By Matthew Tallarini
World Baseball Network
Jan. 12, 2023
Fernando Rayo, a sports journalist for TN8 Nicaragua, reported that Jonathan Loaisiga confirm that he will play for Nicaragua in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with permission from the New York Yankees.
Loaisiga last year went 2-3 out of the bullpen, throwing 48 innings with a 4.13 ERA. In the regular season he struck out 37 batters, and walked 19 appearing in 50 games. Loaisiga is entering his second year of arbitration eligibility on his contract with the Yankees, and could potentially fill setup or closer role with the organization.
Nicaragua clinched a spot in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for the first time during the tournament qualifiers in October 2022 in Panama City, Panama, beating Brazil in the final qualifier game.
Sandor Guido will be the manager for Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic, where Nicaragua will begin play in Pool D in Miami starting March 11-15. Nicaragua will open up against Puerto Rico on the first day of the World Baseball Classic at noon ET. The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Israel will also be in Pool D for Miami.