Panthers sign Cuban pitcher Yankiel Mauris

KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers have just added a big weapon on the mound for the stretch drive.

Cuban pitcher Yankiel Mauris has signed with the team, bringing the team's compliment of import players up to four.

Mauris, 28, has spent the last several seasons competing for his hometown Sancti Spiritus squad in the Cuban National Series. He also played for Ganaderos in the Cuban Elite League in 2022.

In 2023-24, Mauris was the key late game option for Sancti Spiritus, coming into 27 games as a reliever. 

He nabbed a 7-1 record, finishing 11 games and collecting eight saves. Mauris struck out 40 and walked 19 and held a 5.17 ERA in 62.2 innings of work.

Internationally, Mauris most recently represented Cuba at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile.

He will reunite with former battery mate in catcher Yunior Ibarra. Sancti Spiritus is also the former team of former Panther Yuen Socarras.

"Yankiel led the Cuban league in saves this year, and can also start," said general manager Mike Boehmer.

"We like his versatility. Yankiel has international experience with Team Cuba and is used to high pressure situations. Yankiel will be a good addition to our pitching staff as we head into the stretch drive."

In order to make room on the roster, the Panthers have also released Jayden Kemp.

Mauris arrives in Canada on Wednesday, July 31.

The Kitchener Panthers next home game is against Hamilton on July 25. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW and #PackTheJack!

YANKIEL MAURIS

Position: Pitcher

Hometown: Sancti Spiritus, Cuba

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 158 lbs

Hits/Pitches: R/R

Birthdate: January 2, 1996

Pronunciation: Yan-keel Morrice