Report: Bautista expected to play for Dominican Republic at WBC
The Dominican Republic's chances of successfully defending its title at the World Baseball Classic might have gotten stronger Friday.
Just three days after officially agreeing to a new contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, outfielder Jose Bautista is expected to join the Dominican squad at the tournament, reports FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
The 36-year-old Bautista will join a strong Dominican outfield corps that is expected to consist of Nelson Cruz, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and Marcell Ozuna.
Bautista did not participate in the 2013 Classic, but was a member of the Dominican squad that finished ninth in 2009.
The slugger, who signed a one-year, $18-million deal to return to Toronto, appeared in three games during the 2009 tournament, earning one hit in three at-bats.
Bautista owns a lifetime .255/.368/.493 slash line with 308 home runs and 862 RBIs during a 13-year career in MLB.