Team Dominican Republic is making strategic adjustments to its pitching roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. In a move that could bolster their bullpen, Colorado Rockies reliever Juan Mejia is stepping in for Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Edwin Uceta, who’s sidelined due to shoulder issues.
Mejia, a 25-year-old righty, put together a solid season with the Rockies, boasting a 3.96 ERA and an impressive 10 strikeouts per nine innings over 55 appearances. Relying on a fastball-slider combo, he kept hitters at bay, allowing just a .199 expected batting average across 61.1 innings. His ability to limit damage with a streamlined pitch arsenal makes him a valuable asset for the Dominican squad.
The Dominican Republic's pitching depth is turning heads, featuring a blend of seasoned starters and dynamic bullpen options. Leading the rotation are standout pitchers like NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sanchez, alongside Sandy Alcantara, Luis Severino, and Brayan Bello. This formidable group sets a high bar for opponents.
In the bullpen, notable names such as Abner Uribe, Camilo Doval, Carlos Estevez, Seranthony Dominguez, and Dennis Santana add to the team's strength. Estevez, in particular, is coming off a remarkable season where he topped MLB with 42 saves for the Kansas City Royals.
Mejia is expected to contribute in a middle relief role under the guidance of manager Albert Pujols. After the WBC, he’ll return to the Rockies, ready to build on his promising Major League career. This pitching staff, with its mix of power and precision, positions the Dominican Republic as a formidable contender in the tournament.