Overview
- In a later exhibition against the Dominican Republic, Clark’s early dive on a Junior Caminero liner turned a likely single into a triple, renewing focus on his defense.
- The attention followed a Feb. 24 game versus the Braves in which he wore four diamond chains and dropped two fly balls in left field, clips of which went viral.
- Clark pushed back on critics, saying he doesn’t care what they say and accusing some of seeking monetary clicks, while acknowledging mistakes and requesting extra reps in left field after buying pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus rum to own the miscues.
- Manager A.J. Hinch called the outside criticism incredibly unfair and said Clark is being himself and fitting in during his first big-league spring training.
- Commentary from broadcaster C.J. Nitkowski and former player Jeff Frye fed the debate over style and readiness, as reports note weak early spring numbers and suggest he is likely to open the season in the minors.