Junior Lake has replaced Johan Rojas on the Dominican Republic roster after Rojas tested positive for a banned substance in the days leading up to the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Lake, 35, is nearly a decade removed from his last appearance in Major League Baseball, which came with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016, but has continued playing in Latin America, appearing in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol with the Bravos de Leon and Toros de Tijuana. He’s also been a winter ball star in his native Dominican Republic, appearing in 17 seasons with the Estrellas Orientales of LIDOM and appearing in nine Caribbean Series for the D.R.
A native of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Lake has a career .235/.278/.376 line in 223 MLB games with Toronto, the Chicago Cubs, and the Seattle Mariners.
Look for Lake to provide outfield depth, potentially starting in a pool play game against Israel, the Netherlands, or Nicaragua in Miami. The speedy right-handed batter will likely be one of the first called off the bench should the Dominicans need a pinch runner at any point in the Classic.
Nolan McLean Suffers Vertigo-like Symptoms – New York Mets starter Nolan McLean experienced vertigo-like symptoms and stayed in Port St. Lucie, Florida, rather than joining Team USA in Arizona, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told the media on Tuesday morning.
Carlos Mendoza shares that Nolan McLean developed vertigo-like symptoms, which is why he didn't report to Team USA
He will pitch tomorrow on the back fields, and if all goes well, he'll join Team USA later this week pic.twitter.com/fQ5JMaP1tG
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 3, 2026
McLean made eight starts for the Mets in 2025 and posted a 2.06 ERA in 48 innings, striking out 57 and walking 16. He’s expected to pitch on Wednesday on the back fields at Mets camp, and if he is feeling well, will then join Team USA.
Photo: Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
