CLEARWATER, Fla. — World Series MVP Cole Hamels left training camp Monday and flew to Philadelphia to have his left elbow examined by Phillies team physician Michael Ciccotti.
The 25-year-old left-hander made his first Grapefruit League start Wednesday. He pitched in an intrasquad game Sunday and didn’t report any pain during four innings.
“It’s just been that kind of mild discomfort, something I don’t want to have to deal with during the season,” Hamels said.
Venezuela 2, Puerto Rico 0
MIAMI — Ramon Hernandez was correctly awarded a home run following a bungled replay review, and Venezuela advanced to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.
Puerto Rico lost for the first time in five WBC games and will face the United States tonight, with the loser eliminated and the winner advancing to the semifinals this weekend in Los Angeles. The game offers Team USA a chance to avenge an 11-1 loss to Puerto Rico on Saturday that triggered the mercy rule, ending the rout in the seventh inning.
Ivan Rodriguez, a 14-time all-star catcher, went 1-for-4 in the wake of reports he’s closing in on a contract with the Astros. His average in the tournament fell to .526 (10-for-19).
“There isn’t anything certain yet. Right now the only team I have is Puerto Rico,” Rodriguez said.
Ramirez out at least week
PHOENIX — Outfielder Manny Ramirez’s hamstring injury will keep him out of games for at least a week.
“We’re just going to keep him out,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “I can’t give you a time because I don’t know the time, but it’s certainly going to be through the weekend.”
The Associated Press
