DUNEDIN — Alejandro Kirk is a busy man at Toronto Blue Jays training camp.
The team’s No. 1 catcher, he gets to know new pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, works on his swing and discovers the rule changes in MLB.
Kirk must accomplish all of this before March 1, when he is scheduled to join Mexico for the World Baseball Classic.
“I’m definitely going to practice a lot with the new pitchers and communicate a lot with them,” Kirk said.
On Friday, Kirk worked in the bullpen with Cease and Ponce, before taking batting practice against José Berríos. He also attended meetings.
Toronto’s season ended with a loss in Game 7 of the World Series, against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kirk took just one month off before returning to training.
“It’s a long season, but the best thing I did was come here in December to prepare,” Kirk said. I did everything at that time to prepare myself for now, and now I feel very good physically. »
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Kirk was expected to play four or five preseason games before heading to the Mexicans.
The objective will be to be in position with Cease and Ponce, even if it involves travel, in the Grapefruit League.
“I think it will benefit him,” Schneider said. He needs to learn about these guys and talk with them. »
A two-time All-Star, Kirk will begin a seventh season in MLB.
He has many questions to ask each new pitcher he will work with.
“I like to know their habits, their likes and dislikes,” Kirk said. Then we work out our strategy for each hitter. I want to make sure we’re on the same page. »
date: 2026-02-13 21:32:00