Randy Arozarena wasn’t the only familiar face returning to the Seattle Mariners camp from the World Baseball Classic this weekend. Joining him were Miles Mastrobuoni and Andrés Muñoz, both back in the clubhouse on Saturday and ready to share their experiences.
Mastrobuoni, who played for Team Italy, was on the mend in Peoria, Arizona, as his teammates prepared for an 8-6 quarterfinal victory over Puerto Rico. Despite delivering a crucial RBI against Great Britain in his two appearances, a Grade 1 hamstring injury sidelined him for the rest of the tournament.
Reflecting on his time with Team Italy, Mastrobuoni said, “We had an amazing group. You could see the fun we were having in the dugout.
It’s all about the camaraderie and talent we shared. It’s frustrating that my journey was cut short, but I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
The injury occurred during the game against Great Britain. Initially thought to be a cramp, it soon became clear it was more serious. Mastrobuoni has been making steady progress, returning to full activity on Friday.
“I’ve got to be smart about it,” he explained. “Coming back today and feeling good is a positive step, both physically and mentally. I’m focused on taking it day by day without rushing.”
His second stint with Team Italy left a lasting impression. “It felt similar to the first time, maybe due to our shared heritage and culture.
We just clicked. There wasn’t a bad egg in the locker room, and it was a joy to be around those guys.”
Meanwhile, across the clubhouse, Muñoz was gearing up to showcase his skills in front of the Mariners’ pitching coaches. After missing the previous WBC due to foot surgery, he was eager to make his mark this time around. Muñoz arrived in Peoria early, demonstrating his readiness with a blistering 100-mph pitch in his first bullpen session.
With Team Mexico, Muñoz had sporadic appearances, pitching in two games with intervals of four and six days. To maintain his form, he threw three bullpens while away from the Mariners, feeling confident about most of his pitches, though his slider needed work.
“When I was in the bullpen, it felt like the season had already started,” Muñoz shared. “It was great preparation, getting back into the rhythm of big stadiums and high-pressure situations.”
The atmosphere in Houston, where he had pitched many times before, was unlike anything he had experienced. “The fans were incredibly loud, singing Mexican songs non-stop. It was an amazing atmosphere.”
Muñoz cherished the connection with the Mexican fans. “I wanted to be part of the Mexican team and experience the support firsthand.
Even after elimination, they were there for us, cheering at the hotel. Their support was unwavering.”
Despite an early exit, Muñoz found the experience deeply fulfilling. “Representing my country was a dream come true. Missing the last WBC was disappointing, so this opportunity was incredibly special.”
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