MLB 2025 | Iglesias converts 12th save; Ibáñez homered in return; Luis Robert also homered; Adolis is a potential trade; Oviedo excels in rehab start; Estrada called up; Morejón shines in relief
- BaseballdeCuba
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources.
Raisel Iglesias took over for an underperforming Rafael Montero in the ninth inning and secured a save against the Royals with a scoreless inning on Monday.
Montero was tasked with closing out a 10-4 game but failed to retire any of the four batters he faced tonight. Fortunately, Iglesias had no such difficulties, as he got all three batters he faced to fly out. The first of those was a sacrifice fly, but that was not Iglesias’s concern. The 35-year-old threw just seven pitches, all of which were strikes. Iglesias has now secured the last three saves for Atlanta, but he will be involved in trade discussions this week due to his expiring contract. The veteran reliever holds a 4.97 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 46:10 K:BB ratio over 41.2 innings, successfully converting 12 of 17 save opportunities.
Andy Ibáñez returns with home run.
Andy Ibáñez went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run, and an additional run scored in Monday's 5-1 victory over the Diamondbacks. Ibáñez was called up from Triple-A Toledo earlier in the day and quickly made an impact for the Tigers. The utility player was added to the lineup due to his strong performance against left-handed pitchers, a decision that paid off when he hit a home run off Arizona starter Eduardo Rodríguez in the fourth inning, marking his third home run of the season. Ibáñez will likely take on a bench role for Detroit, which limits his potential, but he can be effective against left-handers.
Adrián Morejón shines in relief against the Mets.
Adrián Morejón maintained his impressive season on Monday with a relief outing against the Mets during the Padres' 7-6 win. Morejón pitched 1 2/3 flawless innings, striking out four batters and efficiently using 18 pitches, with 15 being strikes. This performance secured his 15th hold of the season. With an 8-4 record and a 1.66 ERA, he ranks among the top Cuban pitchers this year.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rangers might act as both buyers and sellers at the deadline, potentially trading players like Adolis García, Jon Gray, and others.
Ken Rosenthal notes that the Rangers are striving for a postseason berth following their strong performance over the past two weeks. However, they also aim to remain below the luxury-tax threshold. As a third-time offender, the Rangers would incur a 50 percent tax on every dollar spent over the threshold, making it more costly than for many other teams. This situation might prompt the Rangers to trade Adolis García - who went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts on Monday -, right-hander Jon Gray, or one of their catchers, Jonah Heim or Kyle Higashioka, to reduce salary and acquire “another right-handed hitter and a high-leverage reliever, such as the St. Louis Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley or Pittsburgh Pirates’ David Bednar.”
Miguel Vargas with a multi-hit game.
This Monday, Miguel Vargas achieved a multi-hit performance during the White Sox's 6-2 win against the Phillies. Playing first base, Vargas went 2-for-4, scored a run, and struck out once. Although the Cuban's current season batting average is a career-low .230/.308/.401, he has reached career highs with 12 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Johan Oviedo excels in his most recent rehab start.
Johan Oviedo struck out five, allowing one earned run on four hits and no walks over five innings in his latest rehab start on Thursday with Double-A Altoona. This was Oviedo's fifth rehab assignment start, and it was his longest and most effective outing yet, throwing 63 pitches (42 strikes) and achieving 10 of his 15 outs through strikeouts or groundouts. The right-hander is expected to advance to Triple-A Indianapolis for his next appearance. If he can exceed 70 pitches in that outing, he may be cleared to return from the 60-day injured list. Currently, the Pirates don't have an open rotation spot for Oviedo, but an opportunity might arise if Pittsburgh decides to trade at least one of Mitch Keller, Bailey Falter, or Andrew Heaney before Thursday's trade deadline.
Luis Robert Jr.'s home run propels White Sox to victory over Phillies
During the Chicago White Sox's 6-2 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies, Luis Robert Jr. was a key player, contributing a home run, two RBIs, and scoring once. He managed one hit in four at-bats and struck out twice. This season, Robert Jr. holds a batting average of .205, with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs across 86 games, and is a potential trade before the July 31 deadline.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora informed reporters that Aroldis Chapman was not available for Monday's series opener against the Twins.
Alex Cora mentioned that they expect Chapman to be ready to pitch by Tuesday or Wednesday. The 37-year-old All-Star closer exited Sunday's relief appearance against the Dodgers due to back tightness. Although it doesn't seem to be a major issue, back problems can be unpredictable, so his condition should be monitored closely.
Lázaro Estrada selected for doubleheader.
The Blue Jays have called up Lázaro Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo, designating him as their 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Orioles. Toronto also brought up lefty Easton Lucas from Triple-A to start the first game of the doubleheader. Since Lucas will be pitching on three days' rest, the Blue Jays might rely on Estrada to pitch multiple innings in relief. Estrada has mainly been a starter for Buffalo this season, but he made his MLB debut in long relief on July 5 against the Angels, pitching four innings and allowing one earned run on two hits with no walks.
Yoán Moncada was not included in the lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Rangers.
Yoán Moncada was absent from the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers. After being hit by a pitch on Saturday, Moncada missed his second straight game. However, X-rays were negative, so he is considered day-to-day. In his first season with the Halos, Moncada has a .216/.321/.455 slash line, with eight home runs, 22 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and an 18:39 BB:K ratio over 156 plate appearances. He has participated in just 42 games during another season plagued by injuries.
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