Esmil Rogers assures Estrellas will have a luxury pitching staff next season

San Pedro de Macorís. – The Estrellas Orientales are shaping up with one of the most solid pitching staffs in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), according to veteran pitcher Esmil Rogers, who predicted that the team will have "a luxury pitching staff" for the season starting October 15. Rogers, who signed as a free agent with the green team in February and is already part of the reserve, assured that the next campaign will make a difference compared to last year, when several pitchers were limited by their Major League organizations.

“This time we will have several pitchers who will have no restrictions to work in the Dominican League. That will give us a lot of depth,” he expressed during training at the Tetelo Vargas Stadium.

The Stars' opening rotation will feature stellar figures such as Enny Romero (6-1, 1.24), current winner of the Pitcher of the Year award, and Luis Moreno (2-2, 1.83), Rookie of the Year last season. They are joined by Oscar de la Cruz (2-2, 3.40), capable of performing as a starter or reliever, as well as imports Nate Antone and the left-handed Sean Nolin.

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The bullpen also promises solidity, with experienced arms like Neftalí Feliz, Román Méndez, and Jhan Maríñez, who have no summer commitments in MLB organizations, which increases the possibility that they will remain for the entire season. Likewise, the imported Patrick Weigel, one of the outstanding relievers of the last edition, will return. Rogers, 40, reinforced the Estrellas in the past Round Robin after pitching for the Toros del Este in the regular season, and decided to definitively join the team of his hometown.

"It was a family decision, a family of stars. I consulted with my brothers, who also played here, including Edward Rogers, former captain of the club. We wanted to continue with that tradition," he said.

The right-hander demonstrated in the 2024-2025 season that he still has a lot in his arm: with the Bulls he recorded a 3-2 record and a 3.04 ERA in 10 starts, while with the Stars he shined in the Round Robin with a 1.32 ERA, the best on the team. With a reinforced rotation, a deep bullpen, and unrestricted arms, the Stars are looking to make a splash in the upcoming season. Under the direction of Fernando Tatis, the organization is confident that pitching will be their main trump card in the fight for the Dominican winter baseball crown.