The wait is over, and Cuban César Prieto's consistency was rewarded this Friday with his Major League debut after a long and complicated four-and-a-half-year journey.
Prieto, who debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals, became the 33rd Cuban-born player to see action in the MLB season, tying the island's record for most appearances, reported journalist Francys Romero.
The Cienfuegos native struck out in his only at-bat.
In 2021, as soon as he arrived on U.S. soil, Prieto left the Cuban national team that competed in the Pre-Olympic Baseball Tournament, held in Florida between May 31 and June 5. Therefore, he would not be eligible for the next Classic according to the Cuban Federation's rules, for having "deserted" an official delegation.
At the time, he was one of the best talents remaining on the island, but he decided to showcase his skills in search of a professional contract, which he secured months later with the Baltimore Orioles, the team that sent him to the Cardinals.
Prieto, who played for the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, remained for four years as one of the Cuban prospects with the most solid track record in the Minor Leagues before receiving the call.