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The Cuban pitcher Johan Oviedo returned to Major League Baseball this Monday after more than 23 months away from the mound due to Tommy John surgery, marking a long-anticipated comeback for the right-hander of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Oviedo, who hadn't pitched in the MLB since September 2023, experienced a day full of ups and downs in his return, according to the specialized journalist Francys Romero on the social network Facebook.
According to the commentator, the flamethrower allowed three runs in his outing against the San Francisco Giants, but also showed promising signs by recording three strikeouts and displaying a fastball that ranged between 95 and 96 miles per hour, which indicates that his arm still has power
One step away from a historic record for Cuba
With his return, Oviedo became the 32nd player born in Cuba to participate in the 2025 MLB season.
In this way, Cuban baseball is just one player away from matching its highest historical figure of representatives in a season, which is 33, reached in both 2022 and 2024.
Although the lack of rhythm was apparent after nearly two years without official competition, Oviedo's return marks a hopeful new chapter for his career, as well as for the large group of Cuban players who continue to make their mark in the best baseball in the world.
Frequently asked questions about Johan Oviedo's return to the MLB
How long was Johan Oviedo out of the MLB?
Johan Oviedo was out of MLB for more than 23 months due to Tommy John surgery that kept him off the field since September 2023.
How was Johan Oviedo's performance in his return to the Major Leagues?
Upon his return, Johan Oviedo allowed three runs, but showed positive signs by recording three strikeouts and maintaining a fastball between 95 and 96 miles per hour, demonstrating good power in his arm.
What impact does Johan Oviedo's return have on Cuban baseball in MLB?
With his return, Johan Oviedo became the 32nd player born in Cuba to participate in the 2025 MLB season, bringing Cuban baseball closer to matching its historical record of 33 representatives in a single season.
What is the current situation of Johan Oviedo's team, the Pittsburgh Pirates?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a negative record of 47 wins and 62 losses. Despite not being at the top of their division, Oviedo's return is crucial for assessing their recovery and planning the pitching rotation for the future.
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