The Cuban pitcher Liván Moinelo shone once again this Tuesday in the Japanese Professional Baseball League (NPB) by securing his second victory of the season with the SoftBank Hawks, in a 5-2 win over the Orix Buffaloes at the Kyocera Dome in the Pacific League.

Moinelo, a native of Pinar del Río, pitched five complete innings without allowing any runs, although he gave up six hits. He struck out four batters and did not issue any walks, confirming his usual control and dominance from the mound, according to the site JIT.

With this performance, the Cuban maintains an impressive ERA of 0.75 and shows a record of 2-0 in the current season. He has been credited with two of his team’s three victories.

From Reliever to Starter: A Successful Transition

Since last season, the SoftBank coaches made the wise decision to convert Moinelo into a starter, after several seasons as a standout reliever. In 2024, his stats positioned him among the top pitchers in the league, and in 2025 he has started with the same dominating level.

Despite their performance, the SoftBank Hawks are in fifth place (out of six) in the Pacific League, with three wins and six losses.

Raidel Martínez also stood out with the Giants

In another match of the day, which ended in a 3-3 tie after 12 innings between the Yomiuri Giants and DeNA Stars, the fellow player from Pinar del Río, Raidel Martínez, had a strong relief appearance.

The tall right-handed Cuban pitcher retired the three batters he faced in a perfect inning, maintaining his earned run average at 0.00.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liván Moinelo and his performance in the Japanese Baseball LeagueHow has Liván Moinelo performed in the Japanese Baseball League in 2025?

Liván Moinelo has had an outstanding performance in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league in 2025, winning his second victory of the season with the SoftBank Hawks and maintaining an ERA of 0.75. He has shown control and dominance on the mound, achieving impressive statistics as a starter following his transition from a relief role.

What has been the impact of Liván Moinelo’s change in role from reliever to starter?

The transition of Liván Moinelo from reliever to starter has been successful, allowing him to stand out even more in the NPB. Since last season, the SoftBank Hawks decided to convert him into a starter, and his statistics have placed him among the top pitchers in the league, maintaining a dominant level in 2025.

How does Liván Moinelo’s performance compare to his compatriot Raidel Martínez in the NPB?

Both Liván Moinelo and Raidel Martínez have made a significant impact in the NPB. Moinelo has stood out as a starter with an ERA of 0.75 and a record of 2-0, while Raidel Martínez, as a reliever, maintains an ERA of 0.00 and has proven to be one of the most reliable closers in the league. Both have made their mark in one of the most competitive baseball leagues in the world.

What recent achievements has Liván Moinelo obtained in his career in Japan?

Liván Moinelo won the Gold Glove in 2024, being recognized as the best defender in his position in the Japanese League. This award highlights his defensive skill and leadership with an impressive 1.88 earned runs allowed per nine innings, marking a historic milestone for Latin American pitchers in Japan.