Caribbean Series 2024: Dominican Republic manager discusses pitching plan going forward

MIAMI, FL—Following a 2-0 win over Curacao, the Dominican Republic clinched their spot in the 2024 Caribbean Series semifinals. With victories on Thursday and Friday, they will repeat as tournament champions.

Before that, they still have Wednesday's game against Panamá at 3:30 p.m. After having just thrown 71 pitches and five scoreless innings, Tuesday's starting pitcher, Raul Valdes, spoke about his availability for the rest of the tournament.

"I am always available," said Valdes following his outing. "I don't have any limits. I threw today and if the manager decides that I can enter the game in relief tomorrow, I can pitch every day. I don't have any issue with that."

"That's what makes a pitcher like Raul [Valdes] a great piece, because we know that he will be available more than possibly other starters," said manager Gilbert Gómez. "But right now, it is just too early for us to just say that Valdes will be available for the final. We know that we can count on him and we know that he will be ready to go, but that is more of a group conversation and more with Raul himself. Just looking in terms of what happens (Wednesday), how he feels the next day and how our pitching staff looks. Then, that's when it is easier for us to make a decision."

The oldest player in the tournament at age 46, Valdes is playing in his ninth Caribbean Series. This is a special one for the winter league vet as it would be the first one he would win in an MLB ballpark.

"It would mean a lot," said Valdes.

After striking out seven batters against Curacao, Valdes has 61 total K's in his Caribbean Series career, one away from tying the all-time record held by Juan "Terín" Pizarro.