Summary
The United States and Japan are preparing for the World Baseball Classic. One of Team USA's top pitchers, Tarik Skubal, will play only a small role in the tournament, focusing instead on his professional team. In contrast, Japan's star pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has fully committed to representing his country and is expected to play a significant role in the tournament.
Key Facts
- The United States and Japan are finalists from the last World Baseball Classic.
- Tarik Skubal, a top pitcher for Team USA, will only pitch once in the group stage.
- Skubal will return to the Detroit Tigers for spring training, limiting his WBC involvement.
- Skubal's decision disappointed some Team USA fans.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Japan's star pitcher, is committed to fully participating in the WBC.
- Yamamoto is expected to start multiple games, including potentially in the semifinal or final.
- Yamamoto recently had a successful postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers and won World Series MVP.
- Japan's team, Samurai Japan, will play its first WBC game on March 6 against Chinese Taipei.
