Eflin makes good first impression with Rays
The most expensive free agent in Tampa Bay history made a good first impression with the Rays.
Zach Eflin struck out three of four Minnesota Twins batters on Thursday in his first spring training start, a game played at Tropicana Field. The right-hander signed a $40 million, three-year contract during the offseason, the most money the Rays have given to a free agent.
“Felt really good,” Elfin said. “Felt like I was in control. I felt like my offspeed was pretty good today, which is kind of a good foundation to start with.”
Eflin began last season in Philadelphia’s rotation but his last start was June 25 before being sidelined by right knee soreness. He returned Sept. 14 and made seven appearances out of the bullpen with a 1.17 ERA, then pitched in relief in 10 postseason games for the National League champions. He threw 4.1 scoreless innings over four World Series games.
His 2021 season was cut short by a torn tendon in his right knee that required surgery. He had surgery on both knees in 2016, the same year he made his big league debut with the Phillies.
Rojas out of WBC
Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas told reporters he is pulling out of the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela because he wants to focus on his role as the likely starting shortstop for Los Angeles.
The 34-year-old is expected to get more playing time following an injury to Gavin Lux, who tore ligaments in a knee this week and will miss the season.
“It’s definitely heartbreaking that I can’t go and participate with Venezuela,” Rojas told the Los Angeles Times. “The reason why is a new opportunity opened up for me — an opportunity to play every day at shortstop.”
Rockies woes
It was a double dose of less-than-encouraging news for the Colorado Rockie.
Manager Bud Black said Gold Glove-winning second baseman Brendan Rodgers could be looking at surgery after he dislocated his left shoulder while diving for a grounder up the middle in a game on Wednesday.
Black also said left-handed reliever Lucas Gilbreath has been dealing with an elbow issue and may be facing Tommy John surgery.
Rodgers was the third overall pick by the Rockies in 2015. He hit .266 with 13 homers and 63 RBIs last season.
Near no-no
The Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t get a hit in their 9-1 exhibition loss against the Yankees until Matt Fraizer led off the bottom of the ninth inning with an infield single
off non-roster right-hander Matt Bowman, the ninth New York pitcher.
Fraizer was erased on a double-play grounder, but Drew Maggi homered for the only Pirates run.
Each Yankees pitcher threw one inning. The first five were 40-man roster guys, with starter Lou Trivino followed by Wandy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Albert Abreu and Jimmy Cordero.
Top Yankees prospect Anthony Volpe led off the game with a homer.
Odor with Padres
Infielder Rougned Odor started at second base for the Padres after finalizing a minor league deal.
Manager Bob Melvin said Odor will get the opportunity to play since the Padres are short on infielders, especially with the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
If added to the 40-man roster, Odor would get an $800,000, one-year contract.
Odor, a left-handed hitter, batted .207 in 135 games with Baltimore last season, after a year with the Yankees and seven with Texas. He has a .231 career average.