Verlander close to facing live hitters after bullpen session

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Justin Verlander said Friday he is “definitely getting close” to facing hitters but unsure if that will be the next step in his buildup from a shoulder issue.

Verlander, who will open the season on the injured list, threw a bullpen session Thursday that simulated his normal pre-game routine and one inning, totaling about 70 pitches off a mound. He said it will be the team’s decision whether he can progress to facing hitters but that he is “hopeful” about taking that step.

“Personally, yeah,” Verlander said. “I’ve been very transparent with the staff here every day and nothing has changed. Yesterday, after my bullpen when discussing next steps, it was definitely brought up by me. And I think it’s definitely on the table.

“But this literally has been and continues to be an everyday thing. And it’s like, all right, how do you feel, how do you feel, keep pushing it. And based on how I feel today I think it’s probable. I’m hopeful that I’m ready for it.”

Astros manager Joe Espada said Verlander was “upbeat” following his throwing session Thursday but did not confirm if he will face hitters next.

“The goal is for him to face hitters at some point,” Espada said. “We’re going to sit down with him and the medical staff and see what we do next.”

Matt Kawahara

Ohtani, Dodgers land in Seoul

Shohei Ohtani and his wife arrived in South Korea with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates on Friday ahead of next Wednesday’s season-opener against the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani, wearing a black training suit and a cap backwards, was the first Dodgers player who showed up at the arrival gate of Incheon international airport, west of Seoul. His wife, Mamiko Tanaka, walked several steps behind him.

Before departing for South Korea, Ohtani, a two-way Japanese phenomenon, revealed the identify of his wife by posting a photo of him and Tanaka, a 27-year-old ex-professional basketball player, on his Instagram account. Japanese media had already speculated that Ohtani’s wife was likely Tanaka.

Miracle Mets’ Mcandrew dies

Jim Mcandrew, who lost his major league debut to Bob Gibson in a 1968 spot start for the New York Mets when Nolan Ryan was called away to military duty, has died. He was 80.

Mcandrew died Thursday at Honorhealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center in Arizona after a brief illness, Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Friday.

A right-hander at the back end of the Mets rotation from 1968-73, Mcandrew started one of the most significant games in franchise history: a win over Montreal in September of 1969 that put the long downtrodden team into first place for the first time in New York’s eight seasons.

Mcandrew went 37-53 with a 3.65 ERA and six shutouts over seven seasons in the majors with the Mets and the San Diego Padres. He didn’t appear in the postseason for the 1969 World Series champions or 1973 NL pennant winners.

Odds and ends

Coming off a last-place finish in the NL Central, the St. Louis Cardinals displayed confidence in manager Oliver Marmol and announced a two-year contract extension through 2026 . ... Former Astros and Rangers righthander Jake Odorizzi rejoined the Tampa Bay Rays, agreeing Friday to a minor league contract . ... Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen has a fractured bone in his right wrist and could miss opening day, manager John Schneider said Friday.