SANTO DOMINGO, RD. – The anticipation grows in the Dominican capital with the arrival of the Detroit Tigers for a special two-game series against the national team that will compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium.
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For Dominican outfielder
Wenceel Pérez, the return has a special meaning. The last time he stepped on that field, he was just a teenager looking for an opportunity in professional baseball. Now he returns as a Major League player, before family and friends, and facing a team full of stars from his native country.
The series also has a charitable purpose: to pay tribute to the victims of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy that occurred last April. As part of the event, MLB will make a donation to the Dominican Red Cross and Commissioner
Rob Manfred will participate in a ceremony prior to the first game.
Detroit manager,
A. J. Hinch, highlighted the intensity and enthusiasm generated by playing games in a country where baseball is a national passion. For players like Pérez and prospect
Thayron Liranzo, the series represents an emotional reunion with their homeland and the opportunity for their families to see them wear the Major League uniform.
Although
Framber Valdez will not pitch in Santo Domingo after his recent preseason appearance, he will accompany the team from the dugout. Meanwhile, figures like
Riley Greene are preparing to experience for the first time the intensity of Dominican baseball, in an environment they anticipate will be similar to that of a postseason game.
The Quisqueya team will have a first-class squad led by
Juan Soto,
Fernando Tatis Jr.,
Manny Machado and
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., in addition to a solid pitching staff led by
Sandy Alcántara.
