Rays’ Christopher Morel now has a high school degree, even prouder mom

PHILADELPHIA — Christopher Morel figured it was worth all the time, work and logistical challenges to make his mom proud.

Like many other players from the Dominican Republic, Morel had left school to focus on baseball after signing with the Cubs as a 16-year-old in 2016.

But after seeing his youngest sister graduate from high school last year, the Rays infielder/outfielder, then-24, decided to go back to class, taking online courses during the seasons and over the winter.

That culminated Saturday when — much to mom Rosa’s surprise — he returned home to the Dominican to attend the graduation ceremony and receive his...