed to support him. The Leñadores had only two hits by the bottom of the fifth inning and left the bases loaded. Nevertheless, in the top of the fifth inning, Pinar del Río managed to equalize the score with a double from Alexei Ramírez, but subsequent batters William Saavedra, Yasser Julio González, and Tailon Sánchez were neutralized by reliever Rodolfo Díaz. The Vegueros missed out on a significant opportunity that was not repeated. They failed to capitalize, leaving 11 runners stranded: two on first, six on second, and three on third. Nevertheless, the timely relief performances by Jenier Álvarez, a right-hander who effectively handled Jeans Lucas Baldoquín to end the sixth inning with a runner on second, and Raudel Lazo, a left-hander, prevented the Leñadores from taking the lead in the 1-1 tie. Lazo entered this Final with a strikeout of Yuniesky Larduet. Despite walking Roberto Súlivan Baldoquín, he managed to end the seventh inning by striking out Yosvany Alarcón with runners on first and second base. After seven innings, the Vegueros managed to produce 11 hits but only mustered a single run. Their offensive struggles, which showed some promise in Game 4, intensified the pressure on the relievers as they faced a lineup of hitters ready to capitalize. As anticipated, history repeated itself. The Vegueros failed to score in the eighth inning, paving the way for the Leñadores to make their move towards victory. In the eighth inning, Rafael Viñales kicked things off with a ground ball single that deflected off third base and rolled into left field. Denis Peña, who had been struggling with a 13-game hitless streak, then hit a ground ball to shortstop. Tailon Sánchez swiftly fielded the ball and attempted to initiate a double play by throwing to second base, but the second baseman, Rolando Martínez, was unable to handle the ball. Martínez's minor mistake provided Peña with an opportunity, which was followed by Yordanis Alarcón's solid single to right field that advanced Peña to third base. As runners stood on first and third, a pivotal moment in the game unfolded. Lazo aimed for the outside corner with a high fastball, but Jeans Lucas Baldoquín didn't swing. With a 1-0 count, Lazo readied his curveball, but this time his control faltered, leaving the pitch vulnerable. The ball drifted towards the center of the strike zone. In contrast to Alarcón and Larduet, Jean Lucas hit the ball beyond reach for a home run that electrified the Lumberjacks fans. The ball appeared as if it would not drop, and initially, I struggled to see where it had landed. The home run flew into the structures beyond left field at the Julio Antonio Mella stadium. The score stood at 4-1, seemingly a small three-run margin that the Vegueros were used to overcoming during the regular season. However, the significance of the home run made any hopes of a comeback futile for a team trailing 3-1 in the Final. The game's outcome was effectively determined. Frankly, following a lot of back and forth and a 1-1 tie after seven innings, what remained was for one of the teams to deliver a decisive blow. The Vegueros lineup managed to collect 11 hits but only scored one run. In the annals of the Cuban baseball playoffs, a solitary team stands out for achieving a 1-0 victory despite recording 11 hits. This remarkable feat was accomplished by the Ciego de Ávila Tigers when they faced off against Villa Clara in Game 7 of the Quarterfinals series in 2011. On that memorable afternoon, Vladimir García secured his first playoff game victory over Freddy Asiel Álvarez. The Vegueros de Pinar del Río attempted a comeback after the Leñadores de Las Tunas scored two more runs in the eighth inning with a single by Yuniesky Larduet. However, Jeans Lucas Baldoquín's home run had already sealed the fate of the Vegueros. Despite their efforts, the Vegueros ultimately fell short, losing with their top reliever of the postseason. Prior to the start of the bottom of the eighth inning when he gave up Baldoquín's home run, Lazo had excelled in six nearly flawless relief outings. He emerged victorious in a match against Industriales and recorded three saves. During this time, he pitched nine scoreless innings, striking out seven batters, issuing just one walk, and conceding five hits, all of which were singles. Rodolfo Díaz's relief pitching performance for the Leñadores was another standout aspect, although it may have been somewhat overlooked due to the strong offensive display towards the end of the game. Díaz conceded just one earned run over five innings without issuing any walks. (*) (*) If left fielder Denis Peña had reacted faster when retrieving Alexei Ramírez's double to left field, Juan Carlos Arencibia might not have scored from first base. During the year, Díaz was at the forefront of the Leñadores' pitching staff, making 38 relief appearances, securing 14 saves, and pitching for a total of 99 ⅓ innings, which also included the postseason. He ended the season with a 4-5 record and a 3.08 ERA in a league known for its strong offense. In the playoffs, Díaz averaged 3 ⅓ innings per relief appearance and achieved a 1.91 ERA. His pitching prowess played a crucial role in sharing the bullpen duties with the main closer, Alberto Pablo Civil, who had a flawless record in the postseason with one win, three saves, and no earned runs allowed. Eliander Bravo started Game 1 and Alejandro Meneses took the mound in Game 3, providing stability to prevent the bullpen from becoming overwhelmed. Once again, the team's offense proved to be its main strength. Denis Peña emerged as the hero of Game 1, contributing with a home run and three RBIs, despite later going through a 0-for-14 slump. Yosvany Alarcón delivered a crucial double with the bases loaded in the 10th inning of Game 2. Yunieski Larduet scored three of the team's five runs in Game 3, while Roberto Súlivan Baldoquín went 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI. In the decisive Game 5, Hector Castillo had been the standout player for the Leñadores, going 3-for-3 with a double, run scored, RBI, and a stolen base, until Jean Lucas Baldoquin took his turn at bat and smashed Raudel Lazo's curveball on a 1-0 count. Prior to the start of Game 5 of the Final on Sunday afternoon, the Leñadores de Las Tunas had achieved 38 victories in 59 postseason matches since 2019. During this period, they maintained the highest winning percentage among all teams (64%), although they secured both their championship titles (2019 against Villa Clara and 2023 against Industriales) on the road. The narrative took a turn during the national title discussion against the Vegueros de Pinar del Río. The Leñadores clinched victories in Games 1 and 2, marking their third consecutive Final win. Notably, this year's initial triumphs were achieved on the road, fueling the team's determination to secure the championship and rejoice in front of their devoted fans at home. Following a five-game Semifinal victory over the Alazanes de Granma, the Leñadores successfully defended their title by defeating the Vegueros de Pinar del Río, who had dominated the regular season. The Alazanes de Granma were the most recent team to win two consecutive seasons, achieving victory in the 60th and 61st National Series. However, the Leñadores de Las Tunas have emerged as the new dominant force in Cuban baseball, clinching three out of the last six seasons: 2019, 2023, and 2024.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Yennier Cano managed to overcome challenges and secure a save in an 8-6 victory against the Padres on Sunday. On Sunday, Cano obtained his fourth save of the season versus the Padres, conceding one earned run on three hits without striking out any batters in a single inning. With Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel allowing five runs (three earned) and throwing 49 pitches in two games on Thursday and Friday, Cano stepped in for the save opportunity on Sunday. Despite a shaky performance that loaded the bases with just one out, Cano ultimately closed the game with a pair of groundouts, earning his first save since June 16. Although Kimbrel is still the primary closer, the 30-year-old Cano has delivered strong performances this season and would be the preferred choice if Kimbrel's struggles persist. Cano currently boasts a 2.88 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 40:19 K:BB ratio with 24 holds in 40.2 innings pitched. Lourdes Gurriel of the Diamondbacks hits a pinch-hit home run. In Sunday's game against the Pirates, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went 1-for-1, hitting a solo home run. He came in as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning and hit a home run to left field off Colin Holderman, bringing the Diamondbacks within one run. However, they ultimately fell short. This home run was his first since July 6th and his 14th of the season. It also ended a nine-game streak without any RBIs for the 30-year-old. Gurriel has gotten a hit in six consecutive games and has recorded hits in 16 out of the 19 games he has played this month. So far this year, he has a batting line of .267/.295/.418 with 57 RBIs, 49 runs, five stolen bases, and a 14:82 BB:K ratio in 410 plate appearances. Cionel Pérez of the Orioles was credited with the win on Sunday. Cionel Pérez (2-0) hit a batter but did not give up any hits or walks during a scoreless inning to secure the victory over the Padres. The Orioles maintained the lead throughout the game on Sunday, although starting pitcher Albert Suárez fell just one out short of being eligible for the win. Jacob Webb struggled in relief, resulting in Cionel being granted the win. Cionel has successfully recovered from a tough period following the All-Star break, recording a save and a win in his last two appearances, both scoreless innings. So far this season, he has posted a 4.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 29:15 K:BB ratio, along with two saves and 13 holds in 31.2 innings pitched. Randy Arozarena of the Mariners continues to excel on Sunday. In a victory against the White Sox, Arozarena went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run. This marked his second consecutive game in the No. 2 spot in the Mariners lineup, following a promising debut on Saturday. Arozarena's performance has been impressive, maintaining his high level of play after hitting .302/.388/.674 in his last 12 games with the Rays before being traded. Since joining Seattle, he has gone 3-for-8 with two walks and two runs. Aroldis Chapman of the Pirates secures victory on Sunday. Chapman (3-4) earned the win against the Diamondbacks on Sunday by pitching a flawless ninth inning. Manager Derek Shelton decided to bring in David Bednar in the eighth, but then turned to Chapman in the ninth with the game tied at two. The southpaw retired the side with only six pitches and was credited with the win as the Pirates went on to win 6-5 in extra innings. Despite a rough start to the month, Chapman has only allowed one run in his last six outings, where he has collected two wins, two holds, and a save while maintaining a 6:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In his 15th season in the MLB, the 36-year-old continues to dominate batters, with a 3.72 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 60:34 K:BB ratio in 38.2 innings pitched. Jorge Soler of the Giants continues to excel at the plate in a victory. In Sunday's 5-4 win against the Rockies, Soler had a successful performance, going 3-for-5 with a double, one RBI, and one run scored. Throughout the four-game series with the Rockies over the weekend, Soler showcased his hitting abilities by recording three three-hit games, accumulating a total of 9 hits in 15 at-bats, along with four RBIs and three walks. Since the All-Star break, the power hitter has maintained a batting average of .359 (14-for-39) in 11 games, with a notable portion of those games being against the Rockies. So far this season, he has achieved a .240/.330/.419 slash line in 93 games. Miguel Vargas has been traded to the White Sox. The White Sox acquired him from the Dodgers in a three-team trade that also involved the Cardinals on Monday. Vargas is expected to have more playing time opportunities in Chicago, especially at second base, a position he is more accustomed to, after being mainly used in the outfield by the Dodgers this season. Despite his .658 OPS in the majors over three seasons, the 24-year-old has an impressive career minor league batting line of .308/.396/.493. However, Vargas has been struggling recently, hitting just .171/.256/.343 with two home runs, three RBIs, 5 runs scored, and no stolen bases in 35 at-bats.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went 3-for-4 with a run scored in a win Friday against the Pirates. Gurriel Jr. singled thrice to increase his average to .266 on the season. He came around to score after one of those pokes on a wild pitch by Carmen Mlodzinski in the sixth, and that ended up being the game-winning run. Gurriel Jr. has had an uneven 2024 campaign with an OPS of .706 over 384 at-bats along with 13 homers and five stolen bases. Adolis García went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI on Friday against the Blue Jays. Somehow, García’s homer was the Rangers’ only extra-base hit in this one despite 15 hard-hit balls. The home run was just his second this month in what’s been a disappointing season for the right fielder. Jorge Soler homered and scored four runs while going 3-for-3 in a blowout win over the Rockies on Friday. Soler swatted a solo homer off Kyle Freeland leading off the for the Giants, and the slugger has gone deep 12 times in his first year with San Francisco. The 32-year-old also singled twice and drew a pair of walks. Soler hasn’t been great or anything close to it in 2024, but there have been just enough flashes to suggest this could be a strong final two-plus months for the right-handed hitting veteran. Nestor Cortes yielded four runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings Friday against the Red Sox. Cortes had maybe his best velocity of the season tonight and wasn’t hit particularly hard, but he still gave up single runs in four of the five innings in which he pitched. A seventh-inning comeback prevented him from dropping to 4-10, but this was a third straight lousy outing for him; his ERA has jumped from 3.41 to 4.31 since July 5. Braves optioned RHP Daysbel Hernández to Triple-A Gwinnett. Hernández heads back to the minors ahead of Saturday’s game against the Mets. The 27-year-old righty has compiled a crisp 0.82 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 14/6 K/BB ratio across 11 innings (10 appearances) this season in the big leagues. He figures to be back at some point in the near future as low-leverage relief depth. Randy Arozarena was not in the Mariners’ starting lineup for Friday night’s matchup against the White Sox. It’s unclear if the dynamic 29-year-old outfielder has made it to join the Mariners yet, or if the M’s simply wanted to ease their new addition into action. Expect him to make his first start as a member of the Mariners on Saturday.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Mariners acquired OF Randy Arozarena from the Rays. The agreement has been finalized. The key point to note is that the Mariners were able to address one of their major needs without heavily depleting their pool of promising young players. Although Randy Arozarena has had a less productive year offensively, he has been a strong offensive player for Tampa Bay since 2021, achieving three consecutive seasons with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Arozarena has posted a .290 batting average with seven home runs, 17 RBIs, 20 runs, and nine stolen bases in 43 games since June 1. He is set to be a central figure in the team's offense at least until 2026. The 29-year-old is expected to become Seattle's main left fielder, offering immediate support to their lineup that has been affected by injuries. On Thursday against the Mets, Raisel Iglesias struck out two batters in a flawless ninth inning. Raisel Iglesias was called upon to pitch the final inning of a tied game between division rivals. He threw 23 pitches, with 19 being strikes, to strike out two of the three batters he faced flawlessly. The 34-year-old experienced closer has not allowed an earned run in his last 10 outings since June 18. He has successfully saved 22 out of 24 opportunities this season and boasts impressive stats with a 1.91 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and a 34/8 K/BB ratio over 37 2/3 innings in 38 appearances. Cionel Pérez of the Orioles secures a save in extra innings. Cionel Pérez secured a save against the Marlins by striking out two batters in a flawless inning on Thursday. Despite the primary closer Craig Kimbrel faltering in the ninth inning, leading to extra innings, Pérez prevented the automatic runner from scoring in the 10th inning, helping Baltimore take the lead. This marked his second save of the season, demonstrating his composure in pressure situations, despite his modest 4.40 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. The solid performance suggests a potential improvement in his reliability. While Pérez may not have many more save opportunities this season, he has been entrusted with significant high-leverage situations and is currently tied for second on the team with 13 holds. The Braves brought up RHP Daysbel Hernández from Triple-A Gwinnett. Daysbel Hernández has now been included in the 26-man roster. So far this season, he has given up just one unearned run in 9 2/3 innings while pitching for the Atlanta bullpen.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources On Wednesday, Adolis García had a productive game against the White Sox, going 3-for-5 with a double, scoring a run, driving in two RBIs, and stealing a base. García got a base hit in the first inning, followed by another hit in the third inning and then stole second base. He later scored a run with a double in the fifth inning and crossed the plate on a single by Nathaniel Lowe. In the eighth inning, García came up to bat with the bases loaded and brought in another run with a groundout. Despite batting .169 in July after Wednesday's game, he has managed to hit safely and drive in at least one run in consecutive games, also stealing two bases during this time, bringing his total steals for the season to nine. The 31-year-old power hitter currently holds a .212/.277/.396 batting line with 17 home runs, 48 runs scored, 49 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in 404 plate appearances. Yariel Rodríguez pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and striking out six batters in a game against the Rays on Wednesday, but did not factor into the decision. Yariel Rodríguez delivered an impressive performance against the Rays during Wednesday's game. He managed to keep them hitless for four flawless innings until Randy Arozarena broke the streak with a double in the fifth inning. Josh Lowe then singled to score a run. His walk in the sixth inning led to the tying run after Brendon Little struggled, preventing Yariel from securing his second win of the season. The 27-year-old right-hander has pitched at least five innings in three of his last four starts, showing signs of growing more comfortable in the major leagues. In his past four starts, he has allowed two runs or less each time. As he gears up for a matchup against the Orioles in Baltimore on Monday, he carries a 3.69 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 42/19 K/BB ratio over 39 innings. On Wednesday, Luis Robert Jr. hit a solo home run and went 1-for-4 against the Rangers. In the third inning, Luis Robert Jr. scored the White Sox's second run of the game with a solo home run against Nathan Eovaldi. This run turned out to be Chicago's final score in the defeat. The 26-year-old outfielder currently holds a .227/.299/.476 batting line with 12 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases in 204 plate appearances. On Wednesday, Randy Arozarena had a successful performance against the Blue Jays, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base. Randy Arozarena kickstarted the Rays' offense in the fifth inning with a double, which set the stage for Josh Lowe's subsequent single that brought him home. He also contributed to tying the game in the sixth with a base hit. In the ninth, after drawing a walk, he stole second base and crossed the plate for another run. While Arozarena has only managed three multi-hit games in July, he has maintained a solid .288 batting average with 11 extra-base hits, eight RBIs, and six stolen bases in 18 games this month. His base-stealing prowess has notably increased, as he had only stolen 10 bases in the first three months of the season but has now successfully stolen 16 out of 23 attempts. Despite his overall mediocre .213/.319/.398 slash line in 99 games, the outfielder has shown promising improvement, boasting 15 home runs, 45 runs scored, 36 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 404 plate appearances. On Wednesday, Jose Iglesias was in the starting lineup as the second baseman. Iglesias took a break on Thursday but returned to the lineup on Wednesday. During the game, he got one hit in four at-bats, along with a walk and a run scored. Since his promotion on May 31st, Iglesias has been outstanding, boasting a slash line of .381/.429/.577 with 3 home runs, 17 runs, and 17 RBIs. With a career batting average of .281, his consistent hitting performance should not be dismissed as a fluke. If you're looking for a reliable batting average and solid stats in a strong lineup, Iglesias could be the solution. Daysbel Hernández went back to Triple-A. On Wednesday, Atlanta initially brought up Daysbel Hernández from Triple-A Gwinnett but later sent him back. He was designated as Atlanta's 27th player for the doubleheader that day but did not get to play because the second game was postponed due to rain. The 27-year-old right-handed pitcher has impressively pitched 9.2 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts in the majors this season. In Triple-A, he has maintained a 2.48 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 29 innings. On Wednesday, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was not included in the starting lineup for the D-backs. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. did not start in the Diamondbacks' lineup for Wednesday's match against Kansas City. He came into the game later and recorded a 1-for-2 performance with a strikeout. As of 2024, Gurriel's stats include a batting line of .261/.290/.408 with 13 home runs, 46 runs, 56 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases.

Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources Randy Arozarena swipes 15th bag. Arozarena had a quiet night at the plate, going hitless in two at-bats but drawing two walks, scoring a run, and stealing a base in Tuesday's 4-2 victory against the Blue Jays. The outfielder, aged 29, kickstarted the scoring in the second inning by earning a walk, swiping his 15th base of the season, and then crossing home plate on a Josh Lowe single. Throughout this month, Arozarena has been getting on base consistently, reaching base in 15 out of 17 games and maintaining a strong .270/.352/.556 slash line in July. He has recorded six doubles, four home runs, five stolen bases, seven RBIs, and eight runs this month, showing a significant improvement from his slow start to the season. Despite his initial struggles, Arozarena is among the nine players who have achieved both 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases in the year 2024. The Dodgers have displayed interest in Randy Arozarena. The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming to acquire a significant offensive player for their outfield before the trade deadline on July 30. They have expressed interest in Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, as per a source. Arozarena has had a somewhat underwhelming season in 2024, but his performance has improved notably since the start of June. As of Tuesday, he had a .906 OPS with seven home runs since June 1, resembling the player who was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2021 and earned an All-Star selection last year. Despite being 29 years old, Arozarena is currently earning $8.1 million in 2024 and is eligible for arbitration for the next two years. Additionally, the Dodgers are eyeing Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who is under contract for $15 million in 2025 with $20 million club options for both 2026 and 2027. The Dodgers are interested in Robert as well, but the price to acquire him is steep. The Phillies would be an ideal match for Luis Robert Jr. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Luis Robert Jr., the outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, could be a great addition to the Philadelphia Phillies. Passan notes in his recent article that the Phillies, who are leading the National League East, are in need of a standout center fielder, and Robert fits the bill perfectly. With a batting average of .232/.306/.475, 11 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 23 runs scored in 47 games, Robert has also successfully stolen 12 bases out of 12 attempts. Amidst trade speculations, should Robert join the Phillies, he would significantly bolster their lineup, potentially improving his own stats as well. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with a stolen base in victory. In Tuesday's 6-2 victory against the Royals, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. recorded a 1-for-4 performance, including a stolen base and a run scored. Since the All-Star break, Gurriel has gone 4-for-22 in five games, with none of those hits resulting in extra bases. He has yet to produce an RBI during this period. Prior to the break, the outfielder excelled, hitting .318 with eight extra-base hits and 14 RBIs in the 21 games leading up to the All-Star break. So far this year, Gurriel holds a .259/.289/.407 slash line with five stolen bases, 13 home runs, 56 RBIs, 45 runs scored, 15 doubles, and a triple across 93 games. Yosver Zulueta returns to the Majors. According to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer, Zulueta was brought back to the Reds from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. The 26-year-old pitcher has given up just one run in two relief appearances for Cincinnati this season, totaling four innings. Zulueta's return will provide the Reds with an additional choice for middle relief duties. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Yandy Díaz is still absent from the team as he deals with a personal family issue. The Rays have not provided any update on when Díaz will be back. The 32-year-old experienced corner infielder has been absent from the team since last Friday and was placed on the restricted list over the weekend to open up a roster spot while he is away. José Iglesias was absent from lineup. José Iglesias was not in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Yankees. He entered the game as a pinch runner and did not have any at bat. Iglesias has essentially been a regular this month, splitting starts between second and third base.