The experienced Alfredo Despaigne will not be traveling soon Panama as part of the team that will represent Cuba in the America’s Cup baseball, due to health problems.
The change was confirmed this Friday by the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) through a statement, which indicates that the Granma gardener suffers from a “last minute medical condition.”
The official note does not provide details about the illness that afflicts the sluggerwho had returned to play on the island after a brilliant career in Japan.
In turn, the governing body of baseball in Cuba pointed out that the vacancy left by Despaigne will be filled by Denis Laza, one of the best patrollers in recent campaigns, whose absence had been highly questioned by fans.
The FCBS reports that a last-minute medical condition will prevent Alfredo Despaigne from joining the team that will represent #Cuba in the Copa América #Baseball.
The technical team decided that his place be occupied by outfielder Dennis Laza.#CubanBaseball pic.twitter.com/35NJereOME— Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (@CubanaBeisbol) November 7, 2025
A controversial inclusion
Last Sunday the FCBS had announced the names of the 27 players called up for the tournament by the team management, in which Germán Mesa makes his debut as helmsman.
The inclusion of Despaigne on the roster generated controversy due to the discreet performances in the current season with the Alazanes, but Germán indicated that his call was not linked to the parameters by which the rest of the players had been evaluated.
The strategist considered his experience as a fundamental factor in the decision, in addition to the possibility of exercising leadership within the group to help meet the objectives.
“He is a leader and I think he can help us motivate the younger players,” argued Mesa about the role of the player from Granma in a tournament that distributes places for the next Central American and Caribbean Games. as reported the station Rebel Radio.
Another controversy will accompany Cuba in the baseball Copa América
Cuba in the Cup
Cuba will begin its participation in group A, which was originally going to be played in Venezuela, but was transferred to Panama, also the venue for the other key and the decisive phase of the tournament.
In the Isthmus nation, the island’s team will debut on November 13 against Nicaragua, and then will successively face Venezuela (14), Dominican Republic (15), Mexico (16) and Curacao (17).
From the other section, the teams from Panama, Canada, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina will seek to advance to the next phase.
According to reports, the Cuban team will concentrate from this Monday in Matanzas to complete its preparation for the tournament, which it will arrive with the aim of putting an end to a prolonged drought of international titles.
