Erisbel Arruebarruena, a former Major League Baseball player, made his debut in the Cienfuegos Provincial Series last Saturday, representing the Abreus team. This information was confirmed by sports commentator Yasel Porto. Arruebarruena played his first game at the Lázaro Santos Stadium in the Abreus municipality. "This marks his official return to baseball in his homeland, paving the way for his eventual comeback with the Cienfuegos Elephants in the upcoming National Series," Porto remarked.
Known as "El Grillo," Arruebarruena rejoined the Cuba national team in 2019 after his stint in the MLB. "Today, it was officially announced that Erisbel Arruebarruena will be part of the Elephants in the next National Series and will also compete in the Provincial Series for his home municipality, Abreus. According to the Cienfuegos Provincial Baseball Commission, the talented shortstop has decided to spend his final seasons here in the Pearl of the South," reported sports journalist Fabián Morales.
Arruebarruena's journey in the Major Leagues, with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2014 to 2018, was fraught with challenges. After signing a $25 million contract, he encountered several issues. In July 2014, he was involved in a skirmish during a Triple-A game. The following year, he faced an indefinite suspension, which was later reduced to one month after an appeal.
Since returning to baseball on the island, Arruebarruena had been playing for the Matanzas Crocodiles. In 2025, he will participate in the 64th National Series as part of the Cienfuegos squad, where he was born. The Cienfuegos shortstop was named the best baseball player in Cuba for 2023 by the National Baseball Commission (CNB). In the 2020 domestic classic, he secured the island's title with the Matanzas team.
Erisbel Arruebarruena's Return to Cuban Baseball
Why is Erisbel Arruebarruena returning to play in Cuba?
Arruebarruena is returning to play in Cuba to conclude his baseball career in his homeland, aiming to rejoin the Cienfuegos Elephants and participate in the Provincial Series for his home municipality.
What challenges did Arruebarruena face in the MLB?
Arruebarruena faced several challenges in the MLB, including being involved in a brawl during a Triple-A game and receiving an indefinite suspension, which was later reduced after an appeal.
What team will Arruebarruena play for in the 2025 National Series?
In the 2025 National Series, Arruebarruena will play for the Cienfuegos team, his province of birth.