A pair of lifelong minor leaguers have found a winter home abroad. Austin Roberts, a Triple-A reliever in the Marlins organization, and Nick Dombkowski, a reliever in the Pirates organization, were both announced as recent signings for Gigantes del Cibao.
The 26-year-old Roberts dominated in AA earlier this season, firing 46.2 innings to the tune of a 1.93 ERA before his promotion. Usually used in one-innings spurts, Roberts has found similar success at the Triple-A level. His 2024 ERA of 2.44 rests comfortably below his career tally of 4.07.
Dombkowski, an undrafted reliever out of the University of Hartford, profiles more as a starter this winter and has worked as such over four professional seasons. He has totaled a 1.39 WHIP with 69 strikeouts over two levels thus far in 2024.
Both arms look to add a significant boost to Gigantes del Cibao — a squad that toted major league caliber hitters Hanser Alberto, Kelvin Gutiérrez, and Ronald Guzman a year ago.
Former all-star closer Fernando Rodney headlined the Gigantes bullpen last season as a high-leverage arm. Reymín Guduán also impressed with a 1.99 ERA and 12 saves.
Giantes went an impressive 29-20 last season, good for first in the Division, and will look to champion LIDOM for the first time since 2022.
Opening Day for Gigantes is set for October 16th against Águilas Cibaeñas.
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WBN LIDOM: https://worldbaseball.com/league/dominican-republic/
Photo Credit: Sacramento State closing pitcher Austin Roberts (17) gives the Hornet’s stinger sign to fans after the Regional Champion game. (Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
