The World Baseball Classic is in full swing, with teams from around the world competing in intense and thrilling games. However, Cuba’s quarterfinal game against Australia will have one notable absence – Yoenis Céspedes.
Céspedes is a star outfielder who has played for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets in Major League Baseball. He also played for the Cuban national team before defecting to the United States in 2011.
However, despite his status as one of the best players in the world, Céspedes will not be suiting up for Cuba in their quarterfinal game against Australia. The reason for his absence is unclear, but it is rumored that he may have left the team due to injury.
Regardless of the reason for his absence, Céspedes is a significant loss for Cuba. He has been one of their best players in the tournament, hitting .450 with three home runs and five RBI in just four games.
Without Céspedes, Cuba will have to rely on their other talented players to step up and carry the team to victory. Players like Alfredo Despaigne, Frederich Cepeda, and William Saavedra will need to have big games if Cuba wants to advance to the semifinals.
Of course, Australia will also be without some key players, as many of their top stars are currently playing in the Australian Baseball League playoffs. However, they have already proven that they can compete and win without those players, defeating China and Cuba in their first-round games.
The quarterfinal game between Cuba and Australia promises to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams fighting hard for a spot in the semis. While Céspedes will be missed, Cuba still has a talented roster and a fighting spirit that could carry them to victory. The world will be watching as these two teams battle it out for a chance at the championship.
