Spring Training 2017: Miguel Cabrera likely out of WBC with back injury

Welcome to The Stew’s Spring Headlines, our daily look at the biggest MLB stories and news items from around spring training. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.

BIGGEST NEWS OF THE DAY: Detroit Tigers superstar Miguel Cabrera is expected to miss the reminder of the World Baseball Classic after his back locked up during Venezuela’s loss on Thursday. Current Team USA manager Jim Leyland, who was also Cabrera’s manager during his time with the Tigers, said as much after having lunch with Cabrera’s dad on Friday.

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“They think it’s just a little tweak, but you never know about that,” Leyland said prior to Team USA’s game against Puerto Rico on Friday. “I actually had coffee with [Cabrera’s] dad today, and his dad told me that he was OK. I don’t think he’ll play any more in this tournament, probably, although I don’t want to speak for Venezuela.”

For the record, Venezuela has not yet commented on Cabrera’s status.

It sounds as though the issue is not expected to impact Cabrera’s availability for opening day, though it’s obviously concerning enough that Cabrera is leaning towards not pushing it.

Thursday’s loss to the Dominican Republic dropped Venezuela to 0-2 in the second round, making it unlikely the team will advance to the championship round next week in Los Angeles anyway. Its final second round game comes Saturday against Puerto Rico. [@BNightengale]

NO HITS FOR YOU: Masahiro Tanaka and Yankees relievers Chasen Shreve and Jordan Montgomery combined to no-hit the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Tanaka struck out six and walked two over his 4 1/3 innings, so there was no threat of a perfect game. Tanaka gave way to Shreve, who recorded the final two outs in the fifth inning. Montgomery retired all 12 batters he faced to finish the game.

The no-hitter was New York’s first during spring training since 1983. The bigger story though might be the spring Tanaka is enjoying so far. Friday’s effort puts him at 13 1/3 scoreless frames so far. He has not allowed a hit over the last 8 1/3, which came in two separate outings against Detroit. [MLB]

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak says the organization remains “open for business” and willing to enter into contract extension talks with superstar catcher Yadier Molina. There’s been speculation, including from Yadier’s older brother Bengie Molina, that the younger Molina will not exercise the the mutual $15M option that exists for the 2018 season. That would make talks a little more urgent, but there still a feeling both sides directly involved want Molina to be a Cardinal for his entire career. [MLB]

WAITING GAME: Marlins infielder Martin Prado will undergo an MRI on his injured hamstring on Saturday, according to manager Don Mattingly. Prado strained his right hamstring during Wednesday’s World Baseball Classic matchup against the United States. Prado and the Marlins seem optimistic that he’ll be ready for opening day, but the MRI should give a better idea if that’s realistic. [@JoeFrisaro]

NOT YET: Mets manager Terry Collins addressed the status of David Wright on Friday, noting that it’s unlikely he’ll appear in any more Grapefruit League games. Wright is attempting to work his way back from a shoulder impingement, which will obviously cost him at least the first couple weeks of the regular season, and likely much longer. It’s noted Wright is allowed to run and field grounders, but has not yet been cleared for game action. [Newsday]

MANNY BEING MANNY: In case you’re wondering how Manny Ramirez is faring playing independent ball in Japan, here’s video of his run-scoring double for the Kochi Island Fighting Dogs on Thursday.

Yup. He can still swing it.

BAD NEWS: Rangers start Chi Chi Gonzalez has been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his right elbow. The right-hander could eventually require Tommy John surgery, but has opted for a stem cell injection and rehab. He won’t throw a baseball for at least six week. [@StevensonFWST]

MLB PREVIEW: Can the Mariners end the longest postseason drought in MLB? [The Stew]

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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