Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, relief pitcher Vidal Nuño and outfield prospect Alex Verdugo were named to Mexico’s roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Sergio Romo, who’s reportedly agreed to terms with the Dodgers, will also represent Mexico.
Dodgers pitching prospect Julio Urias is included in their designated pitcher pool. Teams will have the option to add two pitchers between each WBC round. “Obviously, [Urias] is a pitcher everyone wants to see on the roster,” Mexican manager Edgar Gonzalez said from Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.
“It came down to a decision between him and the team that he isn’t ready to throw yet.” Adrian Gonzalez noted the timing of the WBC, and the challenge it presents for starting pitchers, considering they’ve yet to build their innings base in Spring Training.
Gonzalez has played for Mexico in every WBC thus far (2006, 2009 and 2013). As expected, Yasiel Puig is not joining Mexico for the international tournament.
Last October, Puig expressed a desire to play alongside his Dodgers teammate, but in December it was reported the 26-year-old outfielder did not submit the necessary paperwork in time.
Mexico opens their 2017 WBC slate against Italy on March 9 at Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Guadalajara. Gonzalez and Romo spoke fondly of playing in Guadalajara, and Edgar Gonzalez said he expects his club to feed off the environment.
Dodger Stadium will host the WBC semifinals and final March 20-22. Japan won the WBC in 2006 and 2009, and the Dominican Republic won most recently in 2013.
As for potentially playing at Dodger Stadium with the WBC title on the line, Romo called it a “childhood dream” and “tremendous honor.”
