Otto Lopez will have to wait a few more days before returning to Toronto Blue Jays training camp, since the Quebecer, after an excellent World Baseball Classic tournament, is injured.
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According to the Sportsnet network, the Montrealer would be annoyed by pain in his left groin and will need some well-deserved rest. The Jays will also be cautious with the young shortstop, who will try to carve out a position this season.
Lopez was one of Canada’s best players during the group stage. He led the team with six RBIs in 17 batting appearances, maintaining a .294 average. He particularly stood out against Colombia hitting a long ball and a triple.
His teammate with Canada, Abraham Toro, returned to action immediately with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Quebecer obtained a single in three appearances at the plate.
Two losses for the price of one
On Friday afternoon, the Blue Jays split their roster into two to face the Philadelphia Phillies simultaneously in Dunedin and Clearwater. The only major league baseball team in Canada has been defeated every time.
In a 4-2 loss, pitcher Chris Bassitt’s good start was marred by a performance below expectations from Erik Swanson. The reliever came into the sixth inning tied at 1-1. The 29-year-old quickly allowed an opponent to get to the bases, which Gabriel Rincones Jr. cleared moments later with a homer.
Rhys Hoskins, also on a long ball, and Nick Castellanos, with a single, added the other Phillies runs. Cam Eden replied with a shot out of bounds. The Jays’ other point came on a defensive error.
It was no better in the other game, which the Phillies won 8 to 1. The Queen City team had fielded most of their starters for this game, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. point on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.
Jake Cave terrorized the Jays’ pitchers with three hits and as many RBIs. Kody Clemens added two with a home run and a payout single.
Mexico in the semi-finals
Later, at the World Baseball Classic, Mexico advanced to the semi-finals by beating Puerto Rico 5-4.
Mexico, which trailed 4-0 after just one end, pulled off a spectacular comeback to win.
Isaac Paredes and Luis Urias hit productive singles in the seventh inning to give their side a first-of-the-game lead. The Mexican Gunners then closed the door by giving up just four hits in the final four innings.
Mexico will face Japan in the semi-finals. The other duel will oppose Cuba to the winner of the confrontation between the United States and Venezuela.