Sports

Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai threw a 10-pitch scoreless inning and was struck by a comebacker in his spring training debut for the Houston Astros on Thursday against the New York Mets. Imai allowed a leadoff single to Marcus Semien, whose sharp hit ricocheted off the pitcher's lower right leg and went into foul territory. Imai was checked by an athletic trainer and stayed in the game. "That was not what […]

Padres reliever Yuki Matsui’s will not pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic and the left-hander's status for San Diego's season opener in a month also is unclear because of a left groin strain. Matsui was still throwing off flat ground Thursday, a week after cutting short a batting practice session because of the groin. "Right now, I’m just continuing the throwing progression, getting intensities and distances of (playing) […]

Venezuela can defeat anyone — and they’re still considered the fourth favorite to win the World Baseball Classic title this year. In the 2023 WBC, Venezuela and Japan were the only two teams to go 4-0 in the group stage. Venezuela looked poised to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2009, carrying a lead into the eighth inning of their quarterfinal against the United States. WBC Rosters: […]