Escogido Manager Concerned About Starters Despite Nine-Game Win Streak

Escogido has won nine straight, but its manager says the starting pitchers are the weak spot he needs to fix.

Leones del Escogido manager Ramón Santiago acknowledged that the performance of the starting pitchers is one of the main areas the team must improve, despite a nine-game winning streak in the 2026-27 season of the Dominican Republic's Professional Baseball League (LIDOM).

According to Santiago, short starts from the starters force the bullpen to work too hard, and that load can take its toll as the championship moves on. "When the starters come out early, it completely changes the plan. You have to manage the bullpen for nine innings, and I don't think anyone wants that," he said.

The manager said the coaching staff is working on the necessary adjustments and credited the relievers, who have kept the team in contention. In an interview with Lidom.com, Santiago explained that his job is to distribute opportunities among players without disrupting the core that has carried the team through its recent success.

On upcoming additions, Santiago said Domingo Germán and Gregory Polanco are close to debuting, while Carlos Santana is already practicing with the team and must complete his preparation protocol, including innings in the parallel league, before joining the lineup. He also confirmed the arrival of Steven Nogosek, who adds an option to strengthen the rotation.

Santiago said it is necessary to identify more pitchers capable of working deep into games to keep the bullpen from carrying an excessive load. "You don't want your starters to be short in the game; you want them to go long, because that way you can manage your bullpen better," he said.

Escogido enters the next stage of the tournament with a reinforced roster and aims to extend its strong run, with the outstanding task of stabilizing its starting pitching.