In the WBC, Brewers closer John Axford returns to the mound; Tellez and Urías don't get to face Devin Williams

PHOENIX – John Axford – yes, John Axford – returned to the mound.

The former Milwaukee Brewers closer pitched for Team Canada in Sunday afternoon’s World Baseball Classic game against Team Great Britain, throwing a clean sixth inning with one strikeout as part of a blowout 18-8 win for his team. 

If you had no idea Axford was still pitching competitively, it’s OK. It’s an unlikely (and remarkable) story. 

The 2011 National League reliever of the year, Axford was out of the majors following the 2018 season and was a studio analyst for the Toronto Blue Jays at the outset of the 2021 campaign. After pitching for Canada in an Olympic qualifier, though, he looked impressive enough that the Blue Jays signed him to a minor-league deal.

"I was going to be an analyst on Sportsnet. That was the job. I was there on opening day with the Blue Jays. I was supposed to pick up some more games in the second half," Axford said in 2021.

"They knew that I was preparing for Team Canada, that I was playing in the Olympic qualifier, and it wasn’t until I was there and all of a sudden I was throwing 95-96, then 97-98 that, ‘Oh, wow, stuff is still kind of here. I feel good.’ I felt physically great."

The Brewers bullpen found itself hit by a COVID outbreak not long after. Faced with a challenging situation, the team traded for Axford in exchange for $1. He was called in to pitch in his first game back with Milwaukee but suffered an elbow injury that required him to be removed. 

Axford suffered significant structural damage that required Tommy John surgery. It appeared his playing days were over for good. 

But last winter, 15 months following his surgery, Axford announced his desire to pitch again – namely, for Canada in the WBC.

There was no guarantee Axford, at age 39, and having recorded one big-league out in the last four years, would make the team. 

Yet here he was, working the most meaningful mop-up duty of his life against Britain on the mound he stood on nine times in the majors.

When Brewers manager Craig Counsell, a former teammate of Axford’s, was informed following his team’s game that Axford had pitched and thrown a scoreless inning, a big smile spread across his face. 

“That’s awesome,” Counsell said. “That’s awesome.”

Yes it is.

Pair of Brewers denied their chance at facing Devin Williams

Devin Williams ran into Rowdy Tellez in the hallway before Team USA's showdown with Team Mexico on Sunday night at Chase Field. It should come as no surprise, too, that Tellez was already talking trash to his Brewers teammate.

His message: He was going to take Williams deep.

Unfortunately for all parties, Tellez never got to face Williams. Neither did Luis Urías. That's because Mexico, led by two homers from Joey Meneses, put the rout on the Americans with a 11-5 victory and Williams, one of USA's top relievers, faced one hitter in the eighth as manager Mark DeRosa simply needed an available arm to stop the bleeding.

Tellez had a big night nonetheless, going 3 for 5 while driving in two runs on a single in the eighth that effectively sealed the victory.

Urías notched a single of his own and drew a walk in a 1 for 4 showing.

Sal Frelick leads Italy into the quarterfinals

Sal Frelick is showing the world what Brewers fans already know.

The kid just hits.

Frelick went 7 for 18 with three doubles, four RBIs, three runs scored and a stolen base, playing a critical role as Team Italy emerged from Pool A in Taichung, Taiwan.

He also had the locals all-in on the Italy bandwagon.

Carlos Rodriguez dazzles for Nicaragua

Starting pitching prospect Carlos Rodriguez, born in Nicaragua before moving to Florida later, got the opening game start for his home country Saturday against Team Venezuela.

Rodriguez, 21, more than held his own against one of the most feared lineups in the tournament. One of the Brewers' best pitchers currently in the minors, Rodriguez allowed one run over four innings while striking out three.

Those punchouts? They came against Javier Báez, Christian Vázquez and Emmanuel Rivera, all of whom are big-leaguers.

Robert Stock and Javy Guerra seal the deal

Righthander Robert Stock, a non-roster invitee to camp this spring, pitched the ninth inning of Team Israel's 3-1 win on Sunday over Team Nicaragua. Stock struck out two without allowing a runner to reach.

Javy Guerra, another righthanded reliever, picked up a save for Team Panama in a game against Team Italy. Guerra is a likely candidate to start the year in the Milwaukee bullpen.

Abraham Toro hits in debut for Canada

Brewers infielder Abraham Toro started at third base and batted sixth for Canada in its opener Sunday against Great Britain.

Toro contributed to the 18-8 blowout win by going 2 for 4 with a double, three RBIs and a walk.

Alex Hall socks two homers for Australia

Remember Alex Hall?

The 23-year-old was called up from Class A Wisconsin for one day last season when the Brewers found themselves down a catcher and on short notice. Hall didn't appear in the game and hit just .181 the entire year for the Timber Rattlers but was the Australian League MVP this past winter.

Hall hit two homers during pool play for Team Australia, including a solo blast Monday as the Aussies clinched their spot in the quarterfinals. Hall added a two-run triple in the game, as well.