Venezuela Faces Roster Challenges Ahead of World Baseball Classic
Caracas, February 23, 2026 – The Venezuelan Baseball Federation is navigating a series of roster setbacks as it prepares for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Key players are sidelined due to injury and insurance complications, forcing the team to adjust its plans for the tournament.
Key Pitcher Pablo López Out for the Season
The most significant blow comes with the absence of right-handed pitcher Pablo López, who will undergo Tommy John surgery. This injury will retain him out for the entire 2026 MLB season and the World Baseball Classic. He will replace ace Pablo Lopez, who is now set to miss the entire season because of Tommy John surgery.
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Diaz Steps In, Additional Players Withdraw
Left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Díaz has been added to the roster to replace López. Díaz, 29, has Major League experience with the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners, and was participating in spring training with Seattle. He has a career ERA of 4.66 in 46.1 innings pitched. Díaz is the second member of the Mariners who will suit up for Venezuela, joining reliever Eduard Bazardo.
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Further complicating matters, left-handed reliever Oddanier Mosqueda has suffered an elbow injury while training with the Pittsburgh Pirates, requiring a replacement. Pitcher José Alvarado will not participate due to his insurance company refusing to support his participation in the international event.
Federation Awaiting Approvals for Replacements
The federation is currently awaiting formal approval from the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and Major League Baseball (MLB) committees to announce the replacements for Mosqueda and Alvarado.
Tournament Details
Venezuela will compete in Group D of the tournament, which runs from March 6 to March 11 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. They will face the Dominican Republic, Israel, the Netherlands, and Nicaragua.
FAQ
- Who is replacing Pablo López on the Venezuelan roster? Jhonathan Díaz.
- Why is José Alvarado not participating? His insurance company refused to support his participation.
- Where will Venezuela play its Group D games? LoanDepot Park in Miami.
The Venezuelan team faces a challenging road ahead, but remains determined to compete at a high level despite these significant roster changes. The team will need to rely on its depth and adaptability to navigate the tournament successfully.