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The left-handed pitcher Julio Robaina will be Cuba's starter this Monday against the unbeaten local team Puerto Rico in a crucial match of Group A at the World Baseball Classic, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
The information was provided by the specialized site Pelota Cubana on social media, after the post-game press conference following the match against Colombia, which concluded with a victory for the team led by Germán Mesa (7-4).
Robaina, 24 years old, has an extensive background in professional leagues despite his youth. The pitcher, born in San Antonio de los Baños, developed much of his career within the minor leagues of the Houston Astros, where he advanced progressively through various categories of the club's development system, eventually reaching Triple-A, according to the cited sports outlet.
During his time with the Astros' affiliates, he gained experience with teams like the Corpus Christi Hooks and Sugar Land Space Cowboys, showcasing solid seasons in Double-A before continuing his career in other professional leagues.
International experience
In addition to his time in organized baseball in the United States, Robaina has pitched in professional leagues in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Mexico, which has allowed him to gain experience in various competitive circuits.
Currently, he is under contract with the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Mexican Baseball League, a team with which he will continue his career in the 2026 season. Likewise, several Major League organizations are closely monitoring his performance.
Decisive match
The match against Puerto Rico will be a clash of unbeaten teams and one of the most challenging commitments for the team led by Germán Mesa, which is aiming to secure its qualification for the next round of the tournament.
The matchup between Cuba and Puerto Rico is considered one of the most anticipated in the group and could be crucial in determining the standings in the initial phase of the championship.
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