Overview
- Pool play is underway across four cities, with Australia shutting out Chinese Taipei 3–0 and South Korea routing Czechia 11–4 in the first completed games.
- Team USA begins Pool B against Brazil on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX in Houston, with Giants right-hander Logan Webb starting and Tarik Skubal lined up for Game 2.
- Sportsbooks list the United States as the pre-tournament favorite around -110, with the Dominican Republic and Japan next on the odds boards.
- The U.S. finalized a star-heavy roster led by captain Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and pitchers Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal and Logan Webb after two exhibition blowouts totaling 29 runs.
- Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña exited a Dominican Republic exhibition after a ball struck his right ring finger; the Astros said he cracked his fingernail and he is being evaluated.