PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -San Diego’s Heath Bell, who’s taking over for departed closer Trevor Hoffman, was added to the United States’ roster for the World Baseball Classic on Monday.
“It’s going to be really cool to have USA on the front of my jersey,” Bell said.
The right-hander got the word shortly before the Padres played the Milwaukee Brewers. He said he checked with manager Bud Black and pitching coach Darren Balsley to make sure it was OK with them before he accepted the assignment.
“Bud said, ‘Have fun. You know how important you are to the Padres,’ and Bals just said, ‘Hey, be smart.’
“For this to just come out of the blue, out of left field, is awesome,” said Bell, who planned to take a redeye flight Monday night to join Team USA in Florida.
He’ll join Padres teammate Jake Peavy, who’s scheduled to start Team USA’s opener against Canada on Saturday in Toronto.
Another Padres’ front-liner, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, is playing for Mexico.
after experiencing soreness in his pitching shoulder the previous five days. Additionally, B.J. Ryan of the Toronto Blue Jays decided to stay in spring training with Toronto and tune up for the regular season.
Bell moved into the closer role after the Padres pulled their offer to Hoffman, baseball’s all-time saves leader, who then signed with the Brewers.
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