January 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Fall/Winter Roundup: Rivera joins Mayaguez for a title run; Stock signed to minor league deal
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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Puerto Rico)
Eduardo Rivera played with Santurce this winter, but he was drafted by Mayaguez on January 17 before the championship series. He started the second game of the series and picked up the win after striking out seven over five shutout innings. Mayaguez is up 2-0 on San Juan, with game three slated for Monday night. Rivera's outstanding winter has led to him making his debut in our rankings, coming in at number 58.
Venezuelan Professional Baseball League
Jose Adames and Lara are in the finals, playing against old friend Felix Doubront and the Margarita Braves. Margarita won the first game of the series on Sunday. Adames appeared in two games this week leading up to the finals, allowing four runs over two innings. His first outing was a scoreless frame, but he took the loss and a blown save on Friday after allowing a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth.
Mexican Pacific Winter League
While he is no longer active in the league, the Red Sox did sign Robert Stock to a minor league deal with an invite to major league spring training. Stock was with the Red Sox back in 2020 and pitched to a 4.73 ERA over 13 1/3 innings. He last appeared in the majors in 2021, but he has reinvented himself this winter. He lowered his arm slot and it led to tremendous results. He led the league with both 10 wins and 78 strikeouts to go with a miniscule ERA of 1.92 over 84 1/3 innings. While he has been a starter in recent years, the lower arm slot from the right-hander could play well out of the bullpen.
Photo Credit: Eduardo Rivera by Kelly O'Connor