Puerto Rico has competed in both editions of the Premier12 tournament. They were eliminated in the Super Round in 2015 and struggled mightily in 2019, failing to record a win and going 0-3.
Former MLB All-Star Juan Gonzalez will manage Puerto Rico at Premier12 this year. The country is looking to climb ahead in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rankings, as it is currently ranked 12th.
The son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Dereck Rodriguez will look to hold down Puerto Rico’s rotation, along with southpaw Jonathan Bermudez, who made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins earlier this year.
Puerto Rico has an intriguing roster. Three players currently play at the collegiate level. Infielders John Montes and Luis Hernandez were selected to play for Puerto Rico. Outfielder and Miami Hurricane Edgardo Villegas will also look to get an opportunity to start for a younger Puerto Rican team.
They will play on Opening Night at Santa Teresita Stadium in Mexico on November 9. Puerto Rico will face the United States, and the first pitch is set for 6 PM EST.
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Photo Credit: Puerto Rico’s Roby Enriquez celebrates scoring a run in the fifth inning of Puerto Rico’s victory against Cuba at the Caribbean Series. (Photo Courtesy of CBPC)
