Roark goes for U.S. vs. Japan
Tebow will join the Fireflies, the Mets’ Class A affiliate
LOS ANGELES — Tanner Roark is getting a chance to redeem himself in the World Baseball Classic.
The Washington Nationals pitcher will start for the United States against Japan in the semifinals at Dodger Stadium tonight. The Americans are trying to reach the championship game for the first time in four editions of the WBC.
The Netherlands faced Puerto Rico late Monday night for the other spot in Wednesday’s final.
Japan advanced to the semifinals by winning Pool E with a 3-0 record. The U.S. finished second to Puerto Rico in Pool F with a 2-1 record.
Manager Jim Leyland is turning to Roark against right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano.
Roark came on in relief during a 7-5 loss to the Dominican Republic in the first round on March 11 in Miami. The right-hander allowed a solo homer to Manny Machado that launched the Dominicans’ comeback, along with a two-run single by Carlos Santana.
“He’s gotten the short end of the stick a little bit so far, to be honest with you, the way things worked out,” Leyland said Monday. “But he deserves this start. He’s been a trooper. He signed up for this event, and I’m pitching him. I feel very, very comfortable about it.”
Roark appreciates the opportunity in a game he says is the biggest of his career because of the single-elimination format.
“It’s been a little bit since I’ve been in there facing live hitters,” he said. “But the key is to pitch to my strength, and that is throw strikes and get outs.”
Roark has worked to stay sharp in multiple bullpen sessions and by watching games closely.
“Just trying to stay mentally focused on the game, even though I’m not in there,” he said. “Just watching how the hitters react, and just watching and trying to learn as much as I can from all these guys.”
TEBOW: Tim Tebow’s baseball odyssey will continue in South Carolina with the Columbia Fireflies, the Mets’ low Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League, where he will play every day as he attempts his transition from quarterback to corner outfielder.
“Sending him to a full-season club is what we hoped to be able to do,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told Newsday on Monday. “And based on what he’s done in spring training, and his whole body of work since last fall, we feel comfortable with him going to Columbia.”
The Mets have been consistent in saying that Tebow’s development is tied to playing in as many games possible. Not long after instructional league, he was sent to the Arizona Fall League, even though Alderson said the Mets knew he’d be “somewhat overmatched, especially early on.”
PIRATES: The Pirates are installing new protective netting that now extends to the end of the dugouts at PNC Park, the club announced Monday. The move is a fan-safety measure but surely will frustrate some fans who desire an entirely unobstructed view of the field.
BLUE JAYS: Josh Donaldson made his spring training debut Monday, going 0 for 2 with a walk in his first game since injuring his right calf more than a month ago.
The 2015 AL MVP hurt himself Feb. 17 while running sprints.
YANKEES: Shortstop Didi Gregorius has a bruised right shoulder, ending his time at the World Baseball Classic and leaving his status for opening day in doubt.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi didn’t put on a timetable on a return, only saying, “He’s going to be sidelined for a bit.”
RAYS: Defensive standout Kevin Kiermaier and the Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a sixyear, $53.6 million contract extension that keeps the centerfielder with the team through 2022.
RED SOX: Kyle Kendrick continued his bid for a spot in the depleted Boston rotation by working five innings, allowing the Orioles five hits and two earned runs while striking out four.
METS: Matt Harvey gave up three runs and seven hits in 4⅓ innings against the Tigers, striking out four. Mets manager Terry Collins had expressed concerns about Harvey’s command, and the former ace walked none.
PIRATES: Jung Ho Kang remains in a holding pattern. Kang is in South Korea waiting to obtain his United States visa and be cleared for travel to Bradenton, where Pirates’ spring training has been in full swing for more than a month.
REDS: A member of the Reds Hall of Fame will serve as grand marshal of the Reds’ Opening Day parade. Sean Casey will be this year’s grand marshal.
… The Reds have chosen newcomer Scott Feldman to start on opening day against the Phillies. Injuries have depleted the Reds’ rotation for the second straight spring training. Homer Bailey had surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow and is expected to miss the first two months of the season. Anthony DeSclafani, who was in line to start the opener on April 3, will go on the disabled list with a sore pitching elbow.