Francisco Lindor was anticipated to be the star leader for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, but a hamate bone injury forced him to sit out. The team’s opening pool games are taking place at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico, where they kicked off their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Team Colombia on Friday. Lindor’s presence was felt even from the sidelines as he closely followed the game despite being unable to participate.
Following the win, a video circulated on social media showing Lindor celebrating exuberantly on FaceTime with fellow Puerto Rican player Kike Hernandez. The footage was shared by Wapa Deportes, the official Puerto Rican broadcaster. During a live interview with catcher Martin Maldonado, Hernandez appeared, turning the phone’s camera to reveal Lindor enthusiastically jumping and cheering remotely.
Support from Kike Hernandez Despite Surgery Sidelines
Kike Hernandez is not on the active Puerto Rico roster due to recovery from elbow surgery. However, he remains committed to backing the team by staying in the dugout and providing motivation. Both Hernandez and Lindor are among eight Major League Baseball players who missed out on playing due to injuries or insurance issues. Other notable Puerto Rican players sidelined include Carlos Correa, Javier Baez, Jose Berrios, Victor Caratini, Emilio Pagan, and Alexis Diaz.
Despite missing several stars, Puerto Rico handled the game effectively. After a defensive stalemate through four innings, the team exploded with five runs in the fifth inning. Seth Lugo earned the win for Puerto Rico, while the pitching staff collectively limited Colombia to just three hits. Closer Edwin Diaz allowed a single hit but secured the game’s final outs without allowing further damage, preserving the shutout.
Kike Hernandez Embraces Opportunity for New Talent Amid Absences
In a candid conversation with The Athletic, Kike Hernandez expressed optimism about the younger players getting significant playing time because of the absence of many established MLB stars. He acknowledged the disappointment surrounding insurance restrictions and the missing players but highlighted the silver lining for emerging talent.
“I’m actually excited about the guys that wouldn’t have made the team if all of us were able to play,” Hernández said. “Now they get to be in an everyday role. Correa, Baez, Lindor, and myself, on paper, would have been a better team. But to be able to get all those kids who are hungry and get that opportunity, I’m really excited for them.
“The crowd, the people in Puerto Rico, are bummed out because of the insurance issues and our team not being able to be ‘full go,’ but to experience this again is always good. I think the WBC could be a chance to reignite that spark and passion for the game of baseball all over again.” ?Kike Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers Utility Player
Hernandez plans to rejoin his rehabilitation program after spending a couple of days with the Puerto Rican team. If Puerto Rico advances to the knockout rounds, it is anticipated that Francisco Lindor will also return to join the team on the field.
Puerto Rico’s Performance and What Lies Ahead
Puerto Rico’s convincing win over Colombia demonstrated the squad’s depth despite the absence of several key MLB players. The combination of veteran pitching and timely offense provided a solid foundation early in the Classic. With the tournament still unfolding, the contributions of rising stars could shape Puerto Rico’s path forward as they strive to make a deep run.
The enthusiastic support from sidelined stars Lindor and Hernandez not only lifts the players on the field but also energizes passionate fans at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. The World Baseball Classic continues to be an important stage for Puerto Rico to showcase emerging talent, foster enthusiasm, and potentially reignite the island’s enduring love for baseball.
