MLB Spring Training: health concerns for Justin Verlander and more

MLB Spring Training Recap: March 8

Loser: Willie Calhoun, Texas Rangers outfielder

The Rangers hopes for a productive offense took a literal hit Sunday when left fielder Willie Calhoun was struck in the face by a fastball. Doctors later diagnosed the injury as a fractured jaw,

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Dodger pitcher Julio Urias hit Calhoun in the bottom of the first inning. The game was delayed 10 minutes for on-field treatment, then Calhoun was transported to a hospital where the fracture was diagnosed. He is expected to be seen by a specialist Monday. But the Rangers are bracing for the worst.

“Knowing how important he is or our club… it’s a big setback for that to happen,” infielder Elvis Andrus said.

Loser: Justin Verlander, Houston Astros pitcher

Verlander made the start Sunday vs. the New York Mets, but left after just two innings, two fewer than he was expected to pitch. The reason: triceps soreness.

Astros manager Dusty Baker described Verlander’s removal as ‘precautionary,’ but added that Verlander would undergo a further medical evaluation.

“We got to take care of the big horse,” Baker declared.

In his second MLB spring training start, Verlander lost a few miles per hour off his fastball. “We don’t know if he is hurt,” Baker said.

Loser: Trey Mancini, Baltimore Orioles outfielder

Mancini, an Oriole veteran, left the team’s training facility for what was described as a ‘non-baseball medical procedure that is expected to be undertaken next week. Orioles players weren’t sure what that meant, but they knew it’s out of the ordinary, and that’s bad.

“Trey’s an enormous part of this team and a huge face for our club and everybody loves him,” manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Sunday. He said the team is “thinking about him and his well-being.”

In a Tweet, Mancini promised fans that “once there is more clarity, I will be sure to keep everyone updated.”

Loser: Carter Kieboom, Washington Nationals

The Nationals project Kieboom to take the place of Anthony Rendon as their starting third baseman. But so far this spring, the transition isn’t working too well, especially in the field.

Against the Detroit Tigers Sunday, Kieboom did get two hits and drive home one run. His defense, though, was another matter entirely.

The Nats led 5-4 entering the ninth inning when Derek Hill tripled and scored on Danny Woodrow’s base hit. A walk, a strikeout a couple of wild pitches and a sacrifice fly found the Tigers on top 6-5 when Daniel Pineiro sent a  two-out ground ball Kieboom’s way.

He fielded it but threw wildly to first, allowing a third run to score. It was Kieboom’s third spring error; he’s now carrying a .857 fielding average.