According to Michael Clair from mlb.com, at least one Milwaukee Brewers player will participate for the United States squad in the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic this March. According to Clair, “starting pitcher Merrill Kelly and relievers Devin Williams, David Bednar, and Dillon Tate all confirmed their intent to play for the United States.” Because of pitch count limits that govern how much a pitcher can throw, relievers are a very important commodity in this tournament. “Bullpens, already heavily leaned on by Major League clubs, become even more important in the World Baseball Classic when teams have pitch count limits. Though rules may change for 2023, pitchers couldn’t throw more than 65 pitches in the First Round, 80 pitches in the Second Round, or 95 pitches in the Championship Round at the 2017 tournament.”
USA TO BRING FORMIDABLE OFFENSE TO WBC
WBC rosters are not yet final, but initial reports indicate the USA will bring some heavy hitters to the tournament. Clair reports that the following big leaguers have already committed to manager Mark DeRosa’s lineup:
C: J.T. Realmuto, Will Smith
1B: Pete Alonso, Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Trevor Story
SS: Tim Anderson
3B: Nolan Arenado
OF: Mookie Betts, Cedric Mullins, Mike Trout, Kyle Tucker
The USA begins pool play in Phoenix on March 11, and the culminating championship game is scheduled for March 21 in Miami.
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