SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Cuba didn’t have the best outlook coming into Pool A of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but did one solid pitching performance change their outlook?
Liván Moinelo is the ace of Cuba’s pitching staff, and set the tone like one on Friday by keeping Panama’s big bats, such as New York Yankees’ infielder/outfielder José Caballero, off balance. Caballero went 0-for-2 in the evening, reaching on an error, and recording a walk.
He did manage to show off some good defense in the ninth, when Cuba’s designated hitter, Alfredo Despaigne, ripped a ball that second baseman Edmundo Sosa couldn’t catch, but Caballero secured it and made the throw to first for the out.
“I’m excited to be here, excited to come out there and play ball and ball out for my teammates, for my country, and for all my family,” Caballero told Latino Sports prior to Panama’s game against Cuba on Friday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
Caballero was also asked about how much different these WBC games are from spring training games in March.
“This is fighting for your country, fighting for your love, for your loved ones. This is a cool experience. And this is gonna get me more prepared than a sprint training game for sure because this is a competition.” -Panama’s José Caballero of the New York Yankees
On the other side of the field, Monielo delivered 3.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodríguez, the only active MLB pitcher on the Cuban roster, returned to the WBC for his country, and was dominant in 2.1 shutout innings of work. He got out of a big jam in the fourth inning with runners on first and second.
The only active MLB hitter on the Cuban roster is Los Angeles Angels’ Yoán Moncada, and he showed that on the field Friday, shining as the MVP in Cuba’s 3-1 win over Panama with a third inning two-run home run and a pair of great defensive plays at third base.
“You feel really good to start with a home run and to put the team ahead, and the most important thing is to win,” he said in the postgame. “It happened, and I’m happy to win and to make a contribution to the team.”
Later adding, “It’s no secret to anyone that I like to play with the Cuban team. I have had a passion ever since I was little with the team. I’ve been given the chance to come to play. I felt comfortable with the guys. I felt happy.”
Moncada is now tied with Detroit Tigers’ legend Miguel Cabrera, a Venezuelan baseball icon, for the most WBC’s played in, with five total.
“Every time I put those four letters on my chest, I think all about my dad. He was one of the reasons why I’m here. Also, my mom, but my dad always wanted me to play in the World Baseball Classic, and me too. I always want to come here, and we’re here.” -Cuba’s Yoán Moncada of the Los Angeles Angels
Moncada’s third inning two-run HR gave Cuba the breathing room that they needed with a 3-0 lead against Panama.
As a former Chicago White Sox, Moncada has that in common with Cuban shortstop Alexei Ramírez, who is 44 years of age, and long retired from MLB, with his last game being at the end of the 2016 season.
Ramírez was on the bench against Panama, but he could see time over these next few days. Latino Sports caught up with him prior to the game and reflected on his baseball journey with Cuba and the White Sox.
“I feel good about playing still, and I’m happy to be with Cuba,” Ramírez told us. “I am very thankful for the White Sox because they are the ones who gave me a good career.”
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Julio
March 7, 2026 at 6:46 am
Good article coming out of our New York studios 😂👍🏽