Team Canada adds Dempster, Gagne
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Former Major League pitchers Eric Gagne and Ryan Dempster are planning to play for Team Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, according a report Saturday from Sportsnet.
Gagne and Dempster will each make his first appearance as a player in the World Baseball Classic, joining a pitching staff that includes John Axford, Adam Loewen and Nick Pivetta.
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Gagne, 41, won the National League Cy Young Award in 2003 with the Dodgers, when he recorded 55 saves and 137 strikeouts in 82 1/3 innings. His 161 saves for the Dodgers places him second to Kenley Jansen in franchise history. A three-time All-Star with the Dodgers, Gagne also pitched for the Rangers, Red Sox and Brewers. He last appeared in the Majors in '08 with Milwaukee.
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Dempster, 39, last pitched in the big leagues in 2013 with the Red Sox. He was an All-Star with the Cubs in '08. Over a 16-year career as a starter, Dempster also pitched for the Marlins, Reds and Rangers.
Gagne was born in Montreal and Dempster was born in Sechelt, British Columbia.
Team Canada opens play in Pool C against defending champion Dominican Republic at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 10, at Marlins Park in Miami.