RD Confides in the World Baseball Classic Despite Peña's Absence: Pujols and Stars Ready

Dominican Republic Suffers Significant Loss for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

MIAMI – The Dominican Republic National Team faces a hard blow hours before starting its participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Shortstop Jeremy Peña will not be able to play in the tournament due to a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand. The Dominican team will debut this Friday against Nicaragua at loanDepot park in Miami. The management, led by Nelson Cruz, is already looking for a replacement for Peña on the roster. Despite the setback, the spirits in the clubhouse haven’t fallen. The leader Albert Pujols assured that the team’s mentality remains intact and focused on the main objective.

We are not comfortable. We have a mission.
Albert Pujols

The absence of Peña will give Geraldo Perdomo the opportunity to take responsibility at shortstop. The lineup, full of talent, will continue to be led by figures such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodríguez, Manny Machado, Junior Caminero and Ketel Marte. Although many consider this could be one of the most talented teams the country has presented, the players emphasize that success will depend on the group’s unity. Guerrero Jr. highlighted that putting egos aside will be key to working towards a common goal. The team arrives motivated after playing two exhibition games at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium in Santo Domingo, where they received massive support from the Dominican fans. For Soto, those encounters had a special meaning in his career. The star outfielder stated that he felt proud to represent the country in front of his people and to be part of a team that seeks to regain prominence in the tournament. In the mound, Cristopher Sánchez, left-handed pitcher, will be in charge of opening the first game against Nicaragua. He will assume the responsibility with great enthusiasm and commitment. Dominicans remember the bitter elimination in the first round of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. According to Pujols, that experience is in the past and now serves as motivation for this edition. With a team full of stars and a clear determination to proudly represent the country, the Dominican team prepares to start its journey in the tournament with a mix of confidence, humility, and ambition.