BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT

Nearly one year after defecting from Cuba to play professional baseball in the United States, left-handed pitcher Eddie Oropesa was selected in the 14th round of the amateur draft, signed with the Dodgers and departed for Florida. And before he reports Monday to the Dodger training camp in Vero Beach, he will be reunited with his mother, Magalis Gausch, in Miami for the first time since he fled the island.

His wife, Rita Maria, and 4-month-old son, Eddie Jr., are still in Cuba, and Oropesa, 22, who has been living in Sylmar, said he will continue efforts to bring them to the United States.

“So many things have rushed through my mind since (Thursday),” Oropesa said. “My mom coming to visit, my wife and my son. . . . I can’t describe what a feeling it was to sign the contract.”

Scout Mike Brito has recommended Oropesa begin his professional career at double-A San Antonio.

Oropesa made headlines last July when he jumped a fence at the baseball venue in Buffalo during the World University Games and asked for political asylum. He is one of several Cuban players who have defected over the past few months and one of the latest to join the pro ranks. Many have lived together in Sylmar since their defections.