Toros del Este intensify preparation with key pieces for the 2026-27 season
The Toros del Este organization continues to work hard at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium, fine-tuning the details for the start of the upcoming Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) season. The La Romana squad recently added key figures who seek to strengthen both the defense and the offense of the orange team.
Among the most notable additions are catcher Pedro Severino, infielders Welbyn Francisca and Dawell Lugo, as well as reliever José Adames, who are already under the orders of the Toros’ coaching staff.
Pedro Severino: A luxury reinforcement behind the plate
The arrival of Pedro Severino promises to bring solidity to the Toros’ catching position. The veteran, who joined the team after signing in free agency, arrives with a resume that includes a Gold Glove in the previous campaign, establishing himself as a leader both on and off the field.
I bring a lot of things to the team because I have always been a winner and what I like is to win.
Pedro Severino, Toros del Este catcher.
Young talent and infield experience
The team is also betting on emerging talent with the addition of Welbyn Francisca. The Cleveland Guardians prospect and first pick of the 2024 Draft arrives after a brilliant performance in the minor leagues, where he stood out with a .277 average in Class A+ and a quick transition to Double-A. It is expected that, following his stint in the Arizona Fall League, Francisca will be a key piece for the Toros’ scheme.
Complementing this group, Dawell Lugo returns. The experienced third baseman, winner of a Gold Glove in the 2021-22 season, brings depth and game knowledge, fundamental elements for the team’s aspirations in this new stage.
Preseason calendar
To ensure the team arrives in optimal condition for Opening Day, the Toros have scheduled a series of nine preparation matches that will begin on September 28th:
- September 28: vs Estrellas Orientales (11:00 a.m., La Romana)
- September 29: vs Italy National Team (11:00 a.m., La Romana)
- October 1: vs Estrellas Orientales (11:00 a.m., San Pedro de Macorís)
- October 2: vs Italy National Team (11:00 a.m., La Romana)
- October 5: vs Estrellas Orientales (5:00 p.m., La Romana)
- October 7: vs Tigres del Licey (5:00 p.m., La Romana)
- October 9: vs Leones del Escogido (10:00 a.m., Boca Chica)
- October 12: vs Leones del Escogido (10:00 a.m., La Romana)
- October 13: vs Estrellas Orientales (6:00 p.m., San Pedro de Macorís)
Opening Day in La Romana
The wait for the bullfighting fans will end on Friday, October 16. The Toros del Este will host the Estrellas Orientales at the Francisco A. Micheli Stadium, in a matchup scheduled for 7:30 at night, marking the official start of the quest for the 2026-27 championship.
