This Sunday in Triple A, a total of 13 players Cuban players saw action. Outfielder Dairon Blanco was the most distinguished on the day and has been raking to start the season. Andy Ibáñez who participated in the World Baseball Classic with the Cuban National Team also stood out.
Blanco who had three hits in four at-bats, went yard and drove in a run. The talented native of Camagüey, Cuba also scored two runs scored and added a stolen base, the Cuban was the protagonist in his team’s 8-3 victory over the Indianapolis Indians. Blanco hit eighth hitter on the day and started in center fielder for the Omaha Storm Chasers.
In 14 AB’s to open the season Blanco is hitting a robust .500 with one long ball, one run batted in, three stolen bases and an OPS of 1.247. The multi-talented speedster made his debut in the big leagues last year and based on his performance this spring where hit .310 many where surprised of his demotion to the minors.
Dairon Blanco gets us on the board ‼️
— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) April 2, 2023
His home run ball was driven 411 feet into the berm! pic.twitter.com/pt0QXDI5E6
Ibáñez in his own right had two singles in four plate appearances in the Toledo Mudhens loss to Saint Paul 4-3 on Sunday. The infielder from the Isle of Youth is another player who has seen action on the grand stage. Ibáñez could be called up by Detroit anytime this year because of versatility. The 30 year old can play second, shortstop, third, first base and outfield, making him a valuable player to the franchise.
Cuban-American Brian García worked five innings where he only allowed one earned run, three hits, three walks and struck out to take the victory in the 4-3 triumph by the Sugar Land Space Cowboys over the El Paso Chihuahuas. Garcia’s performance Sunday brings him a step closer to the majors .
Cuban action yesterday in Triple A:
-Laz Rivera (White Sox) 3-0
-Josh Fuentes (Braves) 5-1, 2B*
-Alex DeGoti (Marlins) 5-0 *
-Malcom Nùñez (Pirates) 4-1
-Dairon Blanco 4-3 HR, RBI, SB
-Coco Montes (Rockies) 3-0 *
-Andy Ibanez (Detroit) 3-2, 2B
-Pedro Leon (Astros) 5-2 2B
-Brian Garcia (Astros) 5.0IP, 3H,3BB, ER,4K,W*
-Eddy Alvarez (Brewers) 1-0, 2BB,SB *
-Armando Alvarez (Giants) 2-1, 2BB*
-Ruben Cardenas (Tampa Bay) 3-0
* Cuban-American