Javier Mirabal recently returned to the mound after a long absence due to a minor injury and was unhittable in a recent outing in the Liga Merdiano of México. Armed with a fastball that can touch the mid-90’s and a good array of breaking pitches Mirabal peeked the interest of some teams, mainly Asian ones during his inclusion with the Cuban World Baseball Classic squad during their preparation games in Japan and Chinese Taipei.
The 27-year-old hurler impressed the Cuban brass some much during these preparation games that he was put on the WBC reserve list in case a pitcher on the staff suffered an injury or needed to be replaced for any other reason. After the tournament the right-hander from Villa Clara, Cuba was signed by the Olmecas de Tabasco. On a trip to México to incorporate himself with the ballclub he decided not to join the team or return to Cuba, instead opting to go in search of a future in professional baseball.
Today he is training in México to showcase his talents for future MLB clubs. Mirabal is a pitcher physically similar to Cincinnati Reds’ prospect Yosver Zulueta, his ex-teammate in Cuba with Villa Clara. Mirabal tossed 20 innings this winter in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol with the Guerreros de Oaxaca and posted a 3.15 ERA over that span.
You were declared a free agent by MLB, do you have any showcases planned?
Yes, I have an important showcase on July 18 for several MLB organizations and I have been working for a long time to be ready that day.
Talk to me about your recent start in the Liga Merdiano with the Agricultores de Morelos?
In my last outing with the Agricultores I pitched seven innings where I allowed one unearned run, struck out eight and allowed 4 hits. Though I lost the game 1-0 it is my first outing in a while. I felt excellent and good control, while also having excellent command.
How are you preparing for any future signings ?
By working hard and staying in optimal shape for winter or the Mexican League Playoffs. By doing that I will be able to give my best to whatever organization signs me.
Are there any future signings in México or in the winter on the horizon?
We are working on that together with my agent to obtain the best possible contract available, but my main objective is obviously the showcase that I have now on July 18. It is definitely my main focus.