The Detroit Tigers are set to play a two-game exhibition series against the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic team in Santo Domingo, starting Tuesday. The event honors victims of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, with MLB donating to the Dominican Red Cross. Players like Wenceel Pérez anticipate an emotional homecoming.
The Detroit Tigers will face the Dominican Republic national team in a two-game series at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo, beginning Tuesday night. The first game airs live on MLB Network at 6 p.m. ET, with Ty Madden starting for the Tigers, followed by a bullpen-led game on Wednesday afternoon featuring Burch Smith.
For outfielder Wenceel Pérez, the matchup holds special significance. The stadium is where the Tigers scouted him as a teenager, and he will play in front of about two dozen friends and family. "I think it's going to be one of my top moments in baseball, representing the Tigers in the D.R.," Pérez said Monday before the team flew to Santo Domingo. "It's going to be an honor for me."
The series commemorates victims of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, including a pregame ceremony attended by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Major League Baseball will donate to the Dominican Red Cross. Manager A.J. Hinch described the trip as "a heightened, more enjoyable trip than the grind of the day to day of spring."
Catching prospect Thayron Liranzo joins Pérez in experiencing a homecoming, allowing family to see them in Tigers uniforms for the first time. Pérez emphasized the event's importance: "I think this is very important to us and the country, too, that we are playing big games there."
The Tigers roster includes All-Star Riley Greene, Javier Báez, Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith, and Jake Rogers, plus prospects Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark. Framber Valdez, who debuted Monday against Atlanta, will be in the dugout. "It’s exciting. I’m happy for both teams," Valdez said through translator Carla Diaz.
Greene looks forward to the atmosphere: "It's literally an All-Star team." The Dominican squad features infielders Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Junior Caminero, and Jeremy Peña; outfielders Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Oneil Cruz; and catcher Agustín Ramírez. Their pitching staff is led by Sandy Alcantara and Cristopher Sánchez, with relievers Carlos Estévez, Camilo Doval, and Gregory Soto.
Greene added, "It might feel somewhat like a playoff," highlighting the expected crowd energy in the baseball-loving nation. The series provides a break from Spring Training routines.
