Sandoval sharp in last tuneup for Classic

TEMPE, Ariz. -- After an underrated 2022 season that saw him post a 2.91 ERA in 27 outings, Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval is set to be rewarded with a pair of marquee starts this year.

Sandoval allowed one run and struck out six in three innings in his second Cactus League start, an 8-5 Angels victory over the Reds on Sunday afternoon. He’s next scheduled to start for Team Mexico against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in Phoenix on March 12 and will also start the Angels’ home opener against the Blue Jays on April 7.

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Sandoval, who grew up near Angel Stadium in Mission Viejo, Calif., said he’s excited to get the nod in the home opener. Shohei Ohtani is slated to start on Opening Day in Oakland on March 30. Sandoval will start the second game of the season on April 1 before his outing against Toronto.

“It’s a huge honor,” Sandoval said. “Especially being able to be the first game in Anaheim with all the fans in a packed stadium. It’s something you dream of growing up. You want to pitch on Opening Day, but the home opener is a big honor, as well. I wasn’t expecting it, so I was really surprised and honored to be chosen to start that game.”

Sandoval, 26, is expected to pitch roughly four innings next time out against Team USA. He said he’s on a limit of about 50 to 55 pitches.

Angels infield coach Benji Gil is the manager of Team Mexico and decided to start Sandoval in Game 2. Dodgers ace Julio Urías is slated to start Mexico’s first game, against Colombia on Saturday.

Sandoval said he’s looking forward to matching up against a star-studded Team USA lineup and that it gives him confidence that Gil is turning to him in such a pivotal game. Sandoval is one of four quality starters on Team Mexico along with Houston’s José Urquidy, Philadelphia’s Taijuan Walker and Urías. He could also start in the semifinals in Miami if Team Mexico advances out of Group C, which also features USA, Canada, Colombia and Great Britain.

“It’s probably the greatest lineup ever assembled, so it’s going to be a big challenge,” Sandoval said of facing Team USA. “I’m excited.”

Sandoval joked that he hopes he gets revenge against Angels teammate Mike Trout, who is the captain for the United States. Sandoval faced Trout in a live batting practice session early this spring, and Trout not only homered to left, but jokingly flipped his bat after he hit it out.

“It’s going to be awesome but, hopefully, with a different outcome,” Sandoval said with a smile. “Last time, he bat-flipped me. Maybe I’ll glove-flip him or something.”

Angels manager Phil Nevin said he’s so excited about a potential Sandoval-Trout matchup in the World Baseball Classic that he has plans to attend the game in person as a fan. The Angels have a day game against the White Sox that day in Glendale, and Nevin plans to attend the game that night between Team USA and Team Mexico in Phoenix.

Nevin also said Sandoval deserves to make that start after his breakout season last year and that he was pleased to inform Sandoval that he’ll start the home opener, as well.

“There’s a lot of things that he has worked very hard on, and he’s earned these opportunities and he’s excited about all of them,” Nevin said. “I’m excited to watch. I just got my ticket. So I’ll be there. Right behind home plate, front row.”

Angels hire Suzuki
A familiar face was at Angels camp on Sunday, as former catcher Kurt Suzuki officially joined the organization as a special assistant to the general manager. Suzuki, 39, retired after a 16-year playing career, including his two final seasons with the Angels.

Suzuki, an All-Star in 2014 with the Twins and a World Series winner with the Nationals in 2019, said he has enjoyed retirement and wasn’t quite ready to begin a full-time coaching job because he wants to spend more time with his family. Suzuki, though, wouldn’t rule out coaching in the future. The front office job with the Angels at least keeps his foot in the door.

“It’s great for him,” Nevin said. “He’s just such a good baseball guy. He’s meant a lot to the guys around here. It’s going to be really neat to have him out here for a couple days.”