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MLB news: Mets injury news, Yankees legend dies, WBC free agent signing

By Kevin Henry

Feb 16, 2023; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2023; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nicaragua relief pitcher Duque Hebbert signed with the Detroit Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Nicaragua relief pitcher Duque Hebbert signed with the Detroit Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB news: Detroit Tigers sign a surprising World Baseball Classic star

After striking out Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, and Rafael Devers in the ninth inning of Nicaragua’s 6-1 loss to the Dominican Republic, relief pitcher Duque Hebbert had proven himself enough to at least one scout in attendance at the World Baseball Classic matchup in Miami.

The 21-year-old right-hander was signed to a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers after his performance on Monday. He gave up a double to Manny Machado, but shut down three other MLB superstars in the process, pushing the Tigers to take a chance on him.

Hebbert never really relied on a fastball during his impressive inning, throwing sinkers, sliders, and curveballs that never went above the low 90s. Still, the movement and placement was enough to do the damage.

While superstars have grabbed WBC headlines, Hebbert is proof that anyone can have an impact on the world’s biggest baseball stage.

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