United States takes WBC title
Marcus Stroman tossed six hitless innings, Ian Kinsler slugged a two-run homer and the United States routed Puerto Rico, 8-0, last night in Los Angeles to win its first World Baseball Classic in four tries.
Stroman dominated the tournament’s highest-scoring team. Puerto Rico lost for the first time in eight games after outscoring the opposition 55-26. The U.S. territory finished runner-up for the second time, having lost to the Dominican Republic in the 2013 final.
Stroman, who was named the tournament’s MVP, avenged his shakiness in the Americans’ 6-5 loss to Puerto Rico during pool play. The right-hander from the Toronto Blue Jays retired the side on three grounders to open the game. In all, he gave up one hit, struck out three and walked one on 73 pitches.
He allowed just three balls past the infield until Angel Pagan’s double in the leftfield corner leading off the seventh, when Stroman departed to a standing ovation, having staked the Americans to a 7-0 lead.
Bautista easing back
Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista reported the lower back stiffness that prevented him from playing for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic last weekend is no longer an issue.
Bautista was in the original lineup for yesterday’s spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. But with an off day today, it was determined to have the right fielder play tomorrow instead.
“I’m feeling great,” Bautista said. “I talked to the staff and it makes no sense to just kind of crank it up. Just take a day off.”
Bautista is hopeful that his strong start, hitting .563 with two homers and six RBI in six games before leaving for the WBC, will continue.
“I’m seeing the ball well and feeling good at the plate,” Bautista said. “Just excited to be back in the swing of things with the guys, and looking forward to getting ready for the season.”
Bird lands at 1B
Greg Bird, who missed all of 2016 with a shoulder injury, was tabbed to be the New York Yankees’ Opening Day first baseman by manager Joe Girardi. Later in the day, Bird celebrated with a pair of home runs and five RBI in a Grapefruit League win against the Philadelphia Phillies. . . .
Minnesota Twins pitcher Trevor May has Tommy John elbow surgery and is out for the year. With May on the 60-day disabled list, reliever Craig Breslow was added to the 40-man roster. Breslow, invited to camp on a minor league deal, is among the finalists for a middle relief role.
Scherzer’s OK
Saying his ring finger feels normal after a stress fracture in a knuckle slowed his spring, Washington ace Max Scherzer proclaimed himself healed following his first start, a Washington loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The 2016 NL Cy Young Award winner will make two more Grapefruit League starts, but he won’t pitch the April 3 opener against the Miami Marlins. . . .
Carlos Martinez will start St. Louis’ April 2 opener against the World Series champion Chicago Cubs. Adam Wainwright had started the past four openers for the Cardinals.