Team USA sets its best starting pitchers with Cy Young winners leading the way for World Baseball Classic opener

Team USA is entering the World Baseball Classic with a clear plan built around pitching strength. Manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that the team will rely on its top arms right from the start of pool play. With multiple Cy Young Awards and All Star selections in the rotation, the United States believes it has one of its strongest starting groups in recent tournament history.

The order for the first four games is now locked in as the team prepares to open the tournament in Houston. The coaching staff carefully balanced performance, readiness and long term workload before finalizing the plan. Each starter is expected to play a key role in helping the United States make a strong early statement.

Logan Webb will start the opener, followed by Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Nolan McLean in pool play

Logan Webb will take the ball for the opening game against Brazil at Daikin Park. Tarik Skubal is scheduled to pitch against Great Britain, while Paul Skenes will start against Mexico. Nolan McLean is lined up to face Italy. Together, the four give Team USA a strong mix of power, control and big game experience as the tournament begins.

He explained that conversations with pitchers happened throughout the year. Some decisions came quickly, others took time. “I think for me, it was just honest conversations with guys throughout the year. Skenes was easy, which made my life a lot easier. Skubal was a slow play. The entire year, I checked in with him probably every two months. [Pitching coach] Andy Pettitte was checking in with him. Logan, I tried to get in ‘23, and he got a contract extension that offseason. Everybody has their different story about why they’re on this team and the phone calls that we had.”

Skubal, who is entering a contract year, will make only one start before returning to Tigers camp. Even so, his decision to pitch has earned respect inside the clubhouse. Team captain Aaron Judge praised the move.

“It speaks volumes, definitely, because of what’s ahead of him,” Judge said. “He’s got the two-time Cy Young, back to back. This guy is about to make half a billion dollars here in the next offseason. For him to put it all on the line for his country and come out here and show up for us -- it may just be one game, but there’s a risk with everything you do.”

“For him to take that risk and come out here and be with us, the boys love it. They were hyped in the clubhouse. It means a lot. Maybe we can squeeze another game out of him. I don’t know. We’ll see.”

McLean’s status will be monitored after he missed the team’s first workout due to illness. For now, Team USA remains confident that its starting pitchers can carry the early load as the tournament begins.


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