Speculation arose that Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Whitlock might start for USA in the World Baseball Classic final. This followed Whitlock being scratched from his spring training start on Sunday.
However, USA manager Mark DeRosa has shut down these rumours. DeRosa addressed the speculation during his appearance on Monday’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show.”
DeRosa Clarifies Pitching Plans for WBC Final
DeRosa clarified that Nolan McLean will start the game for USA. He also mentioned Garrett Whitlock is “good to go for the final” and Mason Miller “definitely wants the ball.”
DeRosa added, “I don’t know if David Bednar is gonna be available.”
Whitlock’s Workload and Decision to Skip WBC
DeRosa explained that he tried to get Garrett Crochet on the team from the start. He believes Crochet would have joined if he hadn’t worked so hard for the Red Sox.
After throwing a career-high 205 1/3 innings last season, Crochet and the Red Sox are being extra cautious with his workload this spring. Crochet recently stated he skipped the WBC to have a “normal spring training.” He felt this wouldn’t have been possible if he’d played in the tournament.
Crochet’s Preparation for Opening Day
Crochet is expected to pitch in a minor league game on Monday. He continues to prepare for his Opening Day start against the Cincinnati Reds next week.
USA are heading to its third straight World Baseball Classic final after beating the Dominican Republic in Sunday’s tense semifinal game. The championship game will be played on Tuesday between USA and the winner of Monday’s Italy-Venezuela semifinal.
USA’s Pitching Situation in the WBC
USA is currently short on pitching. Reigning Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal are both done, and DeRosa has been pushing his bullpen hard.
USA will attempt to win Tuesday’s final without Crochet.
Tyler Maher is a former editor for Forbes Advisor, Minute Media and MLB.com. He is a Tufts alum, Massachusetts native and huge Boston sports fan.