Rene Lastres Has Shifted from Catcher to the Mound, Bringing Versatility and a Big-League Arm Feel to FIU
In the 2026 season, Rene Lastres transitioned from catcher to right-handed pitcher for FIU, giving the Panthers a two-way veteran who brings athleticism, adaptability, and strike-throwing upside to the staff. He has appeared in 13 games with two starts and logged 1.1 innings with a strikeout, while also showing he can handle pressure on the biggest stage after working 2.0 innings against Miami in April 2026. His value is less about eye-popping stats and more about roster flexibility, experience, and competitive toughness—an intriguing fit for a team that wants a versatile bullpen piece with a gritty edge.
