Stubbs Struggling With Knee Soreness, Sits Out For Team Israel

Garrett Stubbs ripped a double for Team Israel which turned out to be the game-winning shot in its opening game of the World Baseball Classic.

Now Stubbs is hampered with knee soreness.

The Philadelphia Phillies catcher didn’t play for Team Israel on Monday against Puerto Rico.

“He just woke up sore,” Team Israel manager Ian Kinsler told reporters. “I don’t know exactly what happened. He woke up sore. His knee was bothering him a little bit.”

Stubbs opted to remain at the WBC for at least another day for further evaluation.

“Garrett had a conversation with the Phillies,” Kinsler said. “I’m not exactly sure how that went.”

Stubbs endeared himself to the team following a two-run double with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning for a key a 3-1 victory over Nicaragua.

Stubbs has been rotating at catcher and third base, which has been a whole new experience.

“I think anybody on this team is willing to do whatever we need to win a game in any situation, any position,” Stubbs said. “Obviously, it’s very fresh for me. I’ve never played third base ever in my life, all the way dating back to I don’t know how long, but it’s been a lot of fun.”

For now, Stubbs will get his knee checked out. It would be ashame if his WBC experience gets cut short, but the Phillies will need him this season to relieve J.T. Realmuto behind the plate.