Mariners await Randy Arozarena’s return from World Baseball Classic | Notebook
PEORIA, Ariz. — With Mexico eliminated from the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday in Houston, the Mariners were eagerly awaiting the return of two key players and a pair of key staffers.
Manager Dan Wilson didn’t have an exact time frame on the return of outfielder Randy Arozarena, closer Andrés Muñoz, bullpen catcher Fleming Báez and assistant hitting Bobby Magallanes.
“They’re making their way back here,” Wilson said. “They should be in the next couple of days. We’re excited to get some of these guys back and get them back into camp and start to feel like we’re whole again as a group.”
Magallanes, who makes his home in Phoenix, came back immediately and was working with hitters in the cage in the afternoon workout before Friday night’s game vs. the Dodgers in Peoria. The Mariners have been without Magallanes and Edgar Martinez, who is serving as hitting coach with the Puerto Rico.
Muñoz also arrived ahead of expectation, wandering into the complex at about 2 p.m., carrying his duffel bag of gear and wearing a big smile on his face. He was happy to be back in camp.
He immediately put on his uniform, stretched and then went through his weighted ball routine before playing catch on the field in the afternoon sun.
As for Arozarena, it’s uncertain when he will arrive and return to game action. It would seem likely that he’s back by Sunday. Though the Mariners have Monday off so at the latest, he could return Tuesday.
His return will likely require a meeting with Wilson and bench coach Manny Acta. While Wilson talked with Arozarena after his critical comments about teammate Cal Raleigh went viral on social media, he will want to have another conversation again since the story has yet to subside.
Arozarena felt disrespected when Raleigh wouldn’t shake his hand prior to his first at-bat in WBC pool play. Per multiple sources, Raleigh had made it clear to Arozarena that he couldn’t shake hands, following a Team USA philosophy agreed upon by the players. But Arozarena attempted a handshake and Raleigh refused, saying something to him. After the game, Arozarena went on a long rant about Raleigh to Spanish-speaking reporters, saying “The only thing he should be thankful for is having such great parents,” Arozarena told Mexican journalist Luis Gilbert. “He’s very well educated, thank God. I was lucky enough to see them a few days ago at the hotel. They came over to greet me, gave me a big hug, and were genuinely proud to see me again.”
Arozarena added that Raleigh should “go to hell.”
The following day, Raleigh did a video call with the media members covering the Mariners in Arizona, clarifying his side of the situation, answering questions and being genuinely contrite in what happened.
“I hate that this is a thing,” he said, sitting in the clubhouse at Daikin Park. “I really don’t think this is a big deal, a big story. It shouldn’t be a thing. You know, I love Randy. I have all the respect for him and Team Mexico. I already reached out to him personally to talk with him. And obviously, when we’re back in Seattle, we’re family, we’re brothers, and I’ll do anything for him. I’ll do anything for our team to win. To me, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal.
“But these games do matter. I think they’re important to each individual’s country. Emotions are running high. They’re not just exhibition games. These are super important. I have a responsibility to my teammates and my country to be locked in and focused each game and do everything I can to win. I’m here to win the World Baseball Classic for my country. I’m not too worried about this.”
Raleigh also made a similar statement to media in Houston. It was clear he wanted the drama to be done.
Unfortunately for the Mariners, Arozarena has not allowed for the controversy to end. He refused to speak to reporters prior to Mexico’s loss to Italy in the final game of pool play. On Friday, he reposted multiple photos of him shaking hands and hugging other players in the WBC on his Instagram account.
While the Mariners believe winning a World Series will become the focus for everyone involved once the WBC ends, this has been unnecessary and somewhat annoying distraction. It’s likely something both players will address with teammates in person.
The Mariners would also like Arozarena to discuss it publicly with the media to bring some closure to the situation.
Roster moves
The Mariners made more cuts from minor league camp on Friday afternoon, trimming their spring training roster down to 55 players.
Optioned to Triple-A Tacoma
• RHP Troy Taylor
• LHP Josh Simpson
Notes: Taylor struggled to keep runners off base this spring, but he’s still considered a valuable reliever in the organization. In five appearances, he allowed nine hits with three walks and a hit batter.
Reassigned to Minors camp
• RHP Casey Lawrence
• INF Carson Taylor
Notes: Lawrence will go down and pitch in the Rainiers rotation. The veteran right-hander understands his role as a depth starter in the organization.
Also
With temperatures expected to be unseasonably warm — ranging from 100 to 105 degrees — next week, many teams are rescheduling games to be played in the cooler evening temperatures. The Mariners game vs. the Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 20 has been moved to the evening. First pitch will now be at 6:05 p.m.
There will likely be more games pushed back due to the heat. Tuesday, the forecast high is 97 degrees, it climbs to 102 degrees on Wednesday, 104 on Thursday, 107 on Friday and 108 on Sunday.