Cuban Players News for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources
Raisel Iglesias secured a victory on Saturday.
With a flawless inning, Raisel Iglesias (6-2) recorded two strikeouts and claimed the win against the Royals on Saturday. In the top of the ninth inning, Iglesias maintained the 1-1 tie, and Atlanta sealed the deal with a walk-off solo home run by Travis d'Arnaud in the bottom of the frame. Although Iglesias has given up six runs (five earned) in 14 innings this month, a majority of them occurred during a single outing against the Dodgers on September 15. The closer boasts a 1.72 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and a 68:13 K:BB ratio in 68 innings this season, successfully converting 33 of 36 save opportunities. Having thrown only 16 pitches over the past two days, Iglesias might still be an option for a save situation on Sunday.
Yasmani Grandal hits his ninth home run.
Yasmani Grandal had a strong performance in Saturday's 9-4 victory over the Yankees, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and three runs scored. The experienced catcher kickstarted the Pirates' offense with a solo homer against Luis Gil in the second inning, contributing to Pittsburgh's five home runs in the game. This marks Grandal's first game with multiple hits since August 21 and his first three-hit game since August 4. So far this season, the 35-year-old has a .228/.304/.400 slash line with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 215 plate appearances.
On Saturday, Bryan Ramos hit a solo home run against the Tigers, going 1-for-3 in the game.
Bryan Ramos got the White Sox's first run in the second inning by hitting a solo home run off Beau Brieske, which was his sole hit of the match. The 22-year-old third baseman has a batting average of .189/.235/.326 with three home runs and nine RBI in 103 plate appearances.
Yariel Rodríguez gave up two runs and struck out five batters in a five-inning loss to the Marlins on Saturday.
Yariel Rodríguez (1-8) suffered a defeat against the Marlins on Saturday, surrendering three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings. Yariel faced some difficulties with his control in the first inning, issuing two walks before Jonah Bride drove in a run with a base hit. Griffin Conine then hit a double to bring in a second run before Yariel managed to get out of the inning. He settled down and pitched four more innings without allowing any more runs, exiting the game in the sixth inning with a runner on base and no outs after throwing 82 pitches. The 27-year-old rookie gave up three earned runs or less in each of his five September appearances but was unable to pitch more than five innings in any of them. He concludes the season with a 4.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and an 85:40 K:BB ratio across 86.2 innings.
Aroldis Chapman secured the final two outs, including one strikeout, to seal the victory against the Yankees on Saturday.
Aroldis Chapman pitched a flawless two-thirds of an inning on Saturday, notching his 14th save of the season in a 9-4 triumph over the Yankees. Despite Jalen Beeks loading the bases with one out in the ninth inning, the Pirates had to rely on their closer due to the significant lead. Chapman efficiently closed the game with just nine pitches, five of which were strikes, extending his successful streak to eight save opportunities. His 100.6 mph two-seamer led to a strikeout of Aaron Judge. Despite being 37 years old, Chapman continues to showcase his velocity, and his impressive performance as the season winds down should provide confidence to potential suitors as he enters free agency this winter.
Manager Joe Espada stated that Yordan Alvarez would be able to resume baseball activities on Sunday now that the inflammation in his knee has subsided.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Manager Joe Espada mentioned on Saturday that Yordan Alvarez might start participating in baseball-related tasks on Sunday. Although the manager didn't provide details on the specific activities Yordan will engage in, the indication that he is getting closer to resuming activity suggests that his sprained knee is improving. Once the 27-year-old power hitter can assess his knee, the team could gain more insight into his readiness for the beginning of the AL Wild Card Series.
Luis Robert will be playing on Sunday.
Despite dealing with rib soreness, Luis Robert Jr. will be in center field and batting second in the game against the Tigers. Robert missed the last two games due to his rib cage issues but is set to return for the final game of the regular season. He has posted a .237/.295/.313 slash line with two RBI in 88 plate appearances since September 1.
Adolis García won't be playing in Sunday's game as he exited Saturday's match because of a knee issue.
According to Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com, Adolis García had to leave Saturday's game versus the Angels due to a knee injury. Adolis was seen limping after trying to beat out an infield hit in the top of the sixth inning. He ended the game with a 1-for-3 record and one run scored. Travis Jankowski took over for García in right field in the bottom of the sixth.
Yuli Gurriel sat out on Saturday.
Yulieski Gurriel did not play in the game against Atlanta on Saturday. Following a performance of 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout in Friday's game, Gurriel was replaced by Garrett Hampson at first base.
Randy Arozarena was absent from Saturday's game.
He was not included in the starting lineup against the Athletics. Arozarena is taking a break on Saturday following his recent struggles at the plate, going 0-for-9 with six strikeouts in his last two games.
