Reinier Roibal

Reinier Roibal Martínez

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 214 lb.

• Born January 9, 1989 in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba Cuba

BR Minors page

Reinier Roibal was a promising young Cuban hurler who defected.

Roibal debuted in the Cuban Serie Nacional in 2006-2007, turning 18 early in the season. He went 1-2 with a 6.51 ERA that season. In 2007-2008, he improved to 6-3, 4.25 and helped Santiago de Cuba to a title. He was the winning pitcher in the last game of the championship against Pinar del Río, beating Pedro Luis Lazo, Cuba's all-time leader in victories.

Roibal started the 2008-2009 season 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA and was named to Cuba's preliminary roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. He did not make the final cut and faded as the year went, finishing 8-4 with a 4.63 ERA and only placing among the league leaders in walks (57).

Roibal defected from Cuba after 2008-2009. In April 2010, he signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants with over one million dollars. He made his pro debut on July 17 with the AZL Giants, walking two and striking out one in 2/3 of an inning against the AZL Cardinals. After eight games, he was 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA, 12 strikeouts and five walks in 7 2/3 innings.

Sources

• Cubahora.cu
• Santiago de Cuba sports blog
• Baseballdecuba.com
• Cuban Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation