LAKELAND, Fla. — His teammates call him Johnny .300.
Detroit Tigers infielder John Valente, a 21st-round pick in the 2018 draft from St. John's University, hits for average but doesn't hit for power. He is comfortable at multiple positions but isn't considered a superstar.
The 27-year-old played 82 games for Triple-A Toledo last season, hitting .293 with two home runs, 23 walks and 25 strikeouts. Now, he is competing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
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