Similar to the situation two decades ago with the debut of the World Baseball Classic, the United States Department of State, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has once more attempted to block Cuba from taking part in the upcoming international tournament. They suspended Cuba's authorization to participate, thereby preventing Cuba from submitting its preliminary 50-player roster by the deadline. As in 2006, thanks largely to Paul Archey, Vice President of Baseball for International Affairs at that time, the situation changed again for Cuba. This time it was announced by the president of the World Baseball Classic himself, and also one of the masterminds behind that first edition and its subsequent global image, Jim Small, who last October made it clear that "Cuba will be on the field in March," assuring the Puerto Rican media that the Cuban team would receive its visa in time to play in the event in March. Several media outlets have recently covered Cuba's return to the World Baseball Classic, even though the announcement was made months ago and the official statement from the Cuban authorities is still awaited. The reality is that, up to this point, only the participation of players from foreign leagues, including MLB, for the island's team is confirmed. Because of the delay in confirming Cuba's involvement, they missed the deadline to submit their preliminary roster of 50 players. As a result, they now need to quickly trim the roster down to 35 players, following the tournament's established selection process. It is evident that this roster must remain confidential until MLB grants permission for its release. After authorization, it will be trimmed down to the 30 players who will form the final roster. As per tournament regulations, these 30 players must be submitted to MLB along with the final roster by February 3, 2026.

The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) has stated that Cuba will not take part in the upcoming Caribbean Cup, scheduled in the Bahamas from December 1st to 9th. This decision is influenced by various strategic, logistical, and economic considerations for the country, especially with regard to future international competitions. Reasons behind Cuba's withdrawal Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, the president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation, stated yesterday in Havana that the decision is due to Cuba having already secured direct qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. As a result, taking part in the Caribbean Cup would not offer any competitive or logistical benefits. Among the main reasons are: Guaranteed qualification: Cuba has already secured its spot for Santo Domingo 2026, eliminating the need to compete in a qualifying tournament. Additional costs: Participation would entail expenses that the federation considers unnecessary at this time. Overlap with the National Series: The Caribbean Cup coincides with the 64th National Series. Venue Limitations: The Bahamas can only host an event with a maximum of six teams, which restricts participation and affects regional planning. Impact of the Baseball Americas Cup Cancellation Cuba's decision is directly connected to the cancellation of the inaugural Baseball Americas Cup, initially scheduled to take place in Panama and serve as a qualifier for the Pan American and Central American Games. The event was canceled because sponsors failed to meet contractual obligations, necessitating a reorganization of the qualification process. This change affected the entire region: The Pan American Baseball Confederation (COPABE) and WBSC Americas had to find alternative ways to determine the qualifying spots. The Caribbean Cup was considered as a qualifying route, but geographical and logistical problems arose. The six-team limit in the Bahamas prevented the participation of several Caribbean countries. New Qualification System for Santo Domingo 2026 Confronted with the challenges, the Executive Committee opted to distribute the remaining spots based on the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) ranking. Consequently, the countries that qualified were: Mexico (3rd in the Americas) Puerto Rico (4th) Panama (5th) Cuba (6th) Colombia (8th) As a result of this measure, the Caribbean Cup now has only one available spot, diminishing the level of competition and altering the dynamics of the tournament. For Cuban baseball fans, this news is disappointing because the Caribbean Cup provides a platform for emerging players to display their talent internationally. However, given Cuba's economic challenges, it is understandable that the federation is focusing on the National Series and upcoming national and international events like the Elite League, the Caribbean Series, the World Baseball Classic, and the Central American and Caribbean Games, aiming to optimize resources and efforts. Nonetheless, it can be concluded that in less than a month, two of the region's tournaments have been removed from Cuba and its baseball scene. Although the primary goal was achieved—qualifying for the baseball tournament at the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games based on the country's world ranking—the chance to use both regional tournaments as a testing ground to evaluate players for the main global event, the World Baseball Classic in 2026, was missed. The Americas region, through COPABE, has also been disappointing regarding the organization and planning of the first edition of the Copa América, which had created expectations across the continent. This situation urges regional federations and organizations to seek more flexible and sustainable solutions for the future of baseball in the Caribbean. Cooperation and planning will be crucial to maintaining the sport's competitiveness and development in the region.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced on Saturday the rescheduling of the Baseball Americas Cup, an event originally planned for November 13-22, 2025, in Panama. This decision was made due to breaches of contract by the private promoter in charge of organizing the tournament, which prevented the guarantee of the basic conditions for an international competition of this magnitude. This unexpected change has dealt a severe blow to the future of the event and raised many questions about its impact on international baseball in the Americas. Reasons behind the rescheduling The WBSC stated that the decision was due to the inability to ensure crucial conditions like proper facilities, accommodation, transportation, and security for participants and attendees. These conditions are vital for an international event that gathers national teams from multiple countries. The private promoter responsible failed to fulfill its contractual obligations, resulting in logistical challenges and inconsistencies that impacted the organization. The lack of preparation and sufficient resources compromised the tournament's quality and safety. Such issues are uncommon in events of this scale, but when they arise, the priority must be safeguarding the well-being of the players and ensuring suitable conditions for fans and the media, all essential elements of the event. Impact on teams and players For national teams, the rescheduling implies adjustments to their training and preparation schedules. Many players plan their season around international competitions, so a date change can affect their performance and availability. Furthermore, while the Copa América is not a qualifying tournament for the major events on the WBSC's international baseball calendar, this first edition aimed to become the premier qualifying event in the Americas, offering berths to regional events such as the baseball tournaments of the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Games. The temporary suspension may create uncertainty, but it also presents an opportunity to improve the organization and ensure a successful event in the future. Role of WBSC Americas Baseball The WBSC clarified that the Copa América is the responsibility of its continental body, WBSC Americas Baseball, and not the private promoter. This underscores the importance of strengthening oversight and coordination among the various organizing entities to avoid similar problems. It was also announced that a press conference will be held on November 12 to detail the next steps and clarify the responsibilities of each party involved, something that should have occurred much earlier in the tournament, just five days before its start. The press conference will undoubtedly be key to creating greater transparency in the process and regaining the trust of participants and fans in general. What to expect for the new tournament date While the new date has not been announced, the WBSC is actively working to reschedule the Americas Cup under optimal conditions. A time will likely be selected that allows for improved logistical preparation and ensures team participation. However, the approach of the year's end and the start of the 2026 international calendar, which includes the conclusion of the winter leagues in the region and the celebration of the traditional Caribbean Series, presents challenges. The rescheduling of the Americas Baseball Cup highlights the need to enhance the organization and management of international sporting events. Although it poses a challenge, it also offers an opportunity to strengthen the structure and ensure the success of future tournaments. Additionally, the previous cancellation of the sub-venue in Venezuela, which also impacted Panama as a host country, underscores that the overall suspension of the tournament is a significant setback to the aspirations of organizing an event comparable to others in the region.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Raisel Iglesias secures 29th save. Raisel Iglesias struck out one batter in a flawless inning to secure the save in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Pirates. Although Iglesias had a shaky period following the All-Star break, he allowed just one run over his last 27 outings of the year, with a 27:6 K:BB ratio across 26 2/3 innings. During this time, he achieved 18 of his 29 saves for the season, reaffirming his position as a top-tier closer. The right-hander also recorded a 3.21 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 73:16 K:BB ratio over 67.1 innings overall. Andy Pagés achieved his 86th RBI. Andy Pagés closed out 2025 with a 1-for-4 showing in the Dodgers' 6-1 victory over the Mariners. Pagés contributed one RBI and struck out twice. The Cuban player thus concludes a sensational and unexpected season, making him one of the standout Cuban players of the year. Pagés posted a respectable slash line of .272/.313/.461, with 74 runs, 27 doubles, one triple, 27 home runs, 86 RBIs, 29 walks, 135 strikeouts, and 14 stolen bases over 156 games. His home run - tied with Randy Arozarena - and RBI totals, are the highest among Cuban players this year. Pagés will be one to watch for Cuba in the 2025 postseason. Johan Oviedo performed well despite the loss. Johan Oviedo (2-1) conceded two runs on three hits and three walks, striking out three over five innings, resulting in a loss on Sunday against Atlanta. Oviedo surrendered a two-run homer to Ronald Acuna in the first inning, which was enough to end his undefeated streak this season. Although he was rarely poor, he also didn't excel in his nine starts, walking exactly three batters in seven of those games and never pitching beyond five innings. He ended with a 3.57 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 42:23 K:BB ratio over 40.1 innings, a commendable performance after returning from Tommy John surgery in December 2023. Andy Ibáñez got on base four times and stole a base. Andy Ibáñez went 3-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Red Sox. With Detroit resting several regulars after securing a playoff spot, Ibáñez started in the regular-season finale and delivered his first three-hit performance of the year. The utility player concludes his regular season with a .239/.301/.352 slash line over 91 games, providing the Tigers with a versatile bench option as they head into the postseason. On Sunday, Miguel Vargas hit a two-run home run and earned a walk as the White Sox defeated the Nationals in their season finale in Washington. Miguel Vargas launched a 404-foot (100.1 mph EV) two-run homer off Brad Lord in the top of the first inning, providing the White Sox with an early advantage that they maintained throughout the game. He also drew a walk in the fifth inning, ending the day 1-for-3. The adaptable 25-year-old concludes the 2025 season with a modest .235/.317/.402 batting line, 16 home runs, 60 RBIs, and a 100/56 K/BB ratio across 568 plate appearances. Yanquiel Fernández went without a hit in the final game. Yanquiel Fernández went 0-for-3 on Sunday during the Rockies' 4-0 defeat against the Giants in the final game of the 2025 regular season. Fernández struck out once. This concluded the season for the 22-year-old, who made his debut and played in 52 games, achieving a .225/.265/.348 slash line with 5 doubles, 4 home runs, 11 RBIs, 13 runs scored, 44 strikeouts, and no steals. Fernández is still very young and will undoubtedly aim to refine his offense to secure a spot on the roster again in 2026. José Iglesias drove in two runs. José Iglesias participated in Sunday's finale, contributing to the Padres' 12-4 victory over the D-backs. Iglesias went 1-for-4, driving in two runs and striking out once. He concluded the 2025 season with a disappointing slash line of .229/.298/.294, tallying 29 runs, 11 doubles, 3 home runs, 36 RBIs, 24 walks, 56 strikeouts, and five stolen bases across 112 games while playing a limited role. As the Padres move on to the postseason, this marks his third MLB postseason appearance, following his participation in 2013 with the Tigers and last year with the Mets. Randy Arozarena's pursuit of his first 30-30 season comes to an end. Randy Arozarena concluded his pursuit of a 30-30 season in MLB with an 0-for-3 performance on Sunday against the Dodgers, resulting in a 6-1 loss for the Mariners. Arozarena walked, scored a run, and struck out once. It has been a fluctuating season for the Cuban-Mexican outfielder, who finished with a .238/.334/.426 slash line, 95 runs scored, 32 doubles, one triple, 27 homers, 76 RBIs, 64 walks, 31 steals, but also 191 strikeouts. Known for his outstanding postseason numbers, slashing .336/.414/.690 with 11 homers and 17 RBIs in five appearances - 2019 with the Cardinals and from 2020-2023 with the Rays -, it will be intriguing to watch him in action during the American League Division Championship against a yet-to-be-determined rival. Yandy Díaz took a break on the final day of the season. Yandy Díaz did not play in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays. He was rested alongside fellow veteran Brandon Lowe for the season's final game. Yandy had an outstanding season with the Rays, achieving a .300 batting average with 25 home runs, 83 RBIs, three steals, and 79 runs over 150 games. Yoán Moncada did not play in Sunday's game against the Astros. Yoán Moncada sat out for a third consecutive game to end the season as the Angels opted for Luis Rengifo at third base. The 30-year-old Moncada is entering free agency this winter, and his absence from the starting lineup in the final series might suggest that the Angels aren't planning to re-sign him. In 289 plate appearances, Moncada has recorded a .234/.336/.448 slash line with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 39 runs.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Randy Arozarena records a steal in victory. Randy Arozarena went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a stolen base in Thursday's 6-2 victory over the Rockies. This marked Arozarena's first multi-hit game since September 11 against the Angels. In the 11 games between, he managed just 3-for-44 (.068) with a 3:19 BB:K ratio. This slump has impacted his season statistics, bringing him to a .235/.331/.424 slash line with 27 home runs, 29 steals, 76 RBIs, and 93 runs scored across 157 games. Despite the recent downturn, he has continued as the Mariners' leadoff hitter during the team's 17-1 run that started on September 6 in Atlanta. Andy Pagés has reached 27 home runs. Andy Pagés went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk, two strikeouts, and a run scored in Thursday's 8-0 victory over the D-backs. Pagés has now hit home runs in consecutive games and is currently tied with Randy Arozarena for the lead among Cuban players in homers (27) while also leading RBIs (85) for the season, marking one of the notable stories about Cuban players this year. After challenging months in July and August, he is now hitting .284/.312/.514 in September with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs. Over the season, he's maintained a similar performance, batting .276 with a .786 OPS, 27 home runs, 85 RBIs, 74 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 27 doubles, and one triple across 153 games. Yandy Díaz is dealing with a groin injury and is considered day-to-day. Rays manager Kevin Cash announced on Thursday that Yandy Díaz is considered day-to-day, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Yandy was removed from Thursday's game in Baltimore during the fifth inning due to tightness in his right groin. Although the injury is deemed minor, there is a possibility that Yandy might be rested this weekend in Toronto as a precautionary measure. Before being replaced by a pinch hitter, Yandy recorded a single and a run in his 1-for-2 performance. With only three games left, this injury might end Yandy's season, even if it is a day-to-day concern. Yariel Rodríguez was credited with a win. Yariel Rodríguez earned a win on Thursday as the Blue Jays defeated the Red Sox 6-1. He took over for Eric Lauer in the sixth inning and delivered a perfect two-out performance, striking out one batter, to preserve a perfect game that ended an inning later, with Jarren Duran' double against Braydon Fisher. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Daulton Varsho hit a grand slam, giving the Blue Jays a 4-0 lead that they maintained, securing the win for Yariel. This victory improved his record to 3-2 for the year, with 2 saves and a 3.00 ERA over 72 innings, along with a SO:BB ratio of 64:33. After a challenging August, where he recorded a 7.71 ERA in 11 games, Yariel has allowed just one run in his last 11 games and 11 1/3 innings, achieving a 0.79 ERA with a SO:BB ratio of 7:5. Edgar Quero had a night with one hit. Edgar Quero recorded one hit in four at-bats and struck out once in the White Sox's 5-3 defeat against the Yankees. Late in the game, he was substituted by a pinch-runner at first base. The 22-year-old has had an impressive rookie season, accumulating 96 hits over 108 games and 390 plate appearances. As a switch-hitter, his slash line stands at .272/.336/.363, with 36 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Miguel Vargas scored twice against the Yankees. On Thursday, Miguel Vargas went 1-for-3 with two runs scored in the White Sox's 5-3 loss to the Yankees, also drawing a walk. This single brought his total to 114 hits, and his runs scored to 76 over 135 games this season. The 25-year-old Cuban has faced challenges in his first full year as he aims to secure a spot on the promising White Sox roster. He now has 15 home runs and 57 RBIs, with a slash line of .232/.314/.396. Adolis García stayed on the bench for Thursday's game against the Twins. Adolis García was also on the bench on Wednesday after starting on Tuesday; however, he missed both weekend games because of a quad injury. Whether the Rangers will choose to play the 32-year-old while he's not fully fit is uncertain.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Andy Pagés hits his 26th home run. Andy Pagés went 1-for-5, hitting a two-run home run, in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-innings victory over the Diamondbacks. Pagés gave Los Angeles a 3-1 advantage in the fourth inning with a two-run shot to left-center field. This was his 26th home run of the season, twice the number he hit as a rookie last year and just one short of matching Randy Arozarena for the highest among Cuban players this year. Pagés also boasts 84 RBIs - leading all Cuban players in 2025 - , 14 stolen bases, and a .276/.316/.465 slash line over 152 games, establishing himself as a dependable everyday outfielder for the Dodgers. Yennier Cano pitched a relief appearance without allowing any runs. Yennier Cano delivered a scoreless performance in the Orioles' 6-2 defeat against the Rays on Wednesday. Cano pitched 1 1/3 flawless innings, recording one strikeout. This marked the Cuban's 64th start of 2025, helping him reduce his ERA to 4.89 for the season. He holds a 3-7 record with two saves over 57 innings, maintaining a 52:23 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Randy Arozarena recorded a hit on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Randy Arozarena went 1-for-4 with a sacrifice fly, as the Mariners defeated the Rockies 9-2, securing their first AL West division title in 24 years. Arozarena contributed an RBI and struck out three times during the game. He has enjoyed a solid season with a .233/.330/.424 slash line, accumulating 139 hits, and is still pursuing his first 30-30 season, currently having 27 home runs and 28 steals. Adolis García was absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Adolis García was not included in the Rangers' starting lineup against the Twins. Adolis rejoined the lineup on Tuesday after being sidelined for the previous two games because of a persistent quad problem. He was available as a substitute for Wednesday's game and came in as a pinch hitter, reaching base with a walk. Yordan Álvarez has not yet returned to baseball activities. It seems increasingly unlikely that Yordan Álvarez will be ready for the playoffs starting next week, assuming the Astros qualify. The 28-year-old power hitter will require significant time to prepare as he recovers from a severe left ankle sprain, making it improbable that he will be cleared to return soon. Yandy Díaz was not included in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles. With Tampa Bay's playoff aspirations officially ended, Yandy Díaz earned a well-deserved rest. The 34-year-old veteran contributed significantly this season, posting an impressive .301/.366/.485 slash line, hitting a career-high 25 home runs, driving in 83 runs, and stealing three bases over 147 games.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Yennier Cano delivered a scoreless inning. Yennier Cano pitched a scoreless inning in the Orioles' 7-0 defeat against the Yankees on Thursday. Cano gave up a hit and issued a walk but managed to retire the side without conceding any runs. His season record is now 3-7, and with this performance, he reduced his ERA to a still poor 5.00. Over the past month, he has been inconsistent, allowing 16 runs in 2 1/3 innings with a 20:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Yandy Diaz did not get a hit. During the Rays' 4-0 win over the Blue Jays, Yandy Diaz's streak of three straight multi-hit games came to an end. He finished the game 0-for-3 with a walk. Despite this, his season remains impressive, with a slash line of .297/.361/.479 and personal bests in home runs (24) and RBIs (81). Randy Arozarena went hitless. Randy Arozarena's struggles persist as the season winds down. On Thursday, during the Mariners' 2-0 victory over the Royals, Arozarena went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. This marked his third straight game without a hit and the fifth in the last six games where he failed to get a hit. This is evident in his recent offensive stats, showing a .193/.338/.263 line with one home run, seven RBIs, and one stolen base over his last 15 games. Andy Pages also didn't get any hits. In the Dodgers' 2-1 win over the Giants, Andy Pages did not get a hit, finishing 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Over his last 15 games, Pages is hitting .291/.316/.455 with 2 home runs, 10 runs scored, and 6 RBIs. He continues to lead all Cuban players in RBIs (81) this year, sharing the top spot with Yandy Diaz. Yoan Moncada was benched for the third consecutive game. Yoan Moncada was absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Brewers. This was the third straight start Moncada missed following an ankle tweak in Sunday's game.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Yandy Díaz had an impeccable evening. Yandy Díaz had an impeccable night at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two walks and an RBI in the Rays' 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays. Yandy drove in the Rays' first run in the opening inning with a single to right field, bringing Chandler Simpson home. Yandy extended his impressive September performance by achieving his third straight multi-hit game. Over 15 games this month, he has maintained a .429 batting average with a .515 on-base percentage, along with two home runs, seven RBIs, and 11 runs scored. His RBI on Wednesday marked his 81st RBI of the season, tying Andy Pagés for the most among Cuban players in 2025. Yandy also solidified his lead among Cubans in hits with 167, and his batting average is nearly .300 at .299 (167-for-559). Moreover, he has had an exceptional season, achieving career-best numbers in home runs and RBIs, and ranks ninth in MLB for batting average. Johan Oviedo records another no-decision. Johan Oviedo did not receive a decision in Wednesday's game against the Cubs, as he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks over five innings, striking out three. The Cubs got to Oviedo early, scoring four runs on four hits in the first inning, including two homers. However, the right-hander settled down and held Chicago scoreless over the next four innings, allowing just one more hit. The four runs are the most Oviedo has allowed in his seven starts this season. His ERA stands at 3.52 with a 1.24 WHIP and a 32:17 K:BB ratio over 30.2 innings. Yariel Rodríguez was credited with a loss. Yariel Rodríguez recorded his second loss of the season in the Blue Jays' 2-1 defeat against the Rays. Yariel pitched one inning, allowing two hits and the decisive run in the seventh. He issued one walk and did not record any strikeouts. In the seventh inning, with two outs already, he gave up a double to left field by Carson Williams, followed by a single by Chandler Simpson on a ground ball to center, which gave the Rays a lead they maintained. This was the first run he allowed in his last eight games and eight innings. His ERA for 2025 is now 3.10, with a 2-2 record, 14 holds, 2 saves, and a SO:BB ratio of 62:30, which needs improvement. Orlando Ribalta moved down to AAA. The Nationals sent Ribalta to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. Ribalta pitched the last two days, conceding a total of four runs across two innings. Sauryn Lao is taking his place on the active roster, having been called up from Rochester to provide the Nationals with a fresh bullpen arm following Tuesday's doubleheader against Atlanta. Adrián Morejón was credited with a win. Adrián Morejón secured his 12th win of the season in relief as the Padres triumphed 7-4 over the Mets on Wednesday. Morejón delivered a flawless 1 1/3 innings with two strikeouts, using just 20 pitches, 16 of which were strikes. He is the leading reliever in wins this year, boasting an impressive 2.11 ERA across 70 games and 68 1/3 innings, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 66:16. Terrible night for Randy Arozarena. Randy Arozarena had a forgettable night during the Mariners' costly 7-5 defeat to the Royals. This loss allowed the Astros to regain the lead in the AL West, with the Mariners now trailing by 0.5 games. Arozarena went 0-for-4, striking out three times and committing an error in the eighth inning when the Royals scored four decisive runs, although his error didn't impact the score. This month has been tough for Arozarena, who currently has a .228/.366/.298 slash line with only one home run, seven RBIs, and four stolen bases in September. His performance has declined further over the last seven games, hitting .179/.324/.179 with no home runs or RBIs and 10 strikeouts in 28 at-bats. Without a turnaround, achieving a 30-30 season seems challenging for Arozarena. Néstor Cortés is scheduled to pitch against batters this weekend. Néstor Cortés is set to face live hitters on Friday at the Padres' facility in Arizona, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Since being placed on the injured list on September 5 due to left biceps tendinitis, Cortés has completed several bullpen sessions and is now ready to progress by facing hitters. If Friday's session goes well, Cortés is likely to be activated from the IL for the final week of the regular season. Although he isn't currently scheduled to start next week, Acee suggests that with the Padres' playoff position likely secured before their final series against the Diamondbacks, Nick Pivetta might not be needed to start against Arizona. Consequently, the Padres might consider using Cortés for a 3-to-4-inning start or a bulk-relief appearance during the series. On Wednesday, Miguel Vargas did not get any hits in his four at-bats. Miguel Vargas did hit one well-struck fly ball today, but it resulted in a 388-foot flyout. He concluded the series against Baltimore with a 0-for-9 performance. This hitless series brought Vargas’s OPS back below .700 for the first time since July 20. His impressive performance in May and June has secured him a spot in the White Sox lineup when healthy, but with an overall line of .227/.308/.391, he likely hasn’t done enough to ensure a place in 2026. The issue is his .253 BABIP; his 40% hard-hit rate and 18% strikeout rate are quite solid. However, it’s difficult to dismiss that poor BABIP as a fluke when his career average was a dismal .204 before this season. Adolis García returned in Wednesday's game against the division rival Astros. Seeing Adolis García in action was somewhat surprising, as Rangers manager Bruce Bochy had stated on Tuesday that Adolis was not fully recovered and might need another day of rest. The 32-year-old was back in right field and hit fifth in Wednesday's 5-2 defeat to the Astros, but he went hitless in four at-bats with one strikeout. Yoán Moncada remained absent on Wednesday. Yoán Moncada remained absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee. Moncada was removed from Sunday's game against the Mariners because of a left ankle injury and has subsequently missed two consecutive starts. He is currently regarded as day-to-day.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Raisel Iglesias secured his 26th save and 250th career save. In the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Raisel Iglesias secured his 26th save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one walk and striking out two. The save brought him to his 250th in his MLB career (placing him 40th on the All-Time list), just one behind active closer Edwin Díaz and two behind retired Dave Righetti. The right-hander remains dominant as the season progresses. Since his last blown save on July 26, Iglesias has allowed runs in only one appearance, maintaining a 0.41 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and a 22:4 K:BB ratio over 22 innings, successfully converting all 15 save opportunities. Yandy Díaz achieved a historic milestone while having a game with multiple hits. Yandy Díaz went 2-for-4 on Tuesday in the Rays' 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays. He also scored a run, drew a walk, and struck out once. His single in the first inning advanced him to fifth place on the team's all-time hit list with 871, surpassing Aubrey Huff (870). He increased his hit total to 872 with his second hit of the game. This was achieved in 807 games. Yandy, who also accumulated 75 hits during his two-season stint with Cleveland, aims to reach 1,000 hits by 2026, potentially moving up to fourth place on the team's all-time hit list, currently hold by B.J. Upton (910). Randy Arozarena walked twice on Tuesday. Randy Arozarena did not get any hits on Tuesday during the Mariners' 12-5 victory over the Royals. Arozarena went 0-for-2 but managed to draw two walks and score twice. With only 11 games remaining for the Mariners in 2025, time is running out for Arozarena to achieve his goal of a 30-30 season, as he currently has 27 home runs and 28 stolen bases. He is posting a modest .242/.343/.442 slash line for the year but has contributed 92 runs, 58 extra-base hits, and 73 RBIs to the team. Yariel Rodríguez achieved his 14th hold of the season. Yariel Rodríguez delivered a flawless seventh inning in the Blue Jays' 6-5 victory over the Rays, securing his 14th hold of the season. He struck out one batter. After a challenging August, where he posted a 7.71 ERA over 9 1/3 innings with a poor SO:BB ratio of 9:8, Yariel has regained his midseason form. He has not allowed any runs in six innings this September, recording five strikeouts and just one walk. His performance on Tuesday extended his streak to eight consecutive scoreless games, during which he has pitched eight scoreless innings with a SO:BB ratio of 8:3. Andy Pagés records two additional hits. Andy Pagés showcased another multi-hit game on Tuesday during the Dodgers' 9-6 loss to the Phillies, also scoring a run. Although he recently experienced a slump, Pagés appears to be returning to his early and midseason performance levels while maintaining his position as centerfielder. Over his last seven games, he has achieved a .423/.444/.654 slash line, including a home run and two RBIs. For the season, he has accumulated 25 home runs and 81 RBIs. The Braves punished Orlando Ribalta. Orlando Ribalta's recent MLB performance has not improved his situation. Recalled from AAA by the Nationals on September 14, Ribalta has pitched in two games on Monday and Tuesday, giving up four earned runs over two innings, including two home runs. In 2025, Ribalta has participated in 20 games for the Nationals, posting a 6.56 ERA (23.1-17) with a 24:15 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a high opponent batting average of .271. Yordan Álvarez is dealing with a 'fairly significant' sprain. Manager Joe Espada stated on Tuesday that Yordan Álvarez is dealing with a "pretty significant" sprain in his left ankle and will be "out for a while." However, the Astros are not planning to place him on the injured list, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The way Álvarez's injury is described suggests he won't be returning to the field soon. However, Houston seems to think placing him on the IL isn't necessary, given the expanded rosters for September. If the Astros decide to change their approach and retroactively place him on the IL, Yordan could potentially return as soon as Sept. 26. Regardless of his roster status, Yordan won't be playing for Houston in the near future but the postseason is still a possibility. Adolis García did not play on Tuesday. AdolisGarcía was not included in the lineup for Tuesday's game in Houston. After failing to get a hit in his first two games back from the injured list, Adolis started Tuesday's important matchup against the Astros on the bench.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Yordan Álvarez sustained an ankle sprain on Monday. Yordan Alvarez exited Tuesday night’s game after spraining his left ankle while scoring a run in the first inning against the Rangers at Daikin Park. Moments before, Yordan had walked to place runners on first and second. When Carlos Correa’s ground ball was misthrown to first base by Texas pitcher Jack Leiter, Yordan scored standing up, following Jeremy Peña to home plate, giving the Astros a 2-0 lead. Yordan stumbled after landing awkwardly on the plate and limped back to the dugout, where he was checked by manager Joe Espada and an Astros trainer. He did not return to the field for the top of the second inning. Yordan had previously missed 100 games from May 3 to Aug. 25 due to a hand injury he initially played through. What was first thought to be a muscle strain in his right hand was actually a fracture. Since rejoining the lineup on Aug. 26, Yordan had been hitting .369 with a 1.024 OPS in 18 games leading up to Tuesday. The club has not yet commented on whether he will need to be placed on the injured list, but more details about his future availability are expected to emerge within the next day or so. Yordan is set to have an MRI on his left ankle today, according to Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest. Andy Pagés hits a home run in a three-hit performance. Andy Pagés went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, two doubles, and scored twice in Monday's 6-5 extra-inning defeat to the Phillies. Pagés, who had been fairly average with a .247/.291/.407 batting line in the second half, leveled the score with his 25th home run in the ninth inning. He has achieved multiple hits in three of his last four games, though his home run on Monday was his first since September 2 against the Pirates. The outfielder has secured at least one hit in 17 of his last 25 games, maintaining a .280 average (26-for-93) during that period. For the season, he's performed consistently, with a .276 average, a .783 OPS, 25 home runs, 81 RBI, 69 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, 25 doubles, and one triple across 144 games. The Marlins have sent OF Víctor Mesa Jr. to Triple-A Jacksonville. Víctor Mesa Jr. has faced challenges in his initial experience in the major leagues, batting .188 (6-for-32) with one home run and six RBIs over 16 games this season. He is likely to have the opportunity to compete for a starting position next spring, as he has little left to demonstrate at the Triple-A level. Néstor Cortés returned to pitching. Néstor Cortés received clearance to pitch from a mound on Saturday, MLB.com reported. Cortés was placed on the injured list on Sept. 5 due to left biceps tendinitis that emerged after his start two days prior. However, he has already resumed throwing following a brief rest period. The left-hander is not expected to return from the IL later this week when he first becomes eligible, but he remains hopeful to contribute to the Padres during the final week of the regular season. Before his injury, Cortés was the Padres' No. 5 starter, but it's uncertain if he will immediately rejoin the rotation if activated next week. On Monday, Miguel Vargas rested. Miguel Vargas was not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Orioles. It seems it was a routine day off for Vargas, after starting five consecutive games since coming back from the injured list last week.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Aroldis Chapman achieves 30 saves. Aroldis Chapman struck out one batter in a flawless inning to secure the save in Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Yankees. In his previous two appearances, Chapman had allowed a run, marking the only time this year he has been scored on in back-to-back games. However, he rebounded on Sunday to notch his 30th save, with 11 of those coming since the beginning of August. Despite his recent slip-ups, his overall statistics remain impressive, boasting a 1.26 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and an 82:14 K:BB ratio over 57.1 innings this season. Luis D. Morales secures fourth victory. Luis D. Morales (4-1) secured the victory against the Reds on Sunday, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over five innings. Morales had a rough beginning, allowing a solo home run to Noelvi Marte in the first inning and a two-run homer to Will Benson in the second. However, the right-hander recovered, navigating through traffic in his last three innings — including a bases-loaded situation in the fourth — to prevent Cincinnati from scoring further. Although it wasn't his best performance, the 22-year-old did enough to earn his fourth win of the season. Morales will carry a 3.08 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 34:14 K:BB ratio through 38 innings into his next start against Pittsburgh, a favorable matchup considering the Pirates' league-worst OPS since early September. Yandy Díaz hits his 24th home run. Yandy Díaz went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk on Sunday against the Cubs. Diaz kicked off the game with a solo home run, marking his second homer in the last four games. He has achieved career-highs in both home runs (24) and RBI (79), and he's on track for a career-high number of plate appearances. Yandy is finishing the season strongly, having hit .362 with two home runs, five RBI, and 10 runs scored in 12 games throughout September. Adolis García did not get any hits in his comeback. AdolisGarcía went 0-for-4 in Sunday's 5-2 extra-inning defeat to the Mets. Adolis was reactivated from the injured list after missing 10 games due to a quadriceps injury. He made three putouts in the field, including a sliding catch that tested his quad. Before the injury, Adolis was in excellent form at the plate, hitting .368 (14-for-38) with six extra-base hits (two home runs), nine RBIs, three steals, and 10 runs scored over nine games. Yoán Moncada leaves early on Sunday. YoánMoncada left Sunday's game against the Mariners in the fifth inning due to soreness in his left ankle. Before the bottom of the fifth, Moncada was taken out and replaced in the field by Oswald Peraza. He ended his day 0-for-2 with a strikeout at the plate. Moncada is considered day-to-day as they head into Monday's day off before starting a three-game series in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Orlando Ribalta returned to the major league bullpen. The Nationals called up Orlando Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday. Ribalta has filled the roster spot left by Cole Henry, who was placed on the 15-day injured list. The 27-year-old has a 5.48 ERA and a 21:15 K:BB ratio over 21.1 innings from the Nationals bullpen in 2025. José Iglesias returned to the lineup on Sunday. José Iglesias played third base and batted seventh on Sunday against the Rockies. The experienced infielder hadn't started since being struck on the hand by a pitch on Tuesday, although his absence might not have been solely due to the injury, as he still made two appearances off the bench. On Sunday, Iglesias replaced Manny Machado at third base, marking Machado's first time out of the lineup in 2025. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and committed his fourth error of the year. His stats are now .227/.297/.570, with one home run, 26 runs scored, and 32 RBIs over 106 games and 320 plate appearances in 2025. Andy Pagés was stepping down from the starting lineup. Andy Pagés was not included in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants. Pagés took a rest for the second consecutive Sunday after going 6-for-18 (.333 average) with one double, one RBI, and five runs in the five games in between. Edgar Quero was not included in Sunday's lineup. Miguel Vargas had a multi-hit game. Edgar Quero was absent from Sunday's matchup against the Guardians. Sporting a .278/.316/.389 slash line across nine games in September, Quero missed his second game out of the last three in Chicago. In the same game, Miguel Vargas achieved his first multi-hit performance since returning from the IL on September 10. He went 2-for-4 in the White Sox's 3-2 loss to the Guardians. Vargas recorded his 53rd RBI of the season and added his 31st double. Overall, despite showing offensive improvement at the start of the season, Vargas is having another disappointing year, slashing .232/.313/.398 with 14 home runs, 71 runs scored, and a 5-0 record in stolen base attempts.

Cuban Players News for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. A compilation of several sources. Yennier Cano struggles on Saturday. Yennier Cano (3-7) suffered the loss and missed a save chance against the Blue Jays on Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits while managing to get only one out. With Baltimore leading 4-2 in the ninth inning, Keegan Akin was the first to attempt securing a save. He allowed two one-out singles and was then replaced by Cano, who quickly surrendered two singles that drove in two runs, tying the game. The only out Cano managed was a sacrifice fly by Alejandro Kirk, which brought in the winning run for Toronto. Before Saturday, Cano had given up just one run over his last eight appearances covering 7.1 innings, but he has now blown five of his seven save opportunities this season. Andy Pagés had a game with multiple hits. On Saturday, Andy Pagés went 2-for-5 and scored a run in the Dodgers' 13-7 win over the Giants. Although he didn't record any RBIs and hasn't been performing at his peak lately, with a .263/.276/.351 line over the past 15 games, he has consistently held his spot in the Dodgers' outfield. He has already hit 24 home runs and driven in 80 runs, the latter tying him with the injured Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for the best mark among Cubans this year. Rangers removed OF Adolis García from the 10-day injured list. Adolis García returns to right field and takes the cleanup spot in Sunday's series finale against the Mets after being sidelined for nearly two weeks due to a quad strain. Although this year hasn't been his best overall, the 32-year-old veteran slugger still offers a solid power and speed combination for the team with 18 home runs and 13 steals over 125 games. Yandy Díaz recorded two hits on Saturday. On Saturday, Yandy Díaz had a 2-for-5 performance in the Rays' 5-4 win against the Cubs. He also scored a run and struck out a batter. The Cuban leads all Cubans in hits this year with 159, and his .291 batting average is the highest among Cubans and ranks 11th in MLB. Víctor Mesa Jr. did not get any hits. On Saturday, Víctor Mesa Jr. went 0-for-4 in Miami's 6-4 victory over Detroit, striking out once. Despite his limited playtime, Mesa has yet to make an impact with Miami in these late-season games, playing for a team without pressure. His current slash line stands at .207/.324/.379 with one home run and six RBIs over 15 games. However, he will need to improve if he wants to stay at this level. Aroldis Chapman struggles once more. Aroldis Chapman struggled once more, contributing to Boston's 5-3 defeat against New York. Chapman entered the ninth inning, giving up two hits, including Cody Bellinger RBI double, with no walks or strikeouts. After an impressive 17-game no-hit run starting July 26, Chapman has had two appearances where he surrendered four hits and two earned runs without recording a strikeout. Despite an outstanding season, he's closing September differently, posting a 5.40 ERA over just 3 1/3 innings. Yordan Álvarez did not get any hits on Saturday. Yordan Álvarez did not get a hit on Saturday during the Astros' 6-2 win against the Braves. He ended the game 0-for-4, with three strikeouts and a walk, increasing his hitless streak to 14 at-bats since September 10. Despite this, he has maintained a solid offensive performance over his last 15 games, posting a .368/.431/.526 batting line with two home runs and seven RBIs. The Nationals have called up RHP Orlando Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester. Orlando Ribalta rejoins Washington's bullpen following rookie Cole Henry's sidelining due to a back strain. The 27-year-old right-hander has recorded a modest 5.48 ERA over 21 1/3 innings in 18 appearances this season at the major league level.