Overview
- During Team USA’s semifinal win over the Dominican Republic, Smoltz said he hoped Skenes could “defeat the odds” for pitchers who throw like him and avoid an arm injury, adding he hoped the 23-year-old could pitch for a decade or more.
- Skenes was pulled in the fifth after 4.1 innings with six hits, one run and two strikeouts, and there was no report of an injury following the outing.
- Smoltz’s remarks spread quickly online, with many viewers criticizing the timing and tone, while some defended the point as a reflection of common elbow and shoulder injuries among top pitchers.
- Before the game, Smoltz suggested Skenes may need to leave the Pittsburgh Pirates to routinely pitch in games of this magnitude, and he later voiced frustration at the club on the broadcast.
- The discussion unfolded as the WBC faced broader scrutiny over player risk, including denied insurance coverage for several Puerto Rico players and Team USA pitcher Tarik Skubal’s decision to exit the event to protect his MLB season.