Rosario rocks bat in PR's mercy-rule victory

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Twins outfielder Eddie Rosario made the most of his 2017 World Baseball Classic debut Friday night, going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and two RBIs to help Team Puerto Rico to an 11-0 mercy-rule victory over Team Venezuela in Jalisco, Mexico.
Rosario, Minnesota's starting left fielder, started in right and batted seventh. He helped spark a third-inning rally with a leadoff triple off Mariners ace Félix Hernández, scoring the game's first run on a sacrifice fly from T.J. Rivera, who started at first base over the Twins' Kennys Vargas. Rosario also singled off Jhoulys Chacín in the sixth and laced a two-run double in the seventh off former Twins Minor Leaguer Deolis Guerra.
"I didn't watch a lot of the game, but I did see Rosie hit that triple one-handed," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "We all know Rosie likes the big lights. You hope he'd have a good showing. It's very important for these guys to do well for their team, but somewhere in the mix there's season preparation."

It was a strong showing from Rosario, who also played in the 2013 World Baseball Classic that saw Puerto Rico reach the championship game. Twins left-hander Héctor Santiago is expected to pitch in relief for Puerto Rico on Saturday night (8:30 CT, live on MLB.TV and MLB Network), as Brewers right-hander Jorge López will get the start against Team Mexico instead.
:: 2017 World Baseball Classic ::
Right-hander José Berríos, who is now the frontrunner for the fifth spot in Minnesota's rotation after Trevor May tore his ulnar collateral ligament, is tentatively scheduled to start for Puerto Rico on Sunday against Team Italy (2:30 CT).
The World Baseball Classic runs through March 22. In the U.S., games air live exclusively in English on MLB Network and on an authenticated basis via MLBNetwork.com/watch, while ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN provide the exclusive Spanish-language coverage. MLB.TV Premium subscribers in the U.S. have access to watch every tournament game live on any of the streaming service's 400-plus supported devices. The tournament is being distributed internationally across all forms of television, internet, mobile and radio in territories excluding the U.S., Puerto Rico and Japan. Get tickets for games at Marlins Park, Tokyo Dome, Estadio Charros de Jalisco in Mexico, Petco Park, as well as the Championship Round at Dodger Stadium, while complete coverage -- including schedules, video, stats and gear -- is available at WorldBaseballClassic.com.
Worth noting
• Twins closer Glen Perkins, coming off left labrum surgery, threw another bullpen session without any issues on Friday and is progressing well. But it remains a longshot that he'll be ready to open the season.
• Left-handed reliever Mason Melotakis, slowed by an oblique strain before coming to camp, came out of his live throwing session on Thursday without any issues. But with roster cuts looming Monday, Melotakis isn't likely to see action in a Grapefruit League game.
• Left-hander Stephen Gonsalves has yet to resume a throwing program, as he continues to receive treatment for soreness in the back of his left shoulder. The injury isn't considered serious, but the Twins are being cautious with Gonsalves, ranked as the No. 92 overall prospect by MLBPipeline.com.