Mookie Betts, David Peralta & More Dodgers Contribute In World Baseball Classic Games

The 2023 World Baseball Classic began this week with pool play and exhibition games, both of which involve several members from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization who are participating.

David Peralta was among the standout performers for Team Venezuela in their matchup with the Houston Astros. Peralta went 2-for-3 with two RBI, a triple and walk to help lead Venezuela to a 9-8 win.

He started in left field but is expected to play some center field once Venezuela begins their WBC games.

Also in an exhibition matchup but in Arizona, Trayce Thompson went 1-for-3 as Great Britain fell 8-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Austin Barnes and Team Mexico also were part of hybrid Cactus League action, as the Cleveland Guardians cruised to a 6-0 win. Barnes went 0-for-1 with a walk in the loss.

Freddie Freeman drew a walk and scored one run but was held hitless as Team Canada fell 11-7 to the Chicago Cubs. Freeman’s former Dodgers teammate, Cody Bellinger, hit his first home run of Spring Training.

Dodgers prospect Jose Ramos has already played two games with Team Panama but is yet to make a significant impact.

Mookie Betts was in his familiar leadoff spot for Team USA in their scrimmage against the San Francisco Giants. Betts 1-for-1 with two walks in a 5-1 loss at Scottsdale Stadium.

Dodgers in 2023 WBC

The Dodgers have 10 players participating in the World Baseball Classic, including seven from their 40-man roster. The group initially included Clayton Kershaw and Miguel Rojas as well, but both have since withdrawn.

Additionally, Dino Ebel is on the Team USA coaching staff, Dodgers advance scouting analyst Pat O’Shea is helping manager Mark DeRosa’s with analytics and matchups, and Ron Porterfield and Brandon McDaniel are assisting in the medical and strength departments, respectively.

Double-A Tulsa Drillers athletic trainer Jesse Guffey is additionally serving as the team trainer for Great Britain.