Whenever he has the opportunity, Emmanuel Rivera will wear the uniform of his hometown of Mayagüez. The day that does not happen, it will be because his team in the Major Leagues has not given him permission to play.
But the Kansas City Royals third baseman will be with the Indians from the opening day, in the upcoming season of the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Lbprc).
“I will be from day one. It is something special to me. I live in Mayagüez. I’m from there. And as long as I can, I will always be with the team until the Kansas City team decides what to do with me. The day I can’t play is not because I don’t want to, but because they made the decision. But my participation in the team will always be on my part, ”Rivera told THE SPOKESMAN.
Kansas City gave him permission to play, as confirmed by the player himself, after making his debut this season in the majors.
Rivera, 25, was active in 29 games, hitting .256 with five RBIs and one home run.
An injury to his left wrist on the second day of his debut on June 28 kept him off the pitch for the entire month of July.
Even so, the stellar Mayaguez player enjoyed his first season in the big circus.
“It was a big thing. Playing in the Major Leagues is every player’s dream, mine and my family’s. For me it is something super valuable, ”Rivera commented. “They haven’t told me anything, but I know they are happy with my work and what I did this season.”
Rivera hopes to focus the offseason on strengthening his hands “to pick up a little more strength” because the injury required surgery.
His presence with Mayagüez will help him achieve that goal and he classified as “special” the fact that Major League Baseball players play in the winter league.
“That brings life to the league, which has been a bit down in recent years. But I’m sure he will get back up, “said Rivera, who will play his sixth season with the Indians.
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