Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Free agent Jose Abreu is probably leaving the Chicago White Sox following nine years. The 35-year-old Cuban first baseman is looking for a contract that can secure the last years of his career. In the fall of 2019, José Abreu signed the White Sox’s $17.8 million qualifying offer before completing a three-year, $50 million contract, later that year. Now with no contract in hand, he is officially in the open market. Now, and according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the infielder is of interest to the Houston Astros. It comes after the team missed out on their top target, New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo. There are other teams pursuing the same goal as the Astros, however. Abreu is also considered the Padres' "top priority," according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, and the Marlins, Cubs, and Red Sox seem to be in the conversation too. The White Sox are still to decide if he will return. It seems that the team is ready to give Andrew Vaughn total responsibility at first base. If this happened, Abreu will wear a different uniform in 2023. For many, Abreu is the best and most consistent Cuban player of his generation. Since 2014, when the native of Cienfuegos, Cuba made his MLB debut, he ranks first among first baseman in RBIs (863), second in home runs (243), and fourth in average (.292). His average exit velocity still ranked in the 93rd percentile, and his .292 XBA ranked in the top two percent of the league. What about his defense? Considering the OAA or Outs Above Average, Abreu was #9 between 36 first baseman in 2022, according to Baseball Savant. What he has to offer? A lot after a productive 2022 season. When Abreu won the 2020 American League MVP Award, he went back to being...well just Abreu. In 2021 he hit 30 home runs and was second in RBI to Salvador Pérez. What about 2022? Just review the numbers below: 2022: .304/.378/.446 (133 OPS+), 15 HR, 4.2 WAR in 157 games One of the real values of Abreu is that he is a very consistent run producer. Despite his 2018 injury that negatively impacted his numbers - 22 HR, 78 RBI - , he has always hit for a high average and driven in plenty of runs, and 2022 was no different. Even when his 15 HR were the lowest of his career - including the 2020 shorted season - Abreu put 75 RBI on the board for Chicago, a team that had a lot of managerial issues during a turbulent season. There is value in the consistency that Abreu brings to the table, and that will be tested to see how much teams offer him during the offseason. Because of his age, Abreu represents a high quality player that would not require a long term deal, he is also no eligible for a qualifying offer. The most realistic scenario? Abreu signs a two-year deal worth around $40 million. The team? No idea, only time will tell.

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Padres have made free agent first baseman José Abreu "a top priority" this offseason. This offseason, the Padres are seeking a middle-of-the-order power bat and have openings at first base and designated hitter. A meeting between Abreu and officials was also held in San Diego this month, according to him. After posting a career-low .824 OPS with 15 round-trippers in 157 games last season, the 35-year-old veteran has been one of the most consistent run-producing hitters in baseball since 2014. As a designated hitter, he would make plenty of sense for the Padres. Yoán Moncada, Luis Robert, Yoenis Céspedes, Roenis Elias, and Onelkis García, to play for Team Cuba in 2023 World Baseball Classic. Chicago White Sox's third baseman Yoán Moncada and outfielder Luis Robert both have committed to playing for Team Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Moncada and Robert are two of the most prestigious names announced for the Cuban Baseball Federation for the international competition. Since the additions of Andy Ibáñez (Detroit Tigers), Yoán López (New York Mets), and Yoán Leyva (Naranjeros de Hermosillo), days ago, a number of MLB and Winter League players have committed to play in the tournament for Cuba, including outfielder Yoenis Céspedes, and left handed pitchers Roenis Elias, and Onelkis García, all three actively playing for the Águilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Winter League. Ibáñez and Céspedes represented Cuba in the 2013 and 2009, respectively, with Céspedes even making the 2009 All-Star team of the tournament. More additions of international stars with no affiliation to the Cuban Baseball Federation are expected in the coming weeks. Braves non-tendered OF Guillermo Heredia. The free agent market officially opens up for Heredia now that he has been designated for assignment. Despite seeing sporadic playing time with the Braves, the 31-year-old hit just .158 with three homers and a .562 OPS over 82 plate appearances.

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Blue Jays selected the contract of RHP Yosver Zulueta from Triple-A Buffalo. The 24-year-old hurler climbed four minor league levels in 2022 -- starting at Low-A Dunedin and finishing at Triple-A Buffalo. Along the way, he compiled a 3.72 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 84/32 K/BB ratio across 55 2/3 innings in 21 appearances (12 starts). He's now safely protected from the Rule 5 draft. Dodgers selected the contract of OF Andy Pages from Double-A Tulsa. This protects the 21-year-old from the Rule 5 draft. Pages hit .236/.336/.468 with 26 homers and six stolen bases in Double-A. However, his performance in the Arizona Fall League surely secured his spot on the 40-man roster. He hit .296/.398/.506 with five homers and one stolen base across 98 plate appearances for the Glendale Desert Dogs. Pages has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order hitter someday but still needs more time in the minors to refine his plate approach. He should head to Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin the 2023 season and is just a phone call away from the majors. White Sox selected the contract of 3B Bryan Ramos from Double-A Birmingham. Ramos has been added to Chicago's 40-man roster to protect him from selection in next month's Rule 5 Draft. The 20-year-old corner infielder put up a solid .266/.338/.455 triple-slash line with 22 homers in 519 plate appearances over 120 games last year between High-A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham. Nationals sent OF Yadiel Hernández outright to Triple-A Rochester. Hernández went unclaimed on waivers and has been removed from the Nationals' 40-man roster to make room for several of the club's minor league prospects that need to be protected from next month's Rule 5 Draft.

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Yasiel Puig has agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge related to an illegal gambling operation. Puig lied to federal law enforcement officials who were investigating the gambling ring, which was allegedly started by former A's minor leaguer Wayne Nix. When the investigation ultimately concluded, Puig was found to have placed 899 illegal sports bets -- on tennis, football, and basketball games -- over just a three-month period in 2019. Full details of the case are available at the embedded post below. Puig's felony charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. He has agreed to pay a fine of at least $55,000 and will appear in United States District Court on November 15. The Cuba native Puig, who turns 32 in early December, spent parts of seven seasons in the majors, six of which came with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over that span, he batted .277/.348/.475 with 132 home runs, 79 stolen bases, and one All-Star appearance. He last appeared in MLB in 2019. In 2021, Puig played in the Mexican League, and this past season he played with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization. For the 31-year-old player, it's probably all over now. Team Cuba for the 2023 World Baseball Classic is getting now attention with new additions. Team Cuba had some trouble attracting MLB stars for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The team is still facing the issue with international players no wanting to participate for different reasons, majority of them, political. But, the process of building a competitive roster for the international tournament took a new turn this Monday, when the Cuban Baseball Federation announced the additions to its roster of the first players integrated into the MLB system, and other beyond the control of the federation itself. Third baseman Andy Ibáñez (Detroit Tigers) and RHP Yoán López (New York Mets) both actively playing at MLB level, and RHP Elián Leyva (Naranjeros de Hermosillo) in the Mexican League, announced their commitment to play for Cuba in the 2023 WBC. The Cuban federation announced that they have been added to the preliminary roster that is being formed for the international event. The announcement is historic, as it could be the first time that a Cuban national team is made up of active MLB players or players not integrated into the Cuban baseball system. Orioles' Yusniel Díaz: Loses spot on 40-man roster. Díaz cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk last Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reported. The 26-year-old received his first taste of the majors in 2022 but appeared in only one game as a pinch hitter. Díaz had a .252/.350/.362 slash line with six home runs, 34 RBI and nine steals in 70 games at Triple-A Norfolk.

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Major League Baseball's award season kicked off Thursday with the announcement of the Silver Slugger winners in the American and National Leagues. Bat-maker Louisville Slugger announced the 2022 winners, which are divided by league and given to one player each at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, catcher, designated hitter, and utility player. Three players who primarily play in the outfield are also chosen, regardless of their exact position. Besides this time favorite, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, Cuban outfielder and designated hitter, Yordan Álvarez, was one of the best hitters in the American League and all MLB, earning his honor as the top hitting AL designated hitter (DH). The Houston Astros superstar ranked fourth in the Junior Circuit in batting average (.306), third in homers (37), second in on-base percentage (.406) and slugging percentage (.613). He also added 97 runs batted in, 95 runs, 29 doubles, 78 walks and a 1.019 OPS in 135 games for the Astros this season. Álvarez, a first-time Silver Slugger recipient, became the fourth Cuban DH to achieve such an award and the first since Kendrys Morales in 2015. Here is the list of the 2022 Silver Slugger winners. AL Silver Slugger Winners C: Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays 1B: Nathaniel Lowe, Texas Rangers 2B: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros SS: Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox 3B: José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians OF: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees OF: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels OF: Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners DH: Yordan Álvarez, Houston Astros Util: Luis Arráez, Minnesota Twins NL Silver Slugger Winners C: J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies 1B: Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals 2B: Jeff McNeil, New York Mets SS: Trea Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers 3B: Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals OF: Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies OF: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers OF: Juan Soto, San Diego Padres DH: Josh Bell, San Diego Padres Util: Brandon Drury, San Diego Padres

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Nov 11, 2022 Tigers claimed infielder Andy Ibáñez off waivers from the Rangers. Ibáñez opened last year as the Rangers' third baseman, but he hit just .218/.273/.277 in 128 plate appearances and he spent the final 3 1/2 months in the minors. He wasn't very good in Round Rock, either, finishing with a .720 OPS after coming in at .871 there in 2019 and 1.051 in 30 games in 2021. He still might prove to be a decent hitter for average in the majors, but there's not enough else to his game to recommend him. Per sources, the chances of 1B José Abreu returning to the White Sox are close to zero. The Cubs will soon be in discussions with representatives for first baseman José Abreu, whose chances of returning to the White Sox are close to zero, according to multiple sources, 670 the Score's Bruce Levine wrote on Wednesday. Abreu's status with the White Sox has been in flux since nearing the end of the 2022 season. At season's end, Abreu ascertained he wants to continue playing baseball, amidst speculation he could consider retirement. However, when asked about the Sox, he said: "I'm a White Sox right now and I'll be a White Sox tomorrow. We'll see." General manager Rick Hahn was non-committal on Abreu's status with the team for 2023 last month. The White Sox' roster is crowded with first basemen and designated hitters, including Gavin Sheets and Andrew Vaughn. Hahn acknowledged Tuesday at the GM Meetings Vaughn played out of position last season. Cuban players that began the off season in the injury list Vladimir Gutiérrez, RHP, Cincinnati Reds Date: Jun 4, 2022 Injury: Elbow Return date: Late 2023 Jorge Soler, OF, Miami Marlins Date: Jul 22, 2022 Injury: Back Return date: 2023 Néstor Cortés, LHP, New York Yankees Date: Oct 22, 2022 Injury: Groin Return date: 2023 Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF, Toronto Blue Jays Date: Oct 19, 2022 Injury: Wrist Return date: 2023 Yadiel Hernández, OF, Washington Nationals Date: Aug 19, 2022 Injury: Calf Return date: 2023

Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 offseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Nov 8, 2022 Craig Mish of SportsGrid reports that Jorge Soler will not opt-out of his contract with the Marlins. This decision doesn't come as much of a shock. Soler will earn $15 million this upcoming season with the Marlins and has the ability to opt-out or exercise a $9 million option for the 2024 season. The 30-year-old slugger was limited to just 72 games last year in his Marlins debut, posting a lackluster .695 OPS with just 13 home runs in 306 plate appearances. He possesses stratospheric over-the-fence power and could be poised for a rebound campaign, if he stays healthy. Yordan Álvarez, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani are the three finalists for the 2022 American League MVP Award. It should be noted that these are regular season awards and that all BBWAA ballots were submitted a month ago. The winners will be formally announced next week. Álvarez seems assured of a third-place finish here and Ohtani will likely come in second. Judge has the narrative (and the offensive numbers) on his side after setting a new single-season AL home run record this year with 62. He also led all MLB hitters in RBI with 131 and posted an overall .311/.425/.686 batting line for the American League East champs. Yuli Gurriel has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his right knee. Gurriel was removed from the Astros' World Series roster prior to Saturday's series-clinching victory over the Phillies, but told reporters afterwards that he wants to play next season and would like to return to Houston. It's possible that the 38-year-old veteran first baseman, who will be a free agent this offseason, decides to call it a career. However, it sounds like he's planning to return for the 2023 campaign.

Daily Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 Postseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Oct 28, 2022 Yordan Álvarez hit third and played left field on Friday in Game 1 of the World Series against the Phillies. The Astros went with the same lineup -- for the most part, anyway -- that helped them remain undefeated in the postseason, and Cy Young favorite Justin Verlander took the mound. However, Philadelphia came from behind facing a 5-0 deficit and Verlander, to beat the Astros 6-5 in 10 innings, in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series. In the game, Álvarez's performance was disappointing. The Cuban outfielder continues his struggles in the 2022 postseason and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and a walk. He is now 2-for-24 with no homers and no RBIs in his last two World Series (2021 vs. Atlanta) and tonight. Overall his is slashing .212/.350/.455 this postseason with 2 HR and 8 RBI. Yuli Gurriel achieves milestone for Cuban players in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series. Gurriel continues reminding us of what he is capable in October. Houston’s 38-year-old first baseman went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run in the club’s 6-5 loss to the Phillies in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday at Minute Maid Park. He’s now 13-for-34 in the postseason, bringing his slash line to .382/.400/.559 (.959 OPS) through Houston’s first 8 games. With his two hits Friday night, Gurriel achieved added two milestones to his illustrious career. He became the Cuban player with most hits (23) in World Series history, tying Hall of Famer Tony Pérez. At the same time, his 23 hits made him the Astros player with more World Series hits, surpassing teammate José Altuve. Gurriel’s production underscores a valiant resurgence to follow up a disappointing regular season, especially with free agency looming once this playoff run ends. Aledmis Díaz: Pinch hit and fakes a HBP in a 2-0 count. Aledmys Díaz ended up making the final out of Game 1 of the 2022 World Series but during his at bat, the Cuban utility man was "supposedly" hit by a pitch, but the umpire ruled that he leaned into it, and it was ruled a ball instead of a HBP. You can judge by yourself.

In recent years, it's almost become an October ritual: Astros top Yankees. Astros take pennant. The Houston Astros made going to the World Series look easy. Yordan Álvarez and Alex Bregman delivered big hits and Houston advanced to the World Series again, finishing a four-game sweep in the AL Championship Series with a 6-5 victory Sunday night aided by another defensive gaffe from New York. Taking advantage of a costly error by second baseman Gleyber Torres to produce the go-ahead rally in the seventh inning, the Astros won their second consecutive pennant and fourth in six years. Rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña hit a three-run homer off ailing Yankees starter Néstor Cortés to help the AL West champions overcome an early 3-0 deficit. Peña was picked as the ALCS MVP. ''It's surreal. You dream about this stuff when you're a kid,'' he said. ''We're a step away from the ultimate goal.'' Perfect in the playoffs, Houston opens the World Series at home Friday night against Bryce Harper and the wild-card Philadelphia Phillies, who beat San Diego to close out the best-of-seven NLCS in five games. It was the first time both pennants were decided on the same day since 1992. After losing to Atlanta in last year's World Series, Houston is 7-0 this postseason, earning the fifth pennant in franchise history and another chance at its second championship. The team's 2017 title was tainted by a cheating scandal. ''A lot has been said but there's not a lot to say anymore, man. We keep coming here. We keep facing the best of the best and we keep winning,'' pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. said. ''When everything happened a few years ago, we knew the one thing that we could do is we could win and we could win and win a lot. I understand people are still not going to like us. They're going to boo us, but at some point you have to respect what we're doing.'' New York remained without a World Series appearance for 13 years as Aaron Judge's sensational season ended with a whimper. After setting an AL record with 62 home runs, the star slugger can become a free agent next month. ''I could sit here and make excuses about if a ball falls this way, a ball drops that way or a pitch is made here and there. But what it comes down to is they just played better than us,'' Judge said. With the playoffs expanded to 12 teams this year, the Phillies became the first club in baseball history to finish third in the standings and reach the World Series. Philadelphia was 87-75 during the regular season - Justin Verlander and the Astros went 106-56 under manager Dusty Baker, seven games better than any other American League team. ''These are the greatest guys that I've ever been around!'' Baker said during the postgame celebration on the field. ''They come to play every day, all day.'' After racing to a 61-23 record in early July, AL East champion New York was no match for the Astros in October - again. Houston went 9-2 against the Yankees overall this year and has eliminated them from the playoffs four times in the past eight seasons, including in the ALCS in 2017 and 2019. In fact, New York has lost in its last five trips to the AL Championship Series and hasn't claimed a pennant since winning its record 27th World Series championship in 2009. No. 28 has proved most elusive. ''This is as bad as it gets,'' manager Aaron Boone said. Back in the leadoff spot, Harrison Bader had three hits and scored three times for New York. He connected off winning pitcher Hector Neris for his fifth home run of the playoffs, giving the Yankees a 5-4 lead in the sixth. They couldn't hold it when they absolutely had to. Pena hit what should have been an inning-ending double-play ball to Torres in the seventh. But his flip to second base went wide of shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa as the crowd of 46,545 groaned, and the Astros had two runners on. Álvarez singled home the tying run on the next delivery from losing pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga, and Bregman put Houston ahead with an RBI single off Clay Holmes. It was the sixth error of this postseason for the Yankees, who also gave the Astros a pivotal gift in Game 3. Chas McCormick hit an early two-run homer off New York ace Gerrit Cole after Bader, a Gold Glove outfielder, dropped a two-out fly when he nearly collided with Judge in right-center. Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly shut the door with perfect relief. Pressly retired Judge on a comebacker for his third save of the series and fourth this postseason, sending the Astros rushing out of the dugout for ecstatic hugs and handshakes on the infield. Moments later, a throng of orange-clad Houston fans chanted ''Sweep! Sweep!'' behind the team's third base dugout in a mostly empty Yankee Stadium. Astros players and coaches then headed inside their clubhouse for a booze-filled party, dancing to loud rap music and drinking beer out of Pena's MVP trophy. ''They beat us in every facet,'' Cole said. DUSTY'S QUEST The 73-year-old Baker is headed to his third World Series in 25 seasons as a major league manager, still seeking his first championship as bench boss. He did win as a player with the Los Angeles Dodgers. ''It's a very exciting time for me and the organization,'' Baker said before the game. ''These guys have come to expect winning. Winning breeds winning.'' OPENING ACT Needing a win to extend their season, the Yankees got off to a fast start in the first inning following an 84-minute delay due to a threat of rain. Giancarlo Stanton laced an RBI single off McCullers, and Torres blooped a run-scoring single into center. Anthony Rizzo's two-out RBI double made it 3-0 in the second, but Stanton struck out with runners at second and third. Rizzo also delivered a two-out RBI single that tied it 4-all in the fourth. UP NEXT Verlander is likely to start his third World Series opener. The 39-year-old ace went 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA this season in a hugely successful comeback from Tommy John surgery, making him a favorite to win his third Cy Young Award. He was hit hard in the Division Series opener against Seattle, then struck out 11 in six innings of one-run ball to win Game 1 of the ALCS. He is 0-6 in seven World Series starts.

Daily Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 Postseason. A compendium from several MLB sources Oct 20, 2022 Yulieski Gurriel's ruthless offensive continues. The Houston Astros are two wins away from their fourth American League pennant in the last six years. Thursday night, the Astros hung on to beat the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS HOU 3, NYY 2. In the game, Yuli Gurriel continued his torrid offensive and went 2-for-3. He struggled pretty badly during the regular season, but the 38-year-old has been the Astros' most reliable hitter in the playoffs thus far. After Game 2 Gurriel is slashing .409/.409/.682 this postseason with 2 HR, and 2 RBI. Yordan Álvarez hit third and DH in Game 2 of the ALCS on Thursday night against the Yankees. It was the same batting lineup that the Astros used in their Game 1 win on Wednesday, but Álvarez was a DH this time around with Aledmys Díaz patrolling left field. In the game, Álvarez went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and three runners left on base. Aledmys was 0-for-3 with a strikeout, four left on base and the backup outfielder is 1-for-14 this 2022 postseason, including 0-for-7 against the Yankees. He isn't expected to play left field at Yankee Stadium in Game 3 of the series Saturday night. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. underwent surgery on his left wrist. The surgery took place on Thursday with Dr. Graham in Ohio. The outfielder dealt with wrist issues apparently throughout the season, and it was determined that he should undergo the procedure instead of more rehabilitation. Gurriel is expected to be back for the start of spring training. Gurriel, 29, is coming off a 2022 season in which he slashed .291/.343/.400 (113 OPS+) in 121 games. While the overall level of production was close to his career norms, Gurriel's power numbers took a hit. Most notably, Gurriel's home run total fell from 21 in 141 games in 2021 to five this season. Those aforementioned wrist problems very likely had something to do with that loss of pop. Barring setback, Gurriel should be primed to put up customary power numbers in 2022. Gurriel, who's not eligible for free agency until after the 2024 season, remains an important part of the Toronto core that led the team to its second consecutive postseason berth this year. Gurriel has been a part of the Blue Jays organization since he signed with them as an amateur free agent out of Cuba in 2016.

Daily Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 Postseason. A compendium from several MLB sources. Oct 19, 2022 Yuli Gurriel blasted a go-ahead solo home run off of Clarke Schmidt in the sixth inning on Wednesday night, powering the Astros to victory over the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALCS. Gurriel broke the tie with a solo shot to left off Clarke Schmidt in the bottom of the sixth inning. The 38-year-old righty is now 6-for-19 with two homers in the 2022 postseason. Gurriel had a down year in 2022, hitting only .242 with eight homers after he compiled 15 round trippers and a .319 batting average in 2021. Nonetheless, Gurriel has nearly 300 postseason at-bats and will look to use that experience to his benefit as the ALCS progresses. Gurriel is having a nice postseason, slashing .389/.389/.722 with a pair of homers and two RBI. Astros' Yordan Álvarez: Hitless in Game 1 of the ALCS. Álvarez went 0-for-2 and was walked twice - one intentionally - during Game 1 of the ALCS. Álvarez also struck out once. Regarding the intentional walk, it’s easy to understand the Yankees’ decision, after Alvarez tore Seattle during the ALDS with decisive homers in Games 1 and 2 of the series. The Astros ended up winning the game 4-2. Aledmys Díaz was the DH and batted seventh for the Astros in Game 1 of the ALCS on Wednesday night against the Yankees. Díaz went 0-for-4 and will probably be rested for Game 2 of the series tonight. Trey Mancini was benched in the opener of the best-of-seven American League Championship Series. Oct 18, 2022 Néstor Cortés defeated the Guardians and sent the Yankees to the ALCS on Tuesday afternoon, allowing just one run on three hits over five innings in Game 5 of the ALDS. Cortés struck out two and walked one in the ballgame. The 27-year-old southpaw was going to be available out of the bullpen for the elimination game, but after Monday's game got rained out Cortés was thrust into the spotlight. Pitching on three-days rest for just the second time in his career, Cortés responded in a huge way -- allowing just one run on a sacrifice fly by Jose Ramírez in the third inning. He got three swings and misses on 61 pitches in the contest, posting a solid CSW of 30 percent. His next assignment, will be taking on the Astros in the ALCS -- most likely in Game 4 on Sunday. Roenis Elías has elected free agency. Elías made it back to the majors this season with the Mariners for the first time since the 2019 campaign after undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgery just prior to the 2021 campaign. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw posted a serviceable 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 6/3 K/BB ratio across 7 2/3 innings (seven appearances) for Seattle. He'll likely have to settle for a minor league contract this offseason.

Daily Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 Postseason. A compendium from several MLB sources. Oct 13, 2022 Yordan Álvarez hit a two-run homer on Thursday to help the Astros to a 4-2 win Thursday over the Mariners in Game 2 of the ALDS. The Houston Astros defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Thursday in Game 2 of the American League Division Series. The best-of-five series now sees Houston lead 2-0. Houston's Yordan Álvarez, the hero of Game 1, once again served as the late-inning hero for the Astros, hitting a two-run, go-ahead home-run in the bottom of the sixth to swing the score from 2-1 in favor of the Mariners to 3-2 in favor of the Astros. Take a look: A special offensive player. Álvarez also drew a walk in the contest, but the big blow was a homer that was off the plate into left field that gave the Astros a 2-0 lead. That's the second homer of the series for Álvarez, and he's the first player since Troy Glaus to hit go-ahead homers in the sixth inning or later in the postseason in back-to-back games since Troy Glaus in 2002. He now has Houston one game away from advancing to the ALCS. Thursday's scheduled ALDS Game 2 between the Guardians and Yankees was postponed due to sustained inclement weather. The nighttime forecast in the Bronx looked rough, with no realistic window that allowed Game 2 to be played without stoppages. Game 2 is now scheduled for Friday at 1:07 p.m. ET, and there will be four games in four days if this best-of-five series goes the distance. Nestor Cortés had been slated to face off against Shane Bieber at Yankee Stadium. This were Cortés words on Wednesday when he was announced as the starter: "That would be an honor to do so," Cortes said. "... To get that second-game win is going to be huge for us. We are going to have the series on a chokehold like everybody says, and it gives us a better opportunity to advance. For me to have that opportunity and to go out there and to give the best chance that I can give to the team for a W is going to be amazing." Cortes, making his 2022 postseason debut, went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA in 28 starts while pitching a career-high 158 1/3 innings and getting 163 strikeouts. He ended the season by going 3-0 with a 1.32 ERA over his final five starts -- allowing only two hits over 13 1/3 scoreless frames in his last two. Aledmys Díaz was at DH and batted seventh for the Astros in Game 2 of the ALDS on Thursday versus the Mariners. Trey Mancini was the DH in Game 1 on Tuesday, but he was benched in Game 2 with the Mariners throwing ace right-hander Luis Castillo. Díaz went 1-for-3 with a double in a 4-2 victory for the Asstros. He will likely be in the lineup for Game 3 of the series on Saturday in Seattle.