The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League is a great opportunity for prospects to showcase their abilities; it is considered the premier league in the Dominican Republic. Several major league players have gone to the Dominican Republic for key development time, and the league is consistently very competitive.
As the 2020-2021 Winter League season takes place, Prospects Live will keep you updated on how the top prospects and other notable players are performing.
Gigantes del Cibao vs Aguilas Cibeanas
Gigantes del Cibao
OF Jose Siri (SF) drew three walks and stole a base, but also went 0-3 with three strikeouts.
It was a tough day for SS Oneil Cruz (PIT), who was hitless in six at bats, and struck out three times. It wasn’t just a forgetful day on one side of the ball, however; he also was charged for error.
OF Gilberto Celestino (MIN) came into the came as a substitute and grounded out.
Rangers first baseman Ronald Guzman showed excellent plate discipline with three walks.
Aguilas Cibeanas
Corner infielder Rangel Ravelo (STL) and infielder Robel Garcia (NYM) combined for two hits, but both of them were home runs!
Unfortunately for RHP Marcus Diplan (DET), he couldn’t get out of the first inning, as he walked four batters.
Mariners reliever Yohan Ramirez logged a scoreless inning with a strikeout.
This game went into extras, and Cardinals reliever Junior Fernandez ended up as the losing pitcher, allowing three runs. He didn’t allow a home run, but rather suffered from allowing three hits and a walk- he let up a rally he couldn’t control.
Heading into a critical third season, Nationals center fielder Victor Robles did draw a walk, but also went 0-4 with a strikeout
Tigres del Licey vs Leones del Escogido
Tigres del Licey
It has a huge game for SS Anderson Tejada (TEX), who not only went 2-3 for a walk, but also hit a two-run home run.
Luis Gil (NYY) is one of the many intriguing young Yankee right-handed pitching prospects. He did strike out three batters in there innings, but also got hit around a bit to the tune of two runs allowed.
RHP Ervin Santana did not pitch in 2020, but the 37-year-old did strike out six batters in 3.1 innings. Of course, he also allowed six hits and two walks, so he had to weave out of trouble to only allow one run.
Leones del Escogido
Top prospect SS Wander Franco (TB) got off to a fast start with two hits in five at bats. He is the main star to watch throughout this season.
Astros outfielder Chas McCormick may have a chance to replace Michael Brantley next season, and he appears to be ready to take advantage with two doubles and three hits in five at bats.
Franco’s future teammate, first baseman Nate Lowe (TB), also had a multi-hit game, including a double.
Franco isn’t the only hyped up prospect for Leones; OF Julio Rodriguez (SEA) is considered an elite player in his own right. He unfortunately struck out three times, which has been a concern for him, but he did reach base twice by virtue of a single and a walk.
RHP Francis Martes (HOU) only lasted 0.2 innings after allowing two runs (one earned). An error hurt him, but two walks allowed also played a role.