Natalia Chi
Mesa, Arizona — Matt Marvis Israel was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic and was the first player to return to the Cubs’ spring training camp.
“It was fun,” Marvis said on his first day home on Friday. But I think it was a really good experience for Team Israel as a whole, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to play for them.”
After finishing fourth in Pool D, Israel automatically qualified for the 2026 WBC. They were in a pool headlined by heavyweights from Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
“The main thing about Matt is that he had a really great experience,” said the manager. David Ross Said. “It’s really important to play in the WBC and play in that environment against some of the best in the world with really good competition. It’s an experience that everyone wants to have.
“Let’s get him back here and hit the plate and see how things go. Glad he’s back in camp.
First base candidate Marvis recorded a hit and walk in his first WBC game against Nicaragua. However, he went 0-10 for the rest of the tournament.
“It shows that there is still a lot of work to be done,” Marvis said. “I thought I had a good at bat, but I wasn’t very successful. But I also realized that if I’m going to play every day at the big league level the way I want to, I have to work on it.”
Marvis started at first base against the Dodgers in the split team game. He went 3-for-4 with a double.
Stroman Pitcher
The current and former Cubs made their mark in the WBC quarterfinals between Mexico and Puerto Rico.
right handed Marcus Stroman Start for Puerto Rico. After retiring the first four hitters he faced, he allowed a solo home run to a former Cubs prospect. Isaac ParedesStroman held Mexico to one run through the fifth inning when he gave up a bases loaded RBI single with one out. It closed his outing.
Cubs outfielder Nelson Velazquez Former Cubs shortstop after scoring Puerto Rico’s first hit and two hitters Hubby Baez He drove him in with a two-run home run.
right handed Javier Assad Coming out as a relief pitcher, he pitched 2‰ scoreless innings against Mexico to defeat Puerto Rico 5-4 and advance to the semifinals against Japan on Monday.
Suzuki progress
right fielder Seiya Suzuki (Left diagonal strain) pitched again on Friday, the third day of his light baseball run. He stretched out about 90 feet.
“The main thing is that he’s feeling good, he’s fine, he’s on the job,” Ross said. “And he seems to want to do a little bit each day.”
Suzuki is also working on a non-contact swing.
Ross said Suzuki is on track with his rehabilitation program.
The Cubs have not announced a timeline for Suzuki’s return, but he is expected to start the season on the injury list.
Dodgers 9, Cubs 7
Cubs 4, White Sox 4
• right handed Hayden Wesnesky He was charged with four runs against the Dodgers in 3⅓ innings. He faced a minimum in the first two innings, but he allowed a three-run home run in the fourth after giving up a base and a single.
• Former Cubs outfielder Jason Hayward Transferred to the Dodgers. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI double.
• White Sox game, catcher Jan Gomez and first baseman Edwin Rios home runs in consecutive innings. The top three homers on the Rios team this spring, Gomez’s second.
• On deck: Giants Cubs Saturday 3:05pm Scottsdale Marquee 670am Adrian Sampson versus. Anthony Descraffani.
