Toros del Este intensify preparation with important additions ahead of the 2026-27 LIDOM season
The Toros del Este have taken a firm step in their preparation process for the upcoming season of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). The La Romana organization has added key pieces to its training camp, highlighted by the arrival of catcher Pedro Severino, infielders Welbyn Francisca and Dawell Lugo, along with reliever José Adames, who are looking to strengthen the core of the orange team.
Pedro Severino emerges as a key piece at catcher
Following his arrival through free agency, Pedro Severino has immediately integrated into the team’s practices. The experienced catcher, who has a Gold Glove in his career, arrives with a mindset focused on winning. “I bring a lot of things to the team because I have always been a winner and what I like is to win,” the player declared during his first contact with the Toros uniform.
I bring a lot to the team because I have always been a winner and what I like is to win.
Pedro Severino, catcher for the Toros del Este.Young talent and infield experience
The depth of the infield is reinforced by the presence of Welbyn Francisca and Dawell Lugo. Francisca, a top prospect for the Cleveland Guardians and the Toros’ first pick in the 2024 Draft, is coming off an outstanding performance in the minor leagues, where he combined a solid batting average with occasional power between Class A+ and Double-A. The young player is scheduled to fulfill commitments in the Arizona Fall League before fully joining the Toros’ lineup.
For his part, Dawell Lugo brings a necessary dose of veteran presence to the team. The third baseman, recognized for his defensive ability after winning the Gold Glove in the 2021-22 season, returns to the diamond with the goal of being a pillar in the team’s offense and defense, contributing his experience accumulated over 175 games in the local league.
Preseason schedule and official debut
The Toros del Este have structured a rigorous nine-game preseason schedule that will kick off on Monday, September 28, at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium against the Estrellas Orientales. The schedule includes matchups against the Italian national team, the Tigres del Licey, and the Leones del Escogido, designed to fine-tune the squad before the official start.
- September 28: vs. Estrellas Orientales (La Romana, 11:00 a.m.)
- September 29: vs. Italy National Team (La Romana, 11:00 a.m.)
- October 1: vs. Estrellas Orientales (San Pedro de Macorís, 11:00 a.m.)
- October 2: vs. Italy National Team (La Romana, 11:00 a.m.)
- October 5: vs. Estrellas Orientales (La Romana, 5:00 p.m.)
- October 7: vs. Tigres del Licey (La Romana, 5:00 p.m.)
- October 9: vs. Leones del Escogido (Boca Chica, 10:00 a.m.)
- October 12: vs. Leones del Escogido (La Romana, 10:00 a.m.)
- October 13: vs. Estrellas Orientales (San Pedro de Macorís, 6:00 p.m.)
The 2026-27 season for the orange squad will officially begin on Friday, October 16, when they host the Estrellas Orientales at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium, in a clash scheduled for 7:30 at night.
