January 17, 2022 at 1:00 PM
Fall/Winter League Roundup: Shugart rolls on, Raudes returns in Nicaragua
The playoffs continued in Puerto Rico, while an old fan favorite had an under-the-radar return in Nicaragua. This week's roundup covers the week of January 10 through January 16.
Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League
The semifinals concluded, with Caguas and Mayaguez making it to the best-of-seven final series. Christian Vazquez and Santurce were eliminated last week. Vazquez went 5 for 24 over six games with an OPS of just .458. Chase Shugart was dominant in the semifinals for Mayaguez, striking out six and allowing just one baserunner over three innings. Mayaguez went back to Shugart in Game One of the championship series, and he turned in another clean inning in a Mayaguez victory. The series is tied up at 1-1 moving into the final week.
Nicaragua Professional Baseball League
Roniel Raudes was a late add to the Tren del Norte roster. In 6 2/3 innings this winter, he did not allow an earned run and struck out five while walking three. Raudes underwent Tommy John surgery in January of 2019 and has not appeared in a professional game since. In an article posted to laprensani.com, it was revealed that during the canceled 2020 season, Raudes suffered from a bacterial infection that caused him to lose 44 pounds. He attempted to pitch in Nicaragua that winter but left due to injury. In 2021, Raudes struggled with anxiety and depression and spent most of the season on the restricted list while back home in Nicaragua.
Panama Professional Baseball League
The Astronautas de Los Santos will represent Panama in the Caribbean Series after they swept the Federales de Chiriquà in the championship series last week. No Red Sox prospects saw playing time in the playoffs.