Valenzuela Set to Pitch

Former Dodger pitcher-turned-radio broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela has begun his personal “spring training” in Mexicali, Mexico, for the Mexican winter league. All that’s left is the date of his first start for the Aguilas in his pseudo-comeback.

“I’ve been down here about a week with the team,” Valenzuela said Wednesday. “But they’re on the road now, so I have to sit with the manager and the coach and figure out the rotation when they get back. Probably next week.”

Valenzuela, who will turn 44 on Monday, last pitched in the major leagues in 1997 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was the National League Cy Young Award winner and rookie of the year for the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series champions. “I’ve just been throwing and running since I’ve been down here, trying to get ready to pitch again,” Valenzuela said. “Hopefully it will be fun.”

-- Paul Gutierrez