Team USA’s Pitching Plans for the Championship

Team USA’s coach Mark DeRosa has shared that pitcher Mason Miller will be ready to go if needed during the World Baseball Classic Championship against Venezuela.

Miller, who plays for the Padres, has already appeared in four games throughout the tournament. Impressively, he has saved two games and struck out ten batters across just four innings—all without giving up a single run. His fastball, consistently clocking in the triple digits, has proven to be a key weapon.

“I want to avoid him, but it really does depend on the score,” DeRosa explained. “So, yes, he is available.”

In the recent semifinal against the Dominican Republic, Miller’s performance was a bit dramatic. He achieved two hits, one of which was particularly controversial, finishing the game with a tense 2-1 victory. The finale was marked by a slider that got past Dominican infielder Gerardo Perdomo, whom the home plate umpire, Corey Blazer, struck out with a punch. This incident ended the game, and it’s worth noting the WBC lacks an automatic ball-strike challenge system that players could use, unlike in spring training or the upcoming major league seasons.

Before Miller can step in, I think there’s an expectation around Mets starter Nolan McLean, who’s reportedly aiming for his second WBC title. McLean did struggle early in the tournament, giving up two home runs in the U.S.’s 8-6 loss to Italy in pool play. Not ideal, right? However, he recently had a standout season with the Mets in 2025 that showcased his impressive spin rate.

DeRosa has expressed his confidence in McLean’s ability to lead the team. “He’s built for this,” DeRosa mentioned earlier this week. “His mindset, skills, and desire… it all aligns perfectly.”