Soto progresses in Padres camp with optimism for WBC trip
Juan Soto ran sprints in the outfield, took some big swings in batting practice and signed a few autographs at the San Diego Padres spring training complex Wednesday after the early workout to test a left calf that kept him in Arizona.
Soto, who has been dealing with calf tightness, could still join the Dominican Republic team in Miami before it begins group play in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday against Venezuela. He even did some outfield work during his workout.
Padres manager Bob Melvin said the team increased the progression of Soto's work, and that the outfielder could play in a "B" game against Cleveland on Thursday.
“If he plays in that, hopefully we can get him cleared ... and optimistic for potentially getting him on the road Friday,” Melvin said.
Soto remained in Peoria, Arizona, for treatment when Manny Machado, Luis García and Nelson Cruz left the Padres camp Monday to join the Dominican Republic.
The 42-year-old Cruz, trying to make San Diego's roster as a designated hitter/outfielder, is general manager for his country in the WBC.
Melvin said he had spoken to Cruz, who was trying to get a feel for Soto's status.
Cruz also was expected to speak with Padres GM A.J. Preller.
Once cleared, there would be no limits on Soto in the WBC.
“The plan is to get him get out in the field and let him play, and hopefully he can play in the field,” Melvin said.
“But I think the backup plan would probably be DH.”
San Diego obtained the 24-year-old Soto in a trade-deadline deal last season. The Washington Nationals traded the twotime All-Star and 2019 World Series champion after he turned down a $440 million, 15-year contract.
DeGROM DEALING Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom is moving closer to his first game action with the Texas Rangers, after bringing some heat to batting practice in Surprise, Arizona.
The Rangers held deGrom out of their first scheduled workout three weeks ago after he reported tightness in his left side. They are still being cautious, but the right-hander has been throwing regularly, and on Wednesday was at 98-99 mph with his fastball.
He hit 100 mph on the last of his 35 pitches during the equivalent of two innings during BP.
Manager Bruce Bochy had said before the workout that he felt deGrom had turned a corner in his season preparation.
Texas signed deGrom to a $185 million, five-year contract in December. The 34-year-old deGrom spent the first nine years of his big league career with the New York Mets, but injuries limited him to 156 1/3 innings in 26 starts over the past two seasons.
In the Rangers' exhibition game at Arizona, starter Jon Gray threw three scoreless innings, five days after being a late scratch from his scheduled start because of back tightness.
The right-hander is going into the second year of a $56 million, fouryear deal.