Cubans On Opening Day MLB Rosters Rise To 23
NEW YORK (AP/CBS Detroit) - Twenty-three Cubans were on opening day major league rosters following a series of high-profile defections —an increase of five over last year and the most since the commissioner's office began releasing data in 1995.
As the Detroit Tigers begin to start the 2016 season on Tuesday, the only Cuban on the club's roster is 26-year-old shortstop José Iglesias.
Major League Baseball said Monday that 238 of 864 players on opening day rosters, disabled lists and the restricted list were born outside the 50 states, with the percentage rising to 27.5 percent from 26.5 percent.
The percentage is the highest since 2013's of 28.2; the high of 29.2 was set in 2005.
The Dominican Republic led with 82, followed by Venezuela with 63 and Cuba. Puerto Rico was next with 17, its most since 2011, and was followed by Mexico (12), Japan and South Korea (eight each). South Korea's previous high was five.
Canada had six, Panama four, Colombia and Curacao three each, and Brazil and Taiwan two apiece.
Seattle had the most players born outside the 50 states with 13.
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