Major League Baseball's preseason intensifies after the conclusion of the 2023 World Classic and Opening Day approaches. Here are the latest details.
The World Classic was a Resounding Success
Baseball fans and pundits didn't know what to expect from the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic. But after the last out, a poche by Shohei Ohtani to Mike Trout, the ruling was in favor of the World Classic.
The success of the event was mainly due to the presence of the best teams from each club. The inclusion of some professional players in Cuba's roster and the emergence of European teams raise expectations for the next edition in 2026.
Altuve Out Two Months
Following the events of the World Classic, Astros second baseman José Altuve suffered a blow to his right hand, fracturing his thumb. After surgery to correct the fracture, Altuve is expected to be out at least two months according to Astros General Manager Dana Brown.
In the meantime, Altuve will rejoin the preseason and travel with the team at the start of the regular season. The club expects Altuve to return to the lineup by the end of May.
Kershaw: Urias Deserves It
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw addressed the possible naming of Mexican Julio Urias as the Opening Day starter. The Cy Young winner was excited about the idea of Urias as the first man on the mound. While manager Dave Roberts has not made his starting rotation official, Urias' work has made it clear that he is the best option.
Urias is scheduled to pitch this Friday against the Brewers in what would be his last start before Opening Day. Urias participated with the Mexican national team in the World Classic, but left the team prior to the semifinal game against Japan to join the Dodgers for the preseason.
THE BEST IN HISTORY
The MLB website has chosen the semifinal game between Mexico and Japan as the best game in the history of the World Baseball Classic so far.
A game with great emotions that ended with Mexico lying on the field#LaCasaDelRey pic.twitter.com/2lkGUT1opB
- Beisbolpuro (@Beisbolpuro) March 22, 2023
Nola Avoids the Worst Part
San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola got a tremendous scare when he took a pitch to the face while batting. Padres manager Bob Melvin indicated that Nola suffered a small fracture to his nose, but no significant swelling.
The Padres expect Nola to be off the field for the next few days. Nola will be back in the lineup this week.
Soto Bajo Medical Checkup
Regarding injuries in the San Diego bullpen, manager Bob Melvin indicated that outfielder Juan Soto was under medical examination due to discomfort in his left side. Soto received an MRI to rule out a major injury.
Soto participated in the World Classic with the Dominican Republic lineup. Following his outing, Soto suffered an injury in a B-squad game this past Sunday. According to manager Melvin, the injury is expected to be minor and Soto is not expected to be out for the start of the season.