Yoennis Yera did not report to the Charros de Jalisco this winter after signing a contract due to various disagreements with the ballclub. Today the team will announce whether they are going to let the southpaw out of his agreements.
If the left-hander is released there are various teams in the Venezuelan Winter League teams interested with one leading the way. Yera is a top pitcher in the Caribbean circuits and could strengthen any rotation in the LVBP. Last season with Jalisco he posted a 5-4 record and posted an ERA of 3.10.
In the Dominican Republic touted Bluejays prospect Yosver Zulueta reported to the Leones del Escogido to work on a few things prior to spring training in February. Zulueta has been one of the best pitching prospects on the farm and has been selected in back-to-back years to participate in the Futures Game (2022, 2023).
During his career in the minors he has alternated between starter and reliever duties. In 67 appearances he has been a starter on 20 occasions and has a record of 6-9, 3.91 earned run average and has struck out 157 batters in 119 ⅔ innings. Opponents hit .215 against the flamethrowing right over his career.
Hoy los @charrosbeisbol darán el veredicto sobre la liberación del zurdo Yoennis Yera. Si el cubano es liberado por el equipo azteca podría firma en estos días con un club específico de la @LVBP_Oficial .#pelotacubana #LVBP pic.twitter.com/zZvN6yzyNu
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) November 14, 2023
The 25-year-old Cuban has battled back from various injuries to establish himself as a future staple in the Canadian squad’s bullpen. Zulueta combines a 95-97 MPH fastball, an above-average curveball, mid-80’s slider and good changeup. With four quality pitches expect Zulueta to be in the majors before long. If native of Villa Clara, Cuba can put it all together he could be a candidate for the Rookie of the Year next season in the American League.
Also in the LIDOM sources close to the situation have affirmed that Néstor Cortés will not be pitching in the circuit this season with the Estrellas Orientales. The lefty who was an All-Star in 2022 dealt with a lingering arm injury. In 12 starts last season with New York the hurler posted a 5-2 record and a 4.97 earned run average. In a 63 ⅓ innings pitched Cortés also fanned 67 batters.
It is more than possible that the hurler plans to rest his arm until the teams spring training opens up and will be ready to pitch then. Expect the pitcher to be healthy for the team’s camp and leading the pitching corps. Cortés pitched with the Estrellas from 2018-2021 garnering a 2-2 record and evening pitching in the 2020 Serie del Caribe winning a game and 1.80 ERA during the tournament.
El prospecto de los @BlueJays Yosver Zulueta llegó ayer a la República Dominicana para incorporarse con @EscogidoBBClub y podría ser activado en el futuro cercano. #pelotacubana #LIDOM pic.twitter.com/MonPTrgDqe
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) November 14, 2023