Skubal and Skenes combined for a 2.09 ERA across 383 innings, striking out 457 hitters in the process.

The United States have other star-caliber arms in its rotation, but after San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb, there’s a fairly large drop-off; especially if Joe Ryan is hampered at all by a nagging injury.

Betting Odds and Trends

Team USA is the odds on favorite. The pressure is on now with the United States slated as heavy favorites to win the tournament.

The reigning champs are not a popular pick. Despite winning three of the five World Baseball Classics and returning with a similar roster as last time, Team Japan has the fourth most money placed on them to win the tournament.  

Several Pitchers Named as Reserves for Respective Nations

In the event of injury, or departure from the tournament, six pitchers were named as reserves should their country need them next month.

Dominican Republic - Luis Castillo

Venezuela - Jesús Luzardo

Japan - Tatsuya Imai

Puerto Rico - José Berríos

Australia - Liam Hendriks

United States - Jeff Hoffman

Among this contingent is nine All-Star selections, a Gold Glove (Berríos), and two Reliever of the Year Awards (Hendriks). For some, this simply could be about the honor of playing for one’s country.

For someone like Hoffman, it’s a shot at potential redemption after blowing a save in Game 7 of the World Series. For someone like Hendriks, it’s simply an opportunity to pitch high-leverage innings in a meaningful environment again. The veteran spent the last two years in Boston, amassing just 13.2 total innings and a 6.59 ERA.

He’s made just 19 appearances since the start of the 2023 season due to various injuries and a bout with cancer.

Other Headlines

• Braves ink Chris Sale to one-year extension with club option for 2028.

• Twins sign veteran reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor-league deal.

• Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. proclaims he’ll be second member of the 50-homer, 50-steal club.

• Brewers social media team going viral for Grand Theft Auto-style video, Misiorowski target practice.

• D-backs’ Merrill Kelly dealing with intercostal nerve irritation, no longer will be ready for Opening Day.

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