Maracaibo, Venezuela – August 7, 2024 – the Águilas del Zulia are prioritizing the retention of star closer Silvino Bracho, according to Sports Manager Luis Amaro, as the team prepares for the upcoming season of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP). This commitment comes amidst ongoing roster evaluations and strategic pitching staff enhancements.
Amaro confirmed that Bracho is expected to begin the season as the team’s closer, despite acknowledging that all players are subject to potential roster adjustments as the Águilas aim to build a championship-caliber team. “Silvino, for me, is the best closer in the league,” Amaro stated in an interview on the Infield Podcast. “The changes we have made have been to have one of the best pitching staffs.”
The Águilas’ management is focused on reducing the workload on Bracho, who has been heavily relied upon in recent seasons, often pitching in multiple save situations per game. Amaro highlighted the addition of several new pitching arms to provide support, including veteran starters Yonny Chirinos and Mario Sánchez, alongside returning pitcher José Dávila and reliever Juan Morillo, and Jorge Cavanerio. These additions are intended to allow Bracho to be utilized more strategically, primarily in ninth-inning save opportunities.
“In the bullpen, we have names…arms that we did not have and that now they will be able to complement Silvino, who in the two, three seasons was very demanded,” Amaro explained. “With the movements, you can now be asked to come out only for the ninth.”
the team’s broader strategy involves bolstering the pitching staff with three to four additional imported starting pitchers to complement Chirinos, Sánchez, and Dávila, addressing a historically weak area for LVBP teams. Amaro emphasized the importance of providing Manager Lipso Nava and Pitching Coach Wilson Álvarez with the necessary tools for success.
While acknowledging the possibility of exploring trade options, Amaro stressed the institution’s respect for Bracho and other veteran players like Ali Castillo, recognizing their contributions to the team. “We are not afraid to make a movement that helps us to succeed in the long term,” Amaro said. “Silvino, Ali are not 25, 26-year-old boys, which is why it can be rumored that we are looking for options…But they have sweated the shirt and that is something that we take into account.”
The Águilas del Zulia finished the 2023-2024 LVBP season with a 31-35 record, failing to reach the playoffs. The team plays its home games at Estadio Luis Aparicio El Grande in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The LVBP typically runs from October to January.
