Sports Writing (EFE).- The stellar slugger of the Padres, Juan Sotojoined the Dominican team that will debut this Saturday in the fifth edition of the World Baseball Classic, the manager of the San Diego team, Bob Melvin, reported on Friday.
“I took him out last night so he could train with the team the day before his first game,” Melvin told reporters in the US city of Surprise, Arizona, where the Padres are training ahead of the spring season. Big leagues.
Juan Soto could not join the Dominican roster last Monday, as planned, due to a stiff left calf, which led the Padres to evaluate him until Thursday, when he played a game against the Cleveland Guardians in the one who showed that he is in a position to play the tournament of nations.
“It was as we thought, Soto ran, stole a base and it felt good. It’s nice to have him there with his guys, ”Melvin said about the conditions shown by the outfielder in the game against the Guardians.
He added that he does not know if Juan Soto will be used as designated hitter, but indicated that the conditions he demonstrated allow him to play defense without problems.
“I think he’s cleared enough hurdles to potentially play left field,” said the manager, who said he hasn’t spoken to Padres general manager Nelson Cruz about it.
Far from feeling dissatisfied with Soto’s participation, the leader of the friars expressed his support for his participation in the World Baseball Classic.
“We welcome this tournament and understand that the boys want to play for their country, and it has become more and more popular each time it is played,” Melvin said.
In addition to Cruz and Soto, the Padres have contributed third baseman Manny Machado and pitcher Luis Garcia to the Dominican Republic’s national team roster.
The Dominican team will debut this Saturday against Venezuela at the Marlins stadium in Miami. EFE
