World Baseball Classic: Team USA sets rotation for pool play with Logan Webb in Game 1, Paul Skenes vs. Mexico
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Team USA has unveiled its pitching rotation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, featuring an impressive lineup of stars and Cy Young winners. The rotation kicks off with Logan Webb, a two-time All-Star and one of baseball's most reliable pitchers, set to take the mound against Brazil on March 6. Following Webb, Tarik Skubal will face Great Britain on March 7, marking his only appearance with Team USA before returning to the Detroit Tigers. Rounding out the rotation is Paul Skenes, who will square off against Mexico on March 9—a challenging matchup given Mexico's strong reputation as one of the top teams in their group.
The World Baseball Classic format sees four pools, each consisting of five teams, with the top two from each pool advancing to quarterfinals in Miami and Houston. Team USA's rotation is designed to handle the tournament's strict pitch limits, which cap starters at 65 pitches in pool play but allow for adjustments if needed. This setup ensures a strategic approach, with relief pitchers like Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, and Michael Wacha ready to support the starters. The team also boasts late-inning bullpen stars like Griffin Jax, David Bednar, and Mason Miller, providing depth and versatility.
Webb's selection as the opener is a testament to his consistency and durability, while Skubal's inclusion highlights Team USA's ability to field elite talent despite his limited availability. Skenes faces a daunting task against Mexico but brings his own credentials as one of the best pitchers in the world outside of Skubal. Nolan McLean, with his impressive ERA from his time with the Mets, will round out the rotation against Italy on March 10.
The tournament's structure and pitch limits necessitate a balanced approach to pitching usage. Team USA's strategy includes piggybacking starters and utilizing its deep bullpen effectively. While losing Skubal after pool play is a significant loss, the team remains well-staffed with Webb, Skenes, and McLean leading the way. This rotation underscores Team USA's commitment to competing at the highest level, making them a strong contender in the tournament
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026