Havana, September 19 (JIT) - The Chunichi Dragons and the Cuban Baseball Federation informed that closer Raidel Martinez is suffering from lower back discomfort and will not pitch in the remainder of the 2023 Japanese Professional Baseball League.

The speedster will undergo three weeks of rest and should arrive in Cuba between October 8 and 9.

Although it is a minor injury, there is no decision at this time as to whether or not Raidel Martinez will be able to participate in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

The 26-year-old right-hander is currently co-leading the Central League in saves in Japan with 32. His team is already eliminated from the playoffs, so there is no need to risk his health during the last two weeks of the schedule.

Raidel has six NPB seasons under his belt, all with the Nagoya club Chunichi Dragons. In the 243 games in which he has seen action, he has 123 saves, 46 hold points, 294 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.85.