Venezuelans Shine at MLB Futures Game

Venezuelan talent was on full display at the 2026 MLB All-Star Futures Game, held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Five young players from Venezuela took part in the event, showcasing their skills on an international stage.

Three of the Venezuelan prospects were part of the victorious American League squad, which secured a decisive 6-1 win over the National League's contingent. Among them, shortstop Franklin Arias went 2-for-0 with an RBI, while outfielder Nelson Rada was 3-for-0 with a run scored. Pitcher Kendry Chourio also made an appearance, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in two-thirds of an inning.

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It was a very special moment. I played with De Vries on the field, Made was also there, and it was something very beautiful.

"It was a very special moment," Arias commented on driving in a run with a ground ball, as reported by MLB.com. He shared the field with fellow countrymen Leo De Vries and Jesús Made, describing the experience as beautiful.

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It was very exciting. It was an experience fun. It's a good time to share with many of these guys against whom we will be playing in the future.

Representing the National League were catcher Alfredo Duno, who went 2-for-0, and Ethan Salas, also a catcher, who went 1-for-1. "It was very exciting," Salas remarked. "It was a fun experience. It's a good time to share with many of these guys we'll be playing against in the future."

Duno reflected on his journey to the prestigious event, stating, "My first two years were difficult. But now that I'm healthy, people can see what I'm capable of doing, my abilities, and thank God I'm achieving it."

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My first two years were difficult. But now that I am healthy, people can see what I am capable of doing, my abilities, and thanks to God I am achieving it.