BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Cuban Defector Makes Pitching Debut for Cardinals

Pitcher Rene Arocha made his exhibition debut for the St. Louis Cardinals in their 4-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Arocha, 26, defected to the United States in July. The Cardinals won his rights in a lottery and signed him to a minor league contract.

Arocha, who pitched on three World Amateur Championship teams for Cuba, gave up one run and three hits. Manager Joe Torre said that Arocha has a chance to make the team.

“He’d be a good swingman for us or he could be a legitimate long man,” Torre said. “We’re going to keep him around.”