The Holguin Cubs are ready to face the Las Tunas Lumberjacks in the fourth edition of the Cuban Baseball Elite League. With their debut scheduled for today at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium in Las Tunas.
Having qualified for this tournament for the first time. The Cubs aim to advance to the postseason, a major challenge but one they can achieve. Relying on unity and overall performance at every stage of the game.
Lugdis Pineda, manager of the Holguin team, told the Cuban News Agency that in the short preparation time. So both hitters and pitchers strengthened their physical conditioning through individual training plans.
He said that the number of pitches thrown will be gradually increased in the pitching staff to prevent injuries. That could negatively impact the team’s performance in the later stages of the tournament.
Some internal scrimmages were held to work on team dynamics. Especially with the new signings in establishing their signs, the manager added.
Pineda announced the starting rotation used in the game against the Leñadores, the current runners-up. The speedy José Miguel Rodríguez will start the opening game. While Rubén Rodríguez, Wilson Paredes, and Carlos Santiesteban will take the mound in the following games.
He explained that Paredes and Santiesteban were rested for the third and fourth games to give them more rest. As they are veteran pitchers whose arms need to be protected not only for the Elite League but also for the upcoming national series.
Moreover he specified that as the league progresses, a fifth starting pitcher might be needed. And the Sancti Spiritus native José Luis Brañas could be the best option. Although he can also be used as a middle reliever, a role that Granma native Juan Danilo Pérez should also assume. While Frank Navarro will be the team’s primary closer.
The young manager, who led the Cachorros to a fifth-place finish in the 64th National Series. Also announced the lineup for the first game against the Las Tunas Lumberjacks. Which he believes will be capable of producing runs to support the pitching staff.
In the first two batting positions will be Cienfuegos native Luis Vicente Mateo at second base and Camagüey native Leonel Moas in center field. While Lázaro Cedeño (designated hitter), Yasiel González (right field), and Michael Gorgüet (first base) form the core of the Cachorros’ lineup.
Another addition, Villa Clara native catcher Leonardo Montero, will bat sixth. Completing the lineup with Edward Magaña in left field, Leonardo Alarcón, a Granma reinforcement at shortstop, and Ernesto Torres at third base.
The team maintains excellent morale, without the pressure of being among the favorites. Convinced that they can achieve their goal of qualifying for the playoffs and give Holguin fans another reason to celebrate, Lugdis Pineda emphasized.
With information from CNA
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