Why do Mexicans have little space in MLB rotations?
Historically, the mexican pitchers have been characterized by reaching Major Leagues and be part of a starting rotation. However, in 2026 the situation has been complicated by various factors: injuries, team decisions and the lack of depth in Mexican starting pitchers.
Next, each of the situations that explain the limited Aztec presence in the current season are addressed. There are several elements that have caused Mexico today have so few options for openers in the different teams of MLB.
Taijuan Walker began the season in the starting rotation; However, his position is not assured. He has not had a good start, since in three decisive outings he has recorded a 1-2 record and an ERA of 7.36.
He has allowed 12 runs in just 14.2 innings pitched. The right-hander could lose his place if his performance does not improve, especially since Zack Wheeler is already in the process of rehabilitation in the Minor Leagues.
The right-hander boasts a 3-0 record and a 1.25 ERA in four starts, in addition to accumulating 29 strikeouts. Bradley has been key for Minnesota to remain competitive in its division and aims to have the best year of his MLB career.
Mexicans relegated to the bullpen
The Colorado Rockies are the team with the largest number of active Mexican players on their roster. So far they have two pitchers who, at some point in their careers, have been starters, but who currently do not fulfill that role on the Denver team.
The first case is Brennan Bernardino, who has established himself as one of the team’s most reliable arms. He has nine relief pitches, a 1-0 record and a microscopic ERA of 1.29. Although he already started one game this season, he did so only as an opener, pitching two-thirds of an inning.
Valente Bellozo He was the other arm with starting experience on the Colorado roster, but he was sent to the Minor Leagues a couple of days ago.
During his time in MLB he did not have good results: he recorded three reliefs, a 0-1 record, an ERA of 7.59 and even allowed a grand slam. Both Bernardino and Bellozo could be considered for rotation if necessary within the organization.
Finally, there is the case of Jose Urquidy, who earned a place on the Opening Day roster with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but not as a starter, but as a reliever. In this new role he has not managed to establish himself as a reliable option.
Although he saved a game in his season debut, he has allowed six earned runs in 6.1 innings and already has one loss in five appearances.
In addition to taking into account that Taijuan walker He could also have the same fate as Urquidy, Bellozo and Bernardino. once I return Zack Wheeler Philadelphia’s rotation could include a move to the bullpen for Walker, a situation that was quite common during 2025.
Injuries affect Mexican starters
One of the great expectations for this season was Cody Ponce with the Toronto Blue Jays. The pitcher returned to MLB after standing out in the Japanese league. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in his debut with the American League champion, which practically ruled him out of the season.
Ponce has already undergone ligament surgery and his recovery will take at least six months, so everything indicates that he could pitch again until 2027.
For his part, the left-handed Patrick Sandoval He has had a slow recovery after undergoing Tommy John surgery in mid-2024, when he was still with the Angels.
Until now he has not been able to debut with the Red Sox, the team with which he signed last year. He was recently assigned to rehab in Triple-A with Worcester Red Sox, and could become an option for manager Alex Cora if he can regain his form, with a view to eventually integrating into Boston’s rotation.
