Santo Domingo /
Fernando Rodneyone of the most recognized baseball players for his extensive career at different levels of the ball, was left off Dominican Republic roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a decision by which sent a forceful message to manager Nelson Cruz.
During a broadcast of the z101Digital ZDeportes program, the historic closer was a guest to talk about various topics, including his Absence in the Dominican roster for the next big event in baseball being one of the biggest references in the country and having a great year in winter ball with the Gigantes del Cibao.
“Tell Nelson Cruz that you left me out of the Classic. You know, because if you and (Robinson) Canó fit, so do I.”
Apparently, everything would have been a joke because the rest of the members at the table laugh at the situation. In addition, Rodney would have declared in previous weeks that his time had passed, so he preferred to leave his place to the new generation of players.
Cruz42 years old, was in charge of preparing the list of the Quisqueyan team for the next World Classic, leaving out Rodney, who will comply 46 years at the middle of March and that he was a fundamental piece in obtaining the crown during the 2013 edition when he achieved seven rescues.
Instead, Cruz took into account Canó, 40 years oldwho has seen action more consistently in LIDOM with the Estrellas Orientales following an unsuccessful return to the majors after serving a second disciplinary action that sidelined him for 162 games for another positive test for performance-enhancing substances.
