Havana, January 25 (JIT) - Left-handed pitchers Liván Moinelo and Darío Sarduy traveled in recent days to Japan to join the Softbank Dragons.

Moinelo, with several successful seasons in the Japanese professional league, will arrive as a starter, although his club has not yet defined what role he will be given. Dario will arrive to begin his developmental transition.

Manager Hiroki Kokubo recently explained that he has not yet decided how he will use Moinelo during the 2024 season.

In November, reports www.beisboljapones.com, the manager had stated that he would transform the left-hander from Pinar del Río into a starter, but now he will meet with him before making his decision.

Moinelo has played with the Falcons since 2017 and has become one of the league's best middle relievers, and also one of its great closers.

The franchise with the largest Cuban presence, through the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS), is the Chunichi Dragons, as it has the services of pitchers Raidel Martinez and Frank Abel Alvarez, bullpen Cristian Rodriguez, outfielder Carlos Monier and coach Omar Linares.

The other player present in the strong Japanese circuit is catcher and starter Ariel Martínez, who is expected to sign another good season with the Nippon Ham Fighters.

The Japan Professional Baseball League 2024 will begin on March 29.