The Yankees and the Tigers: Panama Fine-Tunes Details

2026-03-04 - 12:37

Panama’s national baseball team enters the decisive phase of its preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This Sunday, the team will travel to Tampa, Florida, where they will play their last two exhibition games against Major League organizations, in a demanding test prior to their official debut. The first game was Tuesday, March 3, at George M. Steinbrenner Field against the New York Yankees, a scenario that allowed the Panamanian team to measure its competitive level against players in the middle of spring training. I guess they found out. The result was the New York Yankees 11, Panama 1. Jorge García pitched a full inning in that game, allowing two hits and two runs Panama will now face the Detroit Tigers today, Wednesday at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, with Jaime Barría scheduled to start on the mound. Following that game, the team will travel that same day to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they will settle in for the start of the tournament. In Tampa, several key players who are currently fulfilling spring training commitments with their respective organizations will be integrated, including Miguel Amaya, Edmundo Sosa, José Caballero, Leonardo Jiménez, Enrique Bradfield Jr., José Ramos and Leonardo Bernal, thus strengthening a roster that has generated high expectations. José Caballero and Enrique Bradfield Jr. started for Panama In the midst of this final stage of preparation, one of the key figures has been 24-year-old pitcher Miguel Gómez, who will experience a unique moment in Panamanian baseball history. His father, also named Miguel, was part of the first edition of the World Baseball Classic, and now, two decades later, he will represent the country on the same stage. “The pitchers have looked pretty good. We’ve felt very comfortable, fine-tuning some details for the start of the tournament,” Gómez said, referring to the pitching staff’s work in recent days. José Mayorga with his coaching staff before the start of the match The right-hander, who signed with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and was recently included on the roster of the Vaqueros de Panamá Oeste for the 2026 National Major League Baseball Championship, made it clear that he is willing to take on any role within the team. “That’s up to the manager, but whatever role I’m given, I’ll be available. We’ve already discussed it, and I’m ready to contribute wherever they need me,” he stated. Gomez also highlighted the influence of the more experienced pitchers within the group, emphasizing the value of sharing a team with figures who have competed at the highest level. Miguel Gómez during a Panama training session at Rod Carew Stadium “It’s an honor to share with them. They are players with experience in the Major Leagues, they are always there to give you advice and that helps a lot,” he explained. Regarding his recent development, the Panamanian assured that he has worked on improving his repertoire, incorporating a new pitch that allows him to expand his options on the mound. “The plan is always to attack the strike zone and then mix up the pitches depending on the batter. Now I have five pitches in my repertoire, and that gives me more tools,” he commented. Regarding the tournament’s specifics, where there are limitations on the number of pitches, Gómez believes that Panama has a pitching staff capable of adapting to those conditions. “If you attack the zone, you can work more innings within the rules. That’s key, and it’s something we’ve been doing in exhibition games,” he said. The atmosphere within the team has also been a highlight in the days leading up to the trip. According to Gómez, the group’s chemistry and confidence in the available talent are boosting their enthusiasm for the tournament. “This is one of the best groups the national team has ever had. We all support each other and feel that this is the team we wanted. Now we have to prove it on the field,” he stated. Panama will make its debut on March 6 against Cuba at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. The group also includes Puerto Rico, Canada, and Colombia.