The bad news continues to haunt the team that must represent Cuba in the VI World Baseball Classic (WBC).
The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) confirmed officially this wednesday no podrto count on the launchers Naikel Cross and David Hurtado, both linked to organizations of the Major Leagues (MLB, for its acronym in English).
Through its account inofill their spots on the roster.
We regret to inform that the organizers have notified us that the team that will represent #Cuba in the VI World Classic of #Baseball He will not be able to count on the pitchers Daviel Hurtado and Naykel Cruz.#CubanBaseball #elCubaClasico pic.twitter.com/7gOoPYIJoV
— Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (@CubanaBeisbol) February 25, 2026
The FCBS explains that, according to the communication received, “Hurtado suffered an injury, and Cruz was denied insurance.” The entity attacked both “the disposition shown” and assured that it assesses “who will be their substitutes.”
Days before it had already transcendedeither that Naikel26 years old, had not received the necessary insurance so that the Orioles from Baltimore will authorize yesu participation andn the tournament. The same day that his unavailability was officially known for the Classichis club announced that they were releasing hima decision that truncates his chances of accessing the Big Top in the short term.
For his part, Hurtado, who belongs to the New York Mets, suffers an abdominal injury. According to a publication by the journalist Francys Romero on his Facebook profile, the 21-year-old currently has discomfort in your oblique that will prevent you from joining the group.
The habanerothat appearedHe was the youngest player on the Cuban roster, received in January 2023 a bonus close to 650 thousand dollars and thenIt’s from an uncertain start, wove during 2025 a good campaign in the levelis Rookie and Class TO.
More problems for him bustle
At the exits of Naykel and Hurtado is unexpectedly joined by another loss of a pitcher, in this case a member of the reserve group, but also with a not-too-distant past in the MLB.
It’s about the right Yusniel Padrón, who according to information released this Wednesday, would be detained in the city of Miami since last February 19accused of charges related to drug trafficking and possession of weapons.
Census27 years old, He was a minor league player for the Boston Red Sox and had participated with the Cuban team in the II Americas Cup, held a few weeks ago in Venezuela.
According to the local channel Telemundo 51the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said the pitcher’s arrest is part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.in which an informant would have pointed out the involvement of baseball player.
The report adds that in the registry of a home that derived in the detention of Padrón, several bags were found that allegedly they contained cocainea gun and cash.
First defeat in Nicaragua
In the midst of recent setbacks, the Cuban team conceded this Wednesday a defeat against his counterpart from Nicarawow, in top preparation prior to the Classic.
The challenge, the third of the series between both squads, ended with a score of 6-1 in favor of the Pinolero team, led by experienced American manager Dusty Baker.
In the duel, held in the stadium Yamil Ríos Ugarte, from the city of Rivasthe locals took advantage from the same initial inning thanks to a double from Chase Dawson against shipments from Matanzas Yoenniyes yerto, according to press reviews.
In the fifth episode the cuban reliever Geonel Gutiérrez allowed two more scores, and the deficit was later extended with three scores on the score. Brander Guevara.
#elCubaClasico Cuba lost in third friendly against Nicaragua
For the fourth preparation match, heading to the VI World Classic of #BaseballGermán Mesa announced Liván Moinelo as the starter. #CubanBaseball #elCubaClasicohttps://t.co/W1Tj5xqxnz pic.twitter.com/iKMJKCVymw— JIT Cuban Sport (@jit_digital) February 26, 2026
The Cubans avoided the bleached in the seventh chapter, when Ángel Alfredo Hechevarría connectedor a double impellerbut the island’s hitters could do little else, so they only had six hits against the Nicaraguan pitchers.
In this way the series was balanced, well he The visiting team took success in the second match, after the draw (2-2) in the initial match.
The match will conclude this Friday at the Soberanía stadium in Managua, and it is expected that the star left-hander Liván Moinelo will pitch for the island.
After that clash, the Cuban team must travel to the city of Ariarea to hold two preparation games with MLB teams, and then will move to Puerto Rico, home of group A of the WBC. However, the recent visa refusal to several members of the delegation has raised doubts about the participation of the Cuban team in the tournament.
