Strroman Starting in WBC Quarterfinals, Suzuki Update, Mervis Returns to Cubs
The Cubs play two spring training games today, hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park, while half the team will head over to Glendale Ariz., to play against the White Sox in Cactus League action. Here are some of the latest notes from Cubs spring training.
Marcus Stroman Starts for Puerto Rico in Quarterfinals
Puerto Rico had a huge win over the Dominican Republic to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico’s win took a back seat to Edwin Diaz’s possible season-ending injury that he suffered while celebrating with his fellow countrymen after beating the Dominican Republic 5-2 on Wednesday.
Cubs right-hander and probable Opening Day starter Marcus Stroman will start for Puerto Rico against Mexico on Friday. The game will start after 6 p.m. CST.
Stroman started against Nicaragua in the group stage of the World Baseball Classic. The veteran right-hander tossed 4.2 innings, allowing two hits and one run, while striking out two. Stroman was taken out after throwing 65 pitches.
Los Angeles Dodgers lefty, Julio Urías, will start for Mexico. The winner of this game will play against Japan in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
Seiya Suzuki Playing Catch, Taking Dry Swings
Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki has been shutdown for a few weeks after he was diagnosed with a left oblique strain. He will reportedly begin the season on the injured list, but he is making progress.
David Ross told reporters on Thursday that Suzuki has started to play catch and has been taking dry swings, which he will continue to do for the rest of the week before the team checks on how he’s feeling again.
We won’t really know how Suzuki is feeling for a little bit longer, but hopefully there aren’t any setbacks and more importantly for his sake and the team’s, no one feels the need to rush back before being 100% recovered from the oblique strain.
Matt Mervis Back in Cubs Camp
Cubs first base prospect Matt Mervis was away for a few weeks with Team Israel, playing in the World Baseball Classic. The left-handed slugger started in all four of Israel’s games in pool play. Israel did not advance to the quarterfinals, finishing the group stage at 1-3.
Mervis is now back in Cubs camp and is in Friday’s lineup, starting at first base and batting eighth against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At this point, unless an injury pops up to Eric Hosmer, it seems like Mervis will begin the season at Triple-A Iowa.