Sometimes, the front page of the newspaper disrupts the pages of the sports section. The U.S. military action in Venezuela has disrupted the round-robin league tournament for the Venezuelan Winter League. An operation was launched in the early morning hours of Saturday to capture President Nicolas Maduro and bring him to the United States to face drug and weapons charges. The military was successful, but the action has thrown the country into an upheaval. The U.S. operation triggered attacks on infrastructure, widespread strikes, protests, and regional tensions as the country is now under U.S. control according to President Donald Trump.

Phillies players who have been playing in the Venezuelan Winter League this year include: Rafael Marchan, pitchers Jose Alvarado, Moises Chace, and Leonel Aponte. Pitcher Ranger Suarez, who is currently a free agent, is also participating in the league.

In addition to the civil unrest, a state of emergency has been declared, making it impossible for the games to be played. There is also concern for the safety of players, fans, and staff and the Caribbean Series in in jeopardy. The league is reportedly looking at alternative ways of crowning a champion as the volatility continues and shows no signs of easing. The suspension is termed as being indefinite.

The Caribbean Series matches teams from winter leagues in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic to award one championship among the various leagues. Whether or not a Venezuelan League champion will be crowned or whether they would be able to participate in the Caribbean Series is still not known.

This isn’t the first time that unrest has interrupted the league. In 2019 Major League Baseball banned their players from participating in the league due to U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s state-run oil company, which is a major sponsor of the league. There have been other seasons that have been disrupted in Venezuela due to political strikes and/or violence.

Please scroll down to comment on this story or to give it a rating. We appreciate your feedback!

PBN Logo

Disclaimer: Some of the products featured or linked on this website may generate income for Philly Baseball News through affiliate commissions, sponsorships, or direct sales. We only promote items we believe in, but please assume that PBN may earn a cut from qualifying purchases that you make using a link on this site.

Privacy Policy | Contact us

© 2025 LV Sports Media. All rights reserved.