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By Cole Sullivan
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While Team USA looks to reclaim the World Baseball Classic crown after losing to Japan in the championship, fans were excited about the roster additions, particularly 2025 Cy Young winners Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.
However, news involving Skubal this week disappointed U.S. fans. He revealed he will make just one start on March 7 against Great Britain — and that will be his only outing on the mound, though he may rejoin the team later in the tournament for moral support if they advance.
“I’m making one start,” Skubal said. “The reason I didn’t announce it earlier was I wanted to keep the momentum on the WBC, but I’m just making one start and then I’ll stick around for a few games. I haven’t determined what games I’m going to watch. If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys. But yeah, I’m just making one start and getting back on track and getting back here.”
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While the decision makes sense — Skubal is in a contract year and likely in line for a historic long-term deal — it didn’t sit well with U.S. fans, who expected him to be one of the pitching anchors alongside Skenes.
“What’s the point of even going then?” one fan asked.
Another added, “What a loser. Judge could pitch that game and we’d still win. Stay home, bro.”
“Just don’t even show up, dude. Taking a spot from someone who might actually want to play for the squad,” another fan wrote.
“They should just send him home. They don’t need him to beat GB. Send a message. This isn’t some practice for him,” one comment read.
One more fan said, “What a joke. Would rather him not even show up.”
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With Skubal now making just one start, the question turns to who else will pitch for Team USA. While they could potentially add another arm, options already on the roster outside of Skenes include Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, Clayton Kershaw, Joe Ryan, Nolan McLean, Logan Webb, and Michael Wacha, all capable of stepping into starting roles.
In the bullpen, the team is headlined by Mason Miller and also features Garrett Whitlock, David Bednar, Griffin Jax, Garrett Cleavinger, Brad Keller, and Gabe Speier.
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