As the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana (LIDOM) season progresses, here is a look at the top news and notes from the past week in the Dominican Republic’s winter league.
Toros Del Este sign Ottaviono and Yacabonis
Two big-league contributors will look to stay in game shape this winter as veterans Adam Ottavino and Jimmy Yacabonis have both signed with Toros del Este. Both relievers have been effective in the past and will provide a significant boost for a 5-5 Toros del Este team. Ottavino, a 14-year veteran in the MLB, appeared in 60 games this past season, adding a 4.34 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 56 innings. He tallied a 3.21 ERA in 2023 and a career-best 2.06 in 2022.
Yacabonis’ career has been more of an up-and-down affair; he tallied a 6.59 ERA in seven games in 2023 before not appearing in Minor League or Major League games in 2024.
However, with 78 career big league games and 13 career starts, he looks to be a contributor for Toros del Este, nonetheless.
Molina/Pujols managerial showdown looming
Underpinning the bombshell announcement that Yadier Molina will take over as manager of Águilas Cibaeñas is the fact that Molina and long-time teammate Albert Pujols will face off this time as managers. Pujols is currently leading the first-place Leones del Escogido team, while Molina has taken over the middling 3-7 Cibaeñas team. Molina and Pujols’ showdown will take place on Tuesday, November 5. Cibaeñas will host the contest, which is set for 7:30 p.m.
Starlin Castro still making headlines
Still chugging along after a remarkable career in North America, Starlin Castro went 3-4 with three RBIs in the Águilas Cibaeñas 6-4 victory over Estrellas Orientales. Castro raised his LIDOM batting average to .257 and earned the official LIDOM X account’s player of the day. Although known by most North American fans for his slick defense in the infield and 89 career stolen bases, the four-time All-Star is still performing at a high level after leaving the MLB in 2021.
You can stream Lidom games on FUBO.
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