DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Steve Pearce is one step closer to being ready for Opening Day after he made his first spring appearance in left field during a 16-0 victory over the Canada Junior National Team on Saturday afternoon.
Pearce played five innings in left and didn't see much action, but he caught a lazy fly ball and fielded a clean single. He also went 1-for-3 at the plate during a stress-free afternoon, which is perhaps a good thing for someone still easing into a regular workload.
The 33-year-old Pearce had a bit of a delayed start this spring following last year's surgery on his left elbow.