Yozzen Cuesta, first basemen of the Cuban baseball team competing at the World Baseball Challenge, is believed to be seeking to defect from the country.
"We're working on a scenario right now with the authorities," WBC chair Jim Swanson said. "I can't say much because the process is going through - you've got to give me a couple hours - but there but there are indications at this time that yes, one of the players has left the team."
Tonight's final between Cuba and Japan will still be played, Swanson said.
Asked if the move could compromise the WBC's chances of getting the Cubans back for a future tournament, Swanson said defections at other tournaments have not stopped the Cubans from returning.
"We've built a very strong relationship with the Cuban baseball federation and this contingent in particular," Swanson said.
