Loáisiga 'looks outstanding' ahead of Classic

TAMPA, Fla. -- When Jonathan Loáisiga made his big league debut with the Yankees in 2018, the right-hander was a fresh-faced 23-year-old with an electric arm, aiming to soak up information from a relief crew that featured veterans like Aroldis Chapman, David Robertson and Dellin Betances.

Now entering his sixth season in the Majors, Loáisiga has a solid track record and feels ready to offer advice to the next generation. As he prepares to depart Yankees camp for the World Baseball Classic, Loáisiga said he looks forward to spending time with the relatively inexperienced squad representing Nicaragua.

“We have a roster that is full of young guys looking for an opportunity to play baseball,” Loáisiga said through a translator. “Whether it's in an independent league or here in MLB, they're hungry for an opportunity. I just want to be a source for those guys to pick up any information. Any tips they want from me, I’m going to be available and I’m going to be there for them.”

There have been 15 players from Nicaragua to appear in a Major League game, and the WBC roster features four: Loáisiga, Erasmo Ramírez, J.C. Ramírez and Cheslor Cuthbert. Loáisiga is one of three Yankees participating in the Classic, with Kyle Higashioka (Team USA) and Gleyber Torres (Venezuela) also set to play.

“It means a lot to me to be able to represent my country, my family and friends,” Loáisiga said. “I know they're going to be cheering and they're going to be watching. Besides playing in the big leagues, you always want to play and represent your country. And now to be able to do that on that stage in the WBC, such a big tournament, it's going to mean a lot.”

Loáisiga has modest expectations for his country's success, remarking, "I hope we win a game." He made his second appearance of the spring on Saturday, permitting one run on three hits with two strikeouts in New York’s 14-10 Grapefruit League loss to the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

“I think he looks great again today, even though [there were] three broken-bat hits,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I think with him knowing that he was playing in the WBC, he came in really ready to roll. He looks that way to me. He looks outstanding.”

The 28-year-old is coming off an up-and-down campaign in which he went 2-3 with a 4.13 ERA in 50 appearances, missing two months with a right shoulder injury. Boone noted that Loáisiga’s numbers improved markedly in the second half, when he posted a 1.82 ERA in 30 appearances and held opponents to a .191 batting average.

“In 2021, he was awesome all year,” Boone said. “In 2022, the second half and the postseason [were strong]. Hopefully now he puts that all together and is the monster reliever we know he’s capable of being.”

Loáisiga’s resurgence continued into the playoffs, where he pitched to an 0.96 ERA in six appearances against the Guardians and Astros.

“Taking into consideration the first half, which was rough, I feel like I was able to finish strong and put together a good season there at the end,” Loáisiga said. “Of course, we didn't get the result we wanted in the playoffs. We want that championship; that's what we're looking for. But at the end, I felt pretty good and I was able to finish strong.”