Nolan Arenado calls out baseball’s stars for skipping the WBC

For St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, the World Baseball Classic has been a tremendous experience, despite his complicated background.

The WBC has been worthwhile for those who have competed in it — even for some who suffered traumatic injuries in the process. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor spoke for injured Puerto Rico teammate Edwin Diaz, suggesting that despite the freak ailment, the experience of playing for one’s country is the ultimate professional accomplishment.

Some American players have forgotten that, which is why the USA pitching staff is half what it could be. Still, the Americans find themselves in the WBC Final thanks to the folks who did show up in the first place. That is not lost on Arenado, who hopes to see a more complete Team USA next time around.

Nolan Arenado was conflicted playing against Cuba

Nolan Arenado’s grandparents were from Cuba, and provided his family with an opportunity by coming to the United States. Still, that doesn’t mean Arenado has forgotten his Cuban descent, which made him feel slightly conflicted prior to the WBC Semis.

Arenado played, and performed well prior to being removed from the game due to a hit by pitch. Cardinals fans across the country held their collective breath, as just a day previous Jose Altuve fractured his hand in the same fashion.

Just like MLB spring training, the world baseball classic is not immune to injuries. The timing of the event — just as MLB teams are ramping up their preparation for the season — doesn’t help matters.

Perhaps MLB could negotiate moving the tournament as a whole to a time that better suits their schedule. The most likely solution, though, is none at all. Freak injuries happen all the time, including spring training. Managers provided WBC teams with strict guidelines for star players, and they have been followed to a tee.

Injuries like that which occurred to Diaz, Altuve and more will never fully be avoided.