Erik González replacing Peña on the Dominican Republic’s Classic roster

MIAMI – Erik González has replaced Jeremy Peña on the Dominican Republic’s roster for the World Baseball Classic, the team announced on Friday, adding a versatile infielder to manager Albert Pujols’ star-studded roster.

González will join the Dominican team at loanDepot park prior to Friday night’s WBC opener against Nicaragua (7 p.m. ET on FS2).

“We made some calls to different players, and Erik González was available for us,” Pujols said. “He doesn't have a responsibility with any organization. He's a free agent in Mexico. … Erik is a great baseball player. He finished the winter league recently, and I think that we found in him the character we were looking for. He's a winner.”

Peña suffered a fracture to the tip of his right ring finger during an exhibition game on Wednesday, an injury that will keep him sidelined for at least two weeks.

“He's going to be there with us,” Dominican captain Manny Machado said. “We are going to have him in our hearts all the way until the end.”

Peña and Geraldo Perdomo were expected to see the bulk of time at shortstop for the Dominican, with Amed Rosario also capable of playing there. Perdomo started at shortstop in the opener, batting ninth.

González last played in the Majors in 2022 with the Marlins, appearing in 16 games. The 30-year-old was in the Reds organization in 2024, playing 128 games at Triple-A. He played for Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Miami during his seven seasons in the Majors (2016-2022).

Pujols was noncommittal with regard to how or when González will be utilized, saying it depends on how the games go during the tournament.

“I'm very excited to have him,” Pujols said. “He will be a key piece for the team.”