Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin “Sugar” Díazwill be in uniform Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, knew First Hour through a person close to the negotiations.
Likewise, the San Francisco Giants slugger, Heliot Ramos He will also be part of “Team Rubio” in the contest, which will be held from March 5 to 17.
Their names join those of the relievers Jovani Morán and Luis Quiñoneswho according to what emerged on Sunday, were already approved by Major League Baseball (MLB) to be included in the official roster.
Both Díaz and Ramos were two of the Puerto Rican figures who were still waiting for MLB authorization to participate in the Classic.
Puerto Rico filed a formal complaint on Saturday after learning that several of its main figures did not have authorization to see action in the contest. This prompted a meeting between Puerto Rico’s management and the president of the World Baseball Classic, Jim Small, and subsequently requesting a reconsideration from Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
In the case of Díaz and Ramos, although they were not on the list of those not authorized, they had not received approval to be included on the roster either.
Primera Hora contacted the president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, Jose Quileswho did not comment on his confirmation. He said it is up to the organizers of the World Baseball Classic to make the official announcement. The 30-player roster is due tomorrow, Tuesday, and the World Baseball Classic organization is expected to announce the rosters on Wednesday.
Morán Quiñones are inside; fingers crossed with Lindor
What Quiles did confirm is that both Morán and Quiñones are already authorized to join the ninth, as El Nuevo Día reported on Sunday.
“In the case of Yacksiel Ríos, they said no, but we sent him to reevaluate again. And we are waiting for them to give us the notification,” Quiles said when contacted by this means.
Quiles indicated that they are still waiting to know if Jose Berrios will be authorized to participate and they do not rule out that they may include at the last minute Francisco Lindor.
“Right now, Lindor is not (on the team), but we are making arrangements with a private insurer to take the insurance to Major League Baseball and see what the owner of the Mets says,” he indicated.
The World Baseball Classic will be held from March 5 to 17. Hiram Bithorn Stadium will be one of the venues for the group stage and, prior to the tournament, underwent a reconstruction estimated to cost between $35 and $40 million. Puerto Rico will be part of Group A along with Canada, Colombia, Cuba and Panama.
