Major League Baseball is in full swing in both Florida and Arizona for spring training, but most baseball fans are starting to shift their focus to the World Baseball Classic. Beginning March 7, 2023, the WBC has some of the top names across the world of baseball playing for countries all over the world.
WBC
Excitement is growing for the WBC as some exhibition games have begun, including a game played in Japan where Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani had two 3-run home runs. The United States begin pool play on March 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona at 10 p.m. EST against Great Britain. It was announced that St. Louis Cardinal Adam Wainwright will start the game.
The Dominican Republic is the betting odds favorite to win the WBC. The Dominican is full of top MLB talent including Rafael Devers, Wander Franco, Manny Machado, Eloy Jiménez, Juan Soto and Julio Rodriguez. With pitchers Sandy Alcantara, Johnny Cueto, Camilo Doval, Héctor Neris and Yimi Garcia.
The USA may not be the favorites to win it all, but they have their best assembled team in years, and fans will be able to see many of the league’s best players set against each other night after night.
Injury Updates
Boston Red Sox Justin Turner was struck in the face by a pitch in Monday’s bout with the Detroit Tigers. The 38-year-old was surrounded by trainors and left the field with a towel to his face. He was sent to a hospital in Fort Myers, Florida and was treated for soft tissue injuries. Turner was released with 16 stitches.
New York Met Jose Quintana was expected to be pitching for Colombia in the WBC, but after a rib injury, his start to the MLB season is now in question. Quintana sustained a small stress fracture in his fifth rib on his left side. The Mets shelled out $26 million over two years to Quintana over the offseason. There is currently no timetable for Quintana’s return.
Red Sox Chris Sale threw two scoreless innings in his spring training debut. The 33-year-old is attempting to make a comeback this season after his previous three were ridden with injuries. Sale has thrown 48 ⅓ innings since 2019.
Mike Clevinger
New Chicago White Sox hurler Mike Clevinger was vindicated from abuse accusations by MLB and their joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. Clevinger signed a 1-year, $12 million deal with the White Sox this offseason and before the release by MLB was in danger of having the contract suspended.
Goodbye LoCain
Two-time All-Star Lorenzo Cain will officially retire this summer with the Kansas City Royals. Cain won the 2014 ALCS MVP and the 2015 World Series with the Royals. The Royals announced they were working on a date to bring Cain back to Kaufman Stadium sometime this summer for his official retirement ceremony. Cain played 13 seasons with two teams: the Milwaukee Brewers and the Royals. Cain finished third in MVP voting in the 2015 season.