MLB Spring Training: health concerns for Justin Verlander and more
By Bill Felber
Willie Calhoun suffered a fractured jaw. Justin Verlander reported arm soreness. Trey Mancini left MLB spring training camp to deal with a medical issue.
Most of Sunday’s MLB spring training headlines were melancholy. The Texas Rangers lost a starting outfielder, possibly for an extended period, to a fractured jaw. Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander pulled himself halfway through a scheduled stint against the Mets, citing soreness.
And the Baltimore Orioles announced that starting outfielder Trey Mancini had left camp to deal with what was described as a non-baseball medical situation. There was no elaboration.
Here are Sunday’s winners and losers from MLB spring training.
Winner: The three-inning starter
Need proof that spring training lasts too long? We’re now two full weeks into spring games, yet many teams are still limiting their best pitchers to three-inning workouts.
On Sunday alone, the Dodgers, Mets, Rockies, Pirates, Mariners, and Orioles were among teams that sent front-line talent to the mound but demanded just three innings of performance before calling it a day.
In Cincinnati camp, Trevor Bauer, a potential Opening Day starter, delivered four innings and pronounced himself ready for the regular season to begin.
“I’m ready to go,” Bauer told reporters after allowing just one hit and striking out four. “I’m able to command all my pitches, the velo is there…all my stuff is sharp.”
Who needs reps?