SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — San Francisco Giants’ star pitcher Logan Webb is slated to commence the initial game of the WBC for Team USA when they face off against Brazil in group stage play on Friday, as manager Mark DeRosa revealed Monday afternoon.
Tarik Skubal, a two-time recipient of the AL Cy Young award, is scheduled to throw in the second game against Britain, while NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is poised to encounter Mexico in Game 3.
“Yes, it’s arranged,” DeRosa stated following Team USA’s initial training session. “There are evidently guidelines for the tournament… regarding pitch volume, but there are also parameters for players needing to pitch on specific days to prepare for their team’s season opener.”
New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean is designated for Game 4 against Italy but is currently battling a common cold. He’s still situated in Port St. Lucie where the Mets conduct their practice sessions. It remains uncertain at this point if DeRosa will need to alter his strategy.
“He’s currently down there and we’ll evaluate the situation on a daily basis,” DeRosa remarked.
DeRosa declined to disclose his batting order but implied he’ll be able to alternate left-handed and right-handed hitters throughout the lineup with situational playing chances in center field where Pete Crow-Armstrong and Byron Buxton will divide playing time.
Team USA initially assembled in Arizona on Sunday, hosting a communal meal before participating in warm-up matches on Tuesday and Wednesday. Group stage play commences on Friday in Houston.
New York Yankees and USA captain Aaron Judge — who addressed the squad at dinner on Sunday night — struggled to adequately articulate his description of the constellation of top-tier athletes who will endeavor to vindicate their 2023 defeat by Japan in the championship.
“I wouldn’t even refer to it as an elite squad,” Judge remarked, smiling. “This team comprises numerous exceptional athletes, an abundance of talent present, and it’s gratifying to observe our immediate engagement on the very first day already.”
The fusion of enthusiasm surrounding the Olympics, coupled with present global occurrences, has players experiencing heightened patriotism in donning their nation’s uniform.
“A number among us likely have people who are members of the armed forces or individuals we know engaged in military service,” Judge stated. “And the initial thought that came to mind was that there are people who have made ultimate sacrifices for this country to enable my wife and daughter to be secure in our residence, and I am afforded the opportunity to partake in a recreational sport.”
Both Skenes and relief pitcher Griffin Jax attended the Air Force Academy. It was one of the initial topics that arose when DeRosa extended an invitation to the Cy Young winner to become part of the squad.
“I want to do this for every member of the armed services that safeguards our liberties,” DeRosa remembers Skenes asserting.
“Ultimately, that’s the complete statement necessary. There’s something exceptionally meaningful about embodying your nation.”
Meanwhile, the men’s gold medal game in hockey was broadcast in team facilities at spring training last month, generating additional anticipation for the WBC.
“People are extremely enthusiastic,” first baseman Bryce Harper commented. “Everybody observed the Olympics and witnessed the gold medal victories of the women’s and men’s teams. I was captivated by the television broadcast for those two, three weeks. So I think it’s undoubtedly a precursor to our current endeavors.
“Hopefully we can achieve a similar outcome.”
Skenes will commence pitching in Team USA’s practice match against the Giants on Tuesday. He’ll be succeeded by Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd, Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Gabe Speier, Yankees right-handed pitcher David Bednar, and San Diego Padres hard-throwing pitcher Mason Miller. A different group of hurlers will pitch Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies before the team departs for Houston.
DeRosa articulated his sentiments on the USA’s talent-laden squad.
“It’s a field of dreams, frankly speaking,” he declared.