As the Los Angeles Dodgers press ahead with their Cactus League schedule, several players are on the verge of leaving camp to participate in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Ike Davis (Israel) was the first departure.
To follow are Rob Segedin (Italy) on Sunday, March, 5, Kiké Hernandez (Puerto Rico) and the Mexican trio, Adrian Gonzalez, Sergio Romo and Alex Verdugo, on Monday, March 6. Gonzalez’s availability for the WBC was once in question as he reported to Camelback Ranch with tennis elbow (right).
After multiple weeks of inactivity, the veteran first baseman made a steady recovery and is on track to participate in the international tournament.
According to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times, Gonzalez will appear in one game for the Dodgers prior to joining Mexico:
Adrian Gonzalez (elbow) expected to make Cactus League debut Monday, Dave Roberts says. #Dodgers
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 3, 2017
Gonzalez will extend his streak of playing for Mexico in every WBC thus far (2006, 2009 and 2013). He joined them last spring for the WBC qualifier. Mexico opens the 2017 WBC against Italy on Thursday, March 9, at Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently downplayed any concern over Gonzalez going from weeks of inactivity to suddenly thrust into the thick of WBC competition. “With Adrian, he’s a different player,” Roberts said. “He has a very good feel for his body.”
