Kevin Barral

Image courtesy of Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Kansas City Royals reliever Luinder Avila wasn't supposed to be in loanDepot park. In fact, the Royals didn't originally approve Avila to play in the World Baseball Classic, but after Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez underwent Tommy John surgery, the Royals and the Caracas native had a conversation and eventually agreed that he could replace Lopez's spot. "In November, Omar (Lopez) called Kansas City, and they were in conversations, but Kansas City said no," Avila said in Spanish. "Up until the end of spring training, the team called me to the office, and when Pablo got hurt, they told me that Venezuela still wanted me on the team. They had their meetings and decided that I would be in the World Baseball Classic." In his World Baseball Classic debut against the Netherlands, Avila went two innings, allowing one run (unearned) on one hit, walked three, and struck out two. That marked Avila's World Baseball Classic debut. His two strikeout victims were Chadwick Tromp and Druw Jones. Avila's fastball topped out at 96.6 mph and generated three whiffs, all with his curveball. "They put me in the game when it was 2-1, so I just wanted to keep the game right there," Avila said. "I wanted to give the guys a chance to hit. Simply, I didn't try to do too much, just be myself and try to get outs." Venezuela still has games against Israel and Nicaragua before facing the Dominican Republic, which many are considering the biggest game of the tournament. It is unclear if Avila will be pitching in that game, but he does expect a packed house on March 11. "We just need both sides to do their job and may the best team win," Avilas said. The Royals called up Avila to make his MLB debut in August of 2025, and in 13 games pitched, he posted a 1.29 ERA, 2.14 FIP, 10.29 K/9, and 3.86 BB/9 in 14.0 innings pitched. "I'd say it was perfect," Avila said regarding his first stint in the majors. "I had a month that I wish I could have all the time and perform the way I did. I came in relief during my major league stint after being a starting pitcher in the minor leagues for the past eight years, and I'd say I did very well, but I can always do better." It is unclear whether Avila will pitch again in the World Baseball Classic, but when it comes to Avila in 2026, expect him to compete for a starting rotation job, and if he doesn't get that, he can be a major piece out of the bullpen, helping out in a multi-inning relief role. Kevin Barral is on-site in Miami covering the World Baseball Classic for DiamondCentric. View full article

Image courtesy of David Badilla/Pelota Cubana On Friday, Pool D will begin play in loanDepot Park. It'll be Team Venezuela "welcoming" the Netherlands. One crucial piece to that team is Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez, who was named captain of the team. He will be hitting fifth and is the designated hitter in Venezuela's lineup. "I'm super happy to be the captain for Venezuela," Perez told reporters on Thursday. "I think every time we represent our country, it's a different feeling. I'm happy to be here. I've said this before, and I will always say it, but we are all captains. The difference is that I have a 'C' on my jersey. The guys are focused, and we are surrounded by hard workers, and we will give the best we've got every day." For the Venezuelan catcher, playing in the World Baseball Classic, representing his country, is like playing in Game 7 of the World Series. "Players need to be here and feel the emotion," Perez said. "When you hear that anthem, the fans and the Venezuelan's who are rooting for you. One of the best games I've ever played in was in 2023 between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Since we were taking BP, the stadium was completely full." Perez, 35, will be participating in his fourth World Baseball Classic, having competed in the 2013, 2017, and most recently, 2023 editions of the tournament. Last season with the Royals, Perez played in 155 games, slashing .236/.284/.446/.729 with 30 home runs, 100 RBI, and a 95 wRC+. Despite his age, Perez continues to be a mainstay in the Royals lineup and will serve as a crucial piece for Venezuela. Despite being a nine-time All-Star, 2015 World Series champion, World Series MVP, five-time Gold Glove winner, and five-time Silver Slugger, Perez believes that there are still things he can work on. "I think that is going to make the difference when it comes to the type of baseball player you wanna be in MLB," Perez said. "I've always said that the sacrifice is dedication and how much you want to get better day-by-day. For many, some may think that for Salvador Perez, he won't be playing for much longer, but I don't see it from that point of view." The biggest game of the tournament will take place on March 11th when Venezuela and the Dominican Republic will clash in Miami. It'll be Sandy Alcantara on the mound for the DR, but no starter has been announced for Venezuela. Perez, who has experienced that matchup before, spoke to it "I've always said that any team in the WBC can surprise people," Perez said. We need to come out and play hard, give our best every day, no matter who we are facing. Everyone knows that the Dominican Republic is a great team, and they are extremely talented, but we will wait for that day to come, and we will see what happens after the game." Prior to the biggest game of the pool-play round, Venezuela will take on the Netherlands on Friday and Israel on Saturday, and after Monday's off day, they take on Nicaragua. Kevin Barral is on-site in Miami, covering the World Baseball Classic for DiamondCentric. View full article