Left-hander Randy Martínez made his debut in the land of the rising sun this Thursday with the Chunichi Dragons’ farm team and started against the Orix Buffaloes at Nagoya Stadium in front of more than two thousand fans. This performance marks the Cuban’s debut as a professional player.
Martínez tossed two innings, allowing three earned runs on just two hits. His biggest problem was his lack of control, as he walked four batters, hit one by pitch, and didn’t strike out a single batter. The game ended 9-3 in favor of the Buffaloes, and the hurler was the losing pitcher, as his teammates were unable to tie the game.
During the 63rd edition of the National Baseball Series for the Vegueros de Pinar del Río in a total of 14 games, 12 of which were as a starting pitcher, he racked up 50 strikeouts and issued 40 walks in 57.2 innings. His ERA was 4.21 and he allowed only four home runs.
With the signing of Martínez, he became the fourth pitcher from Pinar del Río to join the Nippon Professional Baseball League, joining Liván Moinelo and right-handers Raidel Martínez and Frank Abel Álvarez, the latter of whom left the Chunichi Dragons for 2025.
Pinar del Río’s talent continues to have a monopoly on Japanese baseball from the infield. Randy Martínez started in the minor league system, as is customary for pitchers arriving in Japan. Whether he can reach the first team like his fellow countryman Raidel Martínez, Yariel Rodríguez and Ariel Martínez did will depend on his development.