In the interest of the national pastime, they will be granted political asylum.
Via WRAL
Ahead of Friday night’s game between the USA Collegiate National Team and the Cuban Senior National Team at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, two Cuban baseball players have defected while in the United States.
Heriberto Suarez Pereda, commissioner of baseball in Cuba, confirmed the defections to WRAL. He said that while it is a huge loss for the team in terms of talent, it is also a very personal decision for the players.
Third baseman Luis Yander La O and outfielder Yadiel Hernandez each left the team while on tour in the United States in preparation for the Pan Am Games in Toronto.
The U.S. and Cuba opened their 2015 summer Friendship Series in Cary Wednesday night and played again at DBAP Thursday. Team USA won each game 2-0. The series will conclude in Charlotte over the weekend.