SIGNING TRACKER: Yankiel Mauris returns for full season

KITCHENER - A reliable arm from late last season is coming back.

Yankiel Mauris will be one of the five import players for the Kitchener Panthers this upcoming season.

Mauris worked as both a starter and reliever when he made the move at last year's transaction deadline.

He was the winning pitcher in Kitchener's only playoff win last season, pitching 3.2 innings and struck out four of the 12 batters he faced in Game 1 of the first round against Welland.

During the regular season, he made five appearances, including two starts. He posted a 3.29 ERA in 13.2 innings of work, striking out 12 and walking four.

He since represented Cuba at the Premier 12 tournament, where he was teammates with newly acquired Panther Andy Vargas.

Mauris also made an international appearance at the 2023 Pan Am Games.

Before moving to Kitchener, Mauris was a mainstay with Sancti Spiritus in the Cuban National Series.

In 2023-24, he posted a 7-1 record with a 3.30 ERA in 62.2 innings and 27 appearances.

He made eight saves while posting 40 strikeouts to 19 walks.

"We are thrilled to have Yankiel back with us this year," said general manager Shanif Hirani.

"In his short time last year, he showed his versatility by pitching effectively as a starter and reliever. I'm excited for what he will be able to do over a full season with us. We expect him to throw a lot of high leverage innings for us."