Story perspectives

MLB Rushes Venezuelan Players' Training After U.S. Strike

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

In February 2026, after a U.S. military strike on Venezuela, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams expedited Venezuelan players' spring training arrival, hoping for smoother travel.
The closure of the U.S. embassy in Caracas since 2019 forced players to process P-1A visas in Colombia or the Dominican Republic, delaying arrivals.
The U.S. Department of State cooperated to facilitate entry for Venezuelan players, who mostly arrived safely with some late arrivals.

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Story summary

In February 2026, after a U.S. military strike on Venezuela, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams expedited Venezuelan players' spring training arrival, hoping for smoother travel.
The closure of the U.S. embassy in Caracas since 2019 forced players to process P-1A visas in Colombia or the Dominican Republic, delaying arrivals.
The U.S. Department of State cooperated to facilitate entry for Venezuelan players, who mostly arrived safely with some late arrivals.