Overview
- Left-hander Ryan Yarbrough was added to Team USA’s active roster to replace Joe Ryan, who is dealing with a back issue and cannot rejoin until after pool play if the U.S. advances.
- Tarik Skubal said he will make only one start during pool play before returning to his MLB club, narrowing the options for later rounds.
- The World Baseball Classic begins March 4 in Tokyo, with Team USA opening March 6 against Brazil in Houston as games are staged in Tokyo, Houston, Miami and San Juan.
- Shohei Ohtani drew loud cheers upon arriving in Osaka and remains Japan’s headline attraction, though he will not pitch in this tournament.
- Despite being widely viewed as a title favorite with a star-laden roster, the U.S. is drawing fresh scrutiny over rotation depth for potential quarterfinal and semifinal matchups.