Elih Villanueva talked with Cuban Baseball Digest about his role with FEPCUBE and how his international experience can help the team. Villanueva was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 27th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He spent his collegiate career at Florida International, Miami Dade-Community College, and Florida State University. Elih made his MLB debut with the Marlins on June 15, 2011.
He has also played in the Orioles and Red Sox systems. He’s played in the Atlantic League and internationally in the Mexican, Venezuelan, and Dominican professional winter leagues. Additionally, he has played in Asia in the CPBL with the Chinatrust Brothers and Rakuten Monkeys.
Villanueva made history in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) when he threw the 9th no-hitter in league history on September 28th, 2018, against the Lamigo Monkeys. He struck out 10 and only allowed two walks in 114 pitches. Villanueva can be a versatile pitcher for FEPCUBE and can be used either as a starter or in the bullpen.
Elih, what is your role with this team? Are you going to be in the bullpen or going to start?
Right now, talking to Brayan, I would be one of the starters but in the first one, two games possibly be relief. If any situation comes up.
How are you staying in shape this offseason?
My normal routine I’ve always had. Making sure get the arm is ready, bullpen live BPs.
I’ve seen you talking to all these young pitchers. Have you helped them? Have you served as a mentor for them?
Right now, I’m getting used to everyone, seeing what everyone can do. Talking with everybody getting to know everybody. I’ve only been here for a couple of days; there’s a lot of good talent. I’ve seen that already with some live BPs and bullpen, so it’s going to be pretty exciting.
You’ve played in the Majors, played in Asia, the Dominican Winter League. How is that going to help you in this tournament with all the different batters you’ll face?
I think experience plays a big role, being able to play in different parts. Face different hitters, know different cultures. Played in different teams, with different players growing up; it’s good competition.
Do you plan on seeing any action in tomorrow’s game (exhibition game versus the Miami Dade College Shark)?
Yeah, I’m scheduled to throw 2-3 innings tomorrow.
Being that you are from the Exile community and you’re Cuban American, what does this mean to you wearing this uniform?
This is great, a great opportunity. What they are doing right here is good for Cuba and Cuban players, Cuban American players to be able to showcase our talent and put Cuba on the main stage internationally.