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Bogaerts Back: Padres Shortstop Returns After WBC
14 Mar
Summary
- Xander Bogaerts rejoined the Padres Spring Training after playing for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
- He experienced a memorable moment in the WBC with a double that set up a walk-off home run.
- Bogaerts is scheduled to resume game action for the Padres on Saturday.
Xander Bogaerts has rejoined the San Diego Padres' Spring Training facilities in Peoria, Arizona. His return comes after a brief stint representing the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
During the WBC, Bogaerts participated in four games, achieving a .333 batting average. A notable moment for him was hitting a double in the bottom of the ninth inning against Nicaragua, which helped set the stage for a historic walk-off home run by a teammate.
Bogaerts also faced fellow Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, who were playing for the Dominican Republic. He acknowledged their team's strong performance, comparing their momentum to the Padres' successful 2024 postseason run.
Padres manager Craig Stammen indicated that Bogaerts' transition back should be seamless, as he has been playing full games. Bogaerts is scheduled to resume game action on Saturday against the Texas Rangers, shifting his focus to preparation for the lengthy Major League season ahead.
