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Just weeks after Cuba competed in the VI World Baseball Classic 2026, at least ten players from the national team are facing adverse situations: suspensions, dismissals, injuries, or absences due to personal reasons, according to a report from Pelota Cubana.
The most notable case is that of Alexei Ramírez, who tested positive for doping in the World Baseball Classic after four anabolic steroids —mesterolone, methandienone, oxandrolone, and stanozolol— were detected in a sample taken during the tournament.
The International Testing Agency (ITA), which manages the anti-doping program of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), notified the result today and imposed a mandatory provisional suspension.
The simultaneous detection of four steroids in the same sample is considered unusual and, according to the ITA, "suggests a systematic use of these substances."
Ramírez, 44 years old, had become the oldest player to participate in a World Baseball Classic and had returned to the Cuban national team after more than twenty years away from international competition. The former shortstop for the Chicago White Sox has the right to request the analysis of the B sample.
In terms of dismissals, Yiddi Cappe was released by the Miami Marlins on March 27, despite having served as Cuba's starting shortstop in the tournament, where he batted .250 with two doubles and one triple.
Alexander Vargas had the same fate: he was released by the Cincinnati Reds yesterday, despite having a batting average of .339 in Double-A during the season. Vargas had come to Cincinnati in August 2025 after being released by the New York Yankees.
Roel Santos was also released, in his case by the Olmecas de Tabasco in the Mexican Baseball League.
Malcom Núñez declared himself a free agent in the Minor Leagues on February 5 without having found a new team to date, while Josimar Cousín remains similarly without an organization in professional baseball.
Injuries complete the grim picture. Darien Núñez will require surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season. Erisbel Arruebarrena is absent from the Cuban Elite League due to injury.
Alfredo Despaigne, the historical slugger aged 39, is also absent from the domestic competition, although in his case, the reason is personal matters.
Close the list Yoan López, suspended in Mexico since August 2025 for assaulting a referee during the playoffs of the Mexican League with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna. The sanction, which included a fine and exclusion from the rest of the postseason, was imposed following a review of videos and the referees' report.
Cuban participation in the VI World Classic was made possible after months of negotiations, with the Cuban Baseball Federation confirming its attendance in December 2025.
Cuba was placed in Group A alongside Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia, with the group phase taking place from March 6 to 11 in San Juan. Ultimately, the team was eliminated in the first round, finishing with a record of two wins and the same number of losses.
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