Los Angeles Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, will...

<p>Los Angeles Angels right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12265" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12265">Grayson Rodriguez</a>, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, will start his 2026 season on the injured list, according to <a href="https://x.com/EricaLWeston/status/2035826869116064002">Angels host and reporter Erica Weston</a>.</p><p>Rodriguez, acquired by the Angels from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5431" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5431">Taylor Ward</a> in November, had been shut down earlier this week after experiencing arm soreness. Manager Kurt Suzuki referred to his issues as "dead arm" while speaking to reporters Thursday in Arizona, per <a href="https://x.com/RhettBollinger/status/2034742348006269432">Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Suzuki said Sunday that the team is going to "slow play" Rodriguez for now, and did not provide a firm timetable for his return, according to <a href="https://x.com/mikehuntley63/status/2035831193409847731">Michael Huntley of the Sporting Tribune</a>. The 26-year-old played some light catch at Angel Stadium on Sunday, but did not throw a full bullpen.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodriguez, a first-round pick of the Orioles in 2018, last appeared in a major-league game on July 31, 2024. He missed the final two months of 2024 because of a lat issue, and didn't pitch at all last year while battling elbow inflammation and a lat strain.</p><p>Before his injury troubles, the Houston native appeared to be on the verge of a breakout in Baltimore. Rodriguez made a playoff start for the Orioles as a rookie in 2023, then posted a 3.86 ERA, 3.66 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP along with 130 strikeouts over 116 2/3 innings in 2024 prior to getting hurt.</p><p>With Rodriguez out, Suzuki said the Angels will open the season with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17202">Jack Kochanowicz</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18880">Ryan Johnson</a> as their No. 4 and 5 starters, according to <a href="https://x.com/JackJanes_/status/2035827759323484467">Jack Janes of the Sporting Tribune</a>. Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17442" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17442">Walbert Urena</a> also made the team as a long reliever.</p><p>What this all means for former All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12291" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12291">Alek Manoah</a>'s status with the Halos is unclear. Manoah, who signed a guaranteed deal with the Halos after missing 2025 and was expected to win a rotation spot, struggled during spring training before dealing with a fingernail issue this week, per <a href="https://x.com/RhettBollinger/status/2035054481138991261">Bollinger</a>. Manoah could either be placed on the IL because of the fingernail problem or sent to Triple-A, as he has two minor-league options remaining.</p><p>The Angels open their regular season Thursday in Houston.</p>

TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: Grayson Rodriguez #21 of the Los Angeles Angels stands on the field during the Spring Training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 13, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona.

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Angels' Rodriguez to open season on IL

Jalen Williams will return to the court for the first time in over five weeks Monday, when his Ok...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102799">Jalen Williams</a> will return to the court for the first time in over five weeks Monday, when his Oklahoma City Thunder face the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2035822831921959072">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Williams has played just two games since mid-January because of a right hamstring strain. He initially suffered the injury on Jan. 17 and sat out the Thunder's next 10 contests. Williams made his first return Feb. 9 and scored 23 points in 24 minutes, but he re-aggravated the strain two nights later and hasn't played since.</p><p>His return should give the defending NBA champions a boost heading into the postseason. Oklahoma City entered Sunday sitting first in the Western Conference with a three-game lead on the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder have 11 games left in the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams, now in his fourth NBA season, has played just 26 games this year due to both the hamstring strain and his recovery from offseason wrist surgery.</p><p>The 24-year-old has been effective when healthy, averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals this season.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 10: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the game against the Phoenix Suns during 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals on December 10, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Jalen Williams to return Monday vs. 76ers

The Philadelphia Phillies restructured star left-hander Cristopher Sánchez's contract, ripping up...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies restructured star left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11757">Cristopher Sánchez</a>'s contract, ripping up his original deal to give him a new extension in an unusual move.</p><p>Sánchez, who had been under contract through 2028, signed a new six-year extension with the Phillies that kicks in next season. His revised deal, which also includes a club option in 2033, is worth $107 million in guaranteed money, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7138033/2026/03/22/cristopher-sanchez-phillies-contract-extension/?source=emp_shared_article">Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>It also includes more than $13 million in performance incentives, sources told MLB reporter <a href="https://x.com/francysromeroFR/status/2035719037557080356">Francys Romero</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sánchez's salaries in the first three seasons of the new deal will be unchanged from his old contract, aside from guaranteeing the $1-million buyouts of old club options in 2028 and '29. He'll then earn $30 million in both 2031 and '32, <a href="https://x.com/ScottLauber/status/2035797388183421415">Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer</a> reports.</p><p>The 2033 club option is worth a base salary of $32.5 million, but could increase to as much as $44.5 million through the incentives, a source told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/cristopher-sanchez-extension-with-phillies-through-2032">Todd Zolecki of MLB.com</a>. Alternatively, Philadelphia can buy out the club option for $1 million, according to Lauber.</p><p>Sánchez's $3-million salary in 2026 will remain unchanged.</p><p>"I'm absolutely so proud of being here, and it shows the commitment that this thing happened," Sánchez said via an interpreter, according to Gelb. "They rewarded my work and the way I've been doing the last few years of my work. It's just a great commitment. And I appreciate the team doing this for me."</p><p>The 29-year-old, who will start for the Phillies on Opening Day, was the 2025 NL Cy Young runner-up after posting a 2.50 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 212 strikeouts over 32 starts. That dominance followed his breakout 2024 campaign that saw him named to the NL All-Star team and earn down-ballot Cy Young support for the first time.</p><p>Philadelphia originally acquired Sánchez from the Tampa Bay Rays for Curtis Mead in November 2019. He made his MLB debut two years later.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 22: Cristopher Sánchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates the third out of the eighth inning during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on July 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Phillies give Sánchez new 6-year deal after ripping up original contract

The Pittsburgh Pirates are talking to top prospect Konnor Griffin about a potential historic long...

<p>The Pittsburgh Pirates are talking to top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18811" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18811">Konnor Griffin</a> about a potential historic long-term extension, a source told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/news/konnor-griffin-pirates-discuss-contract-extension?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Discussions have centered on a contract worth over $100 million and spanning up to nine years, Mayo reports. However, a deal doesn't appear imminent.</p><p>Should a nine-figure agreement be reached before Opening Day, it would represent the largest deal ever given to a player with zero days of major-league service time. It would also mark just the eighth time a player has signed an extension before ever appearing in a big-league game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Griffin, 19, is the consensus top prospect in MLB. The shortstop was drafted ninth overall by Pittsburgh in 2024 and made his professional debut last year, finishing his season at Double-A Altoona. He hit a combined .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases over 563 plate appearances across Low-A, High-A, and Double-A.</p><p>The Mississippi native is competing for the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop job. Griffin has hit four home runs this spring but has slashed just .184/.279/.526 over 43 Grapefruit League PAs as a non-roster invitee to big-league camp.</p><p>If Griffin doesn't make the team or sign an extension, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12456" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12456">Nick Gonzales</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5046" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5046">Nick Yorke</a> would likely be the Pirates' Opening Day shortstop.</p>

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Konnor Griffin #75 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during a spring training workout at Pirate City on February 12, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida.

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Report: Pirates discussing 9-figure extension with top prospect Griffin

The New York Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to be...

<p>The New York Yankees optioned outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15477" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15477">Jasson Domínguez</a> to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the season.</p><p>Domínguez started in left field for the Yankees on Opening Day last year and spent all of 2025 in the majors. He hit .257/.331/.388 with 10 homers, 47 RBIs, and 23 steals over 429 plate appearances in 2025, his first full season in the majors. </p><p>However, the switch-hitter's second-half struggles eventually led New York to primarily use him as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement down the stretch. Domínguez made just one appearance in the 2025 playoffs, serving as a pinch-hitter late in Game 4 of the ALDS.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite a strong spring in which the 23-year-old hit .325/.378/.600 with three homers and 10 RBIs over 14 Grapefruit League games, Domínguez - who had two minor-league options remaining - couldn't secure a spot in a crowded Yankees' outfield. The returns of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8203" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8203">Trent Grisham</a> helped squeeze him out of an everyday spot.</p><p>New York will presumably roll with Bellinger in left field every day and Grisham manning center to open the season. The left-handed hitting Grisham could also form part of a center-field platoon, potentially with veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2561">Randal Grichuk</a>, who's in camp as a non-roster invitee.</p><p>Domínguez will presumably get everyday at-bats in Scranton, where he'll play alongside fellow young outfielder Spencer Jones and stay ready for a call-up.</p><p>Originally signed by New York out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, Domínguez was once considered the jewel of the Yankees' farm system and a potential future cornerstone in the outfield. The switch-hitter owns a lifetime .724 OPS across 149 big-league games since 2023.</p><p>The Yankees also optioned right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12576" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12576">Kervin Castro</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12827">Yerry de los Santos</a> to Triple-A on Friday. Catchers Payton Henry and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8678">Ali Sánchez</a>, as well as outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14034" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14034">Kenedy Corona</a>, were reassigned to minor-league camp.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 9: Jasson Dominguez #24 of the Yankees hits a home run in the top of the 3rd inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on May 9, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Yankees option Domínguez to Triple-A

A long-term agreement between the New York Mets and Freddy Peralta doesn't appear imminent.  Alth...

<p>A long-term agreement between the New York Mets and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9771" href="/mlb/players/9771">Freddy Peralta</a> doesn't appear imminent.</p><p>Although talks between the sides have occurred, the chances of the Mets locking up their new ace before Opening Day are highly unlikely, sources told <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/03/19/sports/12-mlb-stars-who-are-prime-extension-candidates/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>Contract length is reportedly one of the main sticking points, with significant differences between the parties. Peralta, an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season, told <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/03/06/sports/freddy-peralta-is-the-ideal-mets-fit-for-2026-but-the-future-is-more-murky/">Heyman</a> earlier in March that he's seeking a deal of "seven or eight years."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, that apparently isn't sitting well with the Mets, who typically aren't comfortable giving pitchers such lengthy pacts. New York would prefer to get Peralta's signature on a four- or five-year deal, according to Heyman.</p><p>Neither side has set a deadline for negotiations, so they could continue into the season. Peralta also indicated that he'd leave all contract discussions to his agents.</p><p>Peralta is in the final season of a five-year, $15.5-million deal he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in February 2020. Milwaukee exercised an $8-million club option on the right-hander in November, two months before trading him to the Mets for top-100 prospects <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16155" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16155">Jett Williams</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18990" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18990">Brandon Sproat</a>.</p><p>Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is familiar with Peralta, having signed him to his current contract while running the Brewers.</p><p>After being acquired by New York, the 29-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3465669" href="https://thescore.com/news/3465669">said</a> he'd be open to discussing an extension once he was fully settled in with his new team.</p><p>Peralta will take the mound for the Mets on Opening Day following a career-best 2025 season, during which he won an NL-best 17 games while finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting.</p>

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 14: Freddy Peralta (51) of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Houston Astros on March 14, 2026 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Report: Mets, Peralta unlikely to reach extension before Opening Day

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is complete, so it's time to break down the performances of all 2...

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Grading each team's 2026 WBC performance

For the first time ever, Venezuela is the World Baseball Classic champion.  Venezuela survived a ...

<p>For the first time ever, Venezuela is the World Baseball Classic champion.</p><p>Venezuela survived a U.S. comeback to win 3-2 in Tuesday's WBC final at loanDepot Park. Bryce Harper tied the game with a home run in the eighth inning, but Eugenio Suárez answered with a <a href="https://www.x.com/MLBONFOX/status/2034096924148834497">go-ahead RBI double</a> in the top of the ninth that plated the tournament-winning run.</p><p>"I got that changeup right there, put my best swing on it, and thank God I got the double," Suárez told MLB Network. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Closer Daniel Palencia then set the Americans down in order, striking out Roman Anthony to start the celebration in Caracas and beyond.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">TEAM VENEZUELA 🇻🇪<br>CHAMPS 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1hDTJWcI5V">pic.twitter.com/1hDTJWcI5V</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2034101615397937441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>This win marks Venezuela's first major international baseball tournament victory since claiming gold at the 1959 Pan-Am Games.</p><p>Six Venezuelan pitchers limited the vaunted American offense to just three hits and six baserunners while striking out 10. Team USA didn't get a runner past second base until Harper's tying homer off Andrés Machado in the eighth.</p><p>Maikel Garcia opened the scoring for Venezuela with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the third. Wilyer Abreu continued his monster tournament by crushing a solo homer off USA starter Nolan McLean, who struck out four and allowed the two runs in 4 2/3 innings.</p><p>"We were not supposed to be here, people don't believe in us," Garcia said. "But we believe in each other and we did a job."</p><p>He added: "We showed the people who Venezuela is. Next time they make a ranking, Venezuela is the No. 1."</p><p>Venezuelan starter Eduardo Rodriguez was brilliant, surrendering one hit while tallying four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings before yielding to the bullpen.</p><p>"This is the greatest moment I've ever got on the mound pitching," Rodriguez said. "Pitching like that in front of almost our home crowd, the whole of Venezuela was here. ... I can't even tell you how I feel right now."</p><p>For Team USA, the result is another crushing loss in the WBC final. The Americans dropped the 2023 championship to Japan in the same ballpark by the same 3-2 score. Team USA has won the tournament only once, in 2017.</p><p>"I'd love to get over the finish line," Mark DeRosa said when asked if he'd like to return as U.S. manager. "Not only is it two times but 3-2 both times.</p><p>"If you saw how hurting the guys are in that locker room, you'd know why. For some reason, this WBC has become a tidal wave of emotion for a lot of guys. You get them in the room representing their country, coming together for two-and-a-half weeks, the buy-in. It's infectious in there."</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Salvador Perez #13 and manager Omar López #22 of Team Venezuela lift the championship trophy after defeating Team United States 3-2 at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Venezuela claims 1st-ever WBC title in thriller over USA

Venezuela third baseman Maikel Garcia was named the 2026 World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Pla...

<p>Venezuela third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13651" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13651">Maikel Garcia</a> was named the 2026 World Baseball Classic Most Valuable Player after helping his team to a 3-2 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3502322" href="https://thescore.com/news/3502322">win</a> in Tuesday's final over the U.S.</p><p>Garcia hit .385/.393/.577 across the tournament, posting a team-high 10 hits along with one homer, seven RBIs, and three stolen bases while striking out just three times in 26 at-bats. He led the entire WBC in hits and recorded the game-winning RBI single in Venezuela's comeback semifinal win over Italy. Garcia also homered in his country's quarterfinal victory over Japan and had an RBI in the final.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"MVP! MVP! MVP!" 🗣️<br><br>Maikel Garcia is your 2026 WBC MVP 🇻🇪 <a href="https://t.co/FBWQkC3Yz8">pic.twitter.com/FBWQkC3Yz8</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2034110754652340242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 26-year-old, who hails from the village of La Sabana in the Venezuelan state of Vargas, joins the Dominican Republic's Robinson Canó (2013) as the only true position players to win WBC MVP. Starting pitchers won the award in three of the five previous editions, with two-way superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> taking home the honor three years ago.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Garcia made his first All-Star team with the Kansas City Royals in 2025. The Royals signed him to a five-year, $57.5-million extension over the winter.</p><p>As the MVP, Garcia also headlined the All-WBC Team as the third baseman. He was one of three Venezuelans named to the squad, while Team USA had the most selections with four. Ohtani, meanwhile, joined Daisuke Matsuzaka, Yadier Molina, and Javier Báez as just the fourth player to be named to multiple All-WBC teams.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="WBC All-Tournament Team" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Js4rG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Js4rG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="577" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Maikel Garcia #11 of Team Venezuela poses with the MVP trophy after the 3-2 victory against Team United States at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Venezuela's Garcia named WBC MVP, headlines All-WBC Team

The World Baseball Classic has come a long way in the 20 years since the inaugural tournament. Ye...

<p>The World Baseball Classic has come a long way in the 20 years since the inaugural tournament. Yet the question of when the best time is to stage it remains up for debate.</p><p>United States manager Mark DeRosa believes that moving the WBC from spring training to the summer would solve the problem, and get even more of the best talent to participate with fewer restrictions.</p><p>"I do think the big leaguers want to play in the Olympics and represent their country," DeRosa said before Tuesday's final against Venezuela, per <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=216657">ASAP Sports</a>. "And yes, they would be more prepared and more dialed in, and we'd be dealing with way less restrictions and way less guidelines on the pitching if it was moved to midseason. No question about it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>All six editions of the WBC have been held during spring training. As a result, the tournament features unique pitch-count limits designed to protect pitchers who are ramping up for the regular season. Pitchers are required to rest for one day if they throw 30 pitches in a WBC game, and four days if they cross the 50-pitch mark.</p><p>DeRosa and the other 19 national team managers also have to juggle the needs of player's MLB teams. Several star players had to miss the tournament after being denied insurance due to injuries suffered in 2025, and players that are in the tournament may be prescribed rest days or specific pitch counts.</p><p>USA closer Mason Miller was questionable for the final, though DeRosa confirmed the flamethrower's availability pregame after conferring with the San Diego Padres. Venezuela manager Omar Lopez revealed that multiple clubs asked him not to use pitchers who worked in Monday's semifinal win over Italy in Tuesday's final, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillShaikin/status/2034014094538268786">Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><p>If this were July, DeRosa feels none of this would be an issue.</p><p>"The beauty of this thing is you try to honor the parent clubs and get these guys back to their parent clubs healthy, but for some reason, when you get in a room and you put USA across your chest and fill a stadium, you lose sight of that sometimes," DeRosa said. "So I think it's just passion for growing the game, the WBC, but certainly if it was moved to the middle of the season, I don't think you would have any 'no's' for competing in it."</p><p>A midseason WBC would also force MLB (and other pro leagues) to fit the tournament in by halting their regular seasons. MLB has already expressed an openness to doing that for the LA Olympics in 2028, although that would only be for a week. Running a full 20-team tournament in July would take longer, and potentially eat two weeks of the season.</p><p>Still, DeRosa is clearly hoping for these changes to take the WBC to the next level. The 51-year-old believes the tournament is officially a must-see event, especially in the United States, which has often been criticized for not fully buying in and focusing more on the MLB season.</p><p>"I was a part of it in 2009 as a player and didn't really understand what we were getting into, right? And then I was able to manage in 2023," DeRosa said. "And to see the passion, the game against Mexico, the game against Venezuela (in 2023), the (2023 final) against Japan. I credit the Latin American countries, I credit Japan, I credit the other countries for kind of forcing the United States' hand to kind of get in on this.</p><p>"There's something very powerful about playing for your country."</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 15: Mark DeRosa #9 of the United States looks on before the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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DeRosa wants midseason WBC: Would be 'way less restrictions'

Venezuela is off to the World Baseball Classic final for the first time, ending Italy's Cinderell...

<p>Venezuela is off to the World Baseball Classic final for the first time, ending Italy's Cinderella run with a 4-2 win in the second WBC semifinal Monday at LoanDepot Park.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TICKET PUNCHED 🎟️<br><br>TEAM VENEZUELA IS HEADING TO THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! <a href="https://t.co/Ulmy4XqqVK">pic.twitter.com/Ulmy4XqqVK</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2033738373769076763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Venezuelans trailed early but mounted a three-run comeback in the seventh inning, led by RBI hits from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13651" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13651">Maikel Garcia</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10597" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10597">Luis Arraez</a>, to pull ahead for good.</p><p>Venezuela will face Team USA in the championship game Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Veteran left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4216" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4216">Eduardo Rodriguez</a> will start for the Venezuelans against Team USA youngster <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20104" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20104">Nolan McLean</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"A lot of dancing," Garcia said of the postgame celebration. "I've never been to the championship of the WBC before, and we get there and we're happy. We're excited to play tomorrow against the United States. We have to come tomorrow and play the same way we played against Japan, against Italy, and we have to show the world who Venezuela is."</p><p>Italy, playing in its first-ever WBC semifinal, got a brilliant start from Philadelphia Phillies star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4777" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4777">Aaron Nola</a>, who allowed one run over four innings of work. The Azzurri struck first on offense, taking a 2-0 lead in the third on a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17290" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17290">J.J. D'Orazio</a> bases-loaded walk and a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/19333" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/19333">Dante Nori</a> RBI force out.</p><p>But Venezuela eventually chipped away. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a> launched a homer off Nola in the fourth to cut the deficit in half, setting the stage for the big seventh inning. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña Jr.</a> tied the game with an RBI single off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4295" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4295">Michael Lorenzen</a> - who had been scheduled to start the game, but instead followed Nola out of the bullpen - and Garcia followed with the go-ahead hit.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MAIKEL GARCIA FOR THE LEAD!<br><br>TEAM VENEZUELA IS HYPE 🇻🇪 <a href="https://t.co/IaHDzNwr3a">pic.twitter.com/IaHDzNwr3a</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2033728363064361325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Venezuelan starter Keider Montero struggled with his command in the second, and was pulled after walking D'Orazio. But the bullpen picked him up, as six Venezuela relievers combined to throw 7 2/3 shutout innings and silence the Italian bats. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13748" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13748">Daniel Palencia</a> struck out two in a perfect ninth to record the save.</p><p>Despite being one of the world's premier baseball nations - only the U.S. and Dominican Republic have produced more major-leaguers - Venezuela hasn't achieved much international success. The South American nation's previous best finish at the WBC was fourth place in 2009, and had never reached the Olympics until qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles games last week. Venezuela's last major international baseball win was a gold medal at the 1959 Pan-Am Games.</p><p>Awaiting them Tuesday is a U.S. team that's in its third straight WBC final, and is looking to avenge 2023's final loss to Japan. The Americans own a 3-2 advantage all-time against Venezuela in the WBC.</p><p>The final will also be a rematch of an epic quarterfinal game between Venezuela and the U.S. in Miami three years ago. In that game, the Americans came back to beat Venezuela 9-7 on Trea Turner's eighth-inning grand slam.</p><p>"Baseball gives you this kind of opportunities," Acuña said of facing the U.S. "Life is so ironic. I'm very happy to play the United States again. They are all superstars, but we have a great team as well. We are going to play our game. Let's see what happens tomorrow."</p><p>Italy, meanwhile, saw its remarkable run end in the semifinals, a result that's easily the best in the country's baseball history. The Italians were just the second European nation to reach a WBC semifinal (The Netherlands did it twice). Francisco Cervelli's team came into the semis undefeated, but managed just five hits against Venezuela, and only three after the second inning.</p><p>"We are no longer the Cinderella, and this is an important - in three years they are going to take us seriously," Cervelli said. "We have a group of young players that are going to participate in the next Classic. </p><p>"What they experienced today, they are going to take it away from the rest of their lives, a spectacular noise at the stadium, and my team was spectacular, fantastic, a group of friends, guys that support each other. I wish I could have that kind of team for 162 games."</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 16: Gleyber Torres #25 of Team Venezuela celebrates with teammates after Team Venezuela defeated Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One at loanDepot park on Monday, March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Venezuela ends Italy's run, will face U.S. in WBC final

Team USA is off to the World Baseball Classic finals, eliminating the Dominican Republic with a n...

<p>Team USA is off to the World Baseball Classic finals, eliminating the Dominican Republic with a nail-biting 2-1 win in the semifinal Sunday at loanDepot Park.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16437" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16437">Mason Miller</a> struck out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12530" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12530">Geraldo Perdomo</a> on a questionable called third strike as the Dominican Republic stranded the tying run at third base to end the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MASON MILLER WINS THE BATTLE<br><br>TEAM USA WINS THE GAME! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldBaseballClassic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldBaseballClassic</a> <a href="https://t.co/IJCG9vjv5r">pic.twitter.com/IJCG9vjv5r</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2033379153316139058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I don't want to focus on the last pitch," Dominican manager Albert Pujols said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BillShaikin/status/2033384851533975916">Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times</a>. "... I'm not going to criticize any of that. It wasn't meant to be (for us)."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12258">Gunnar Henderson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a> provided all the offense Paul Skenes and five U.S. relievers would need with his <a href="https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/2033350743642829053">fourth-inning home run</a> off Dominican reliever Gregory Soto.</p><p>It's the third consecutive WBC finals appearance for the Americans. They won the tournament in 2017 and lost a memorable championship game to Japan three years ago.</p><p>The U.S. now awaits the winner of Monday's semifinal featuring Venezuela and Italy. New York Mets rookie right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20104" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20104">Nolan McLean</a> will start the final, USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed, according to <a href="https://x.com/DeeshaThosar/status/2033387983416528916">Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports</a>. McLean, 24, started against Italy in pool play and allowed three runs in Team USA's stunning loss to the upstart Italians.</p><p>The vaunted Dominican lineup outhit Team USA 8-7, but could only muster one run on Junior Camiero's solo shot in the second inning. The Dominicans left eight runners on base, and went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Fernando Tatis Jr. ran into an inning-ending out in the third when he was thrown out by Aaron Judge while trying to take third on Ketel Marte's single.</p><p>Skenes allowed just the one run on six hits in 4 1/3 innings before yielding to Tyler Rogers, who got Juan Soto to hit into a double play and strand two runners. Rogers, Griffin Jax, David Bednar, Garrett Whitlock, and Miller combined to allow just two hits and three baserunners.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 15: Roman Anthony #3 of Team USA celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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USA holds off Dominicans to reach 3rd straight WBC final

Venezuela claimed more than just a spot in the World Baseball Classic semifinals Saturday night. ...

<p>Venezuela claimed more than just a spot in the World Baseball Classic semifinals Saturday night. It also earned a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic baseball tournament.</p><p>The Venezuelans will be joined in the LA 2028 tournament by the Dominican Republic, which officially clinched the other Americas berth when it beat Korea in the quarterfinals Friday. The Dominicans are 5-0 in the WBC.</p><p>The WBC doubled as the Olympic qualifying tournament for teams from the Americas. The top two overall finishers from the Americas (excluding Team USA, which receives an automatic berth as the host nation) earned spots in the six-team LA 2028 tournament at Dodger Stadium.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>By defeating Japan, Venezuela ensured it would finish higher than Canada and Puerto Rico - the other two Americas teams that reached the quarterfinals - in the WBC standings. Canada held the head-to-head tiebreaker over Puerto Rico for the Olympic berth, but needed Japan to reach the semis in order to qualify over Venezuela.</p><p>This marks the first time that Venezuela has ever qualified for an Olympic baseball tournament. The Dominican Republic, meanwhile, will be making its third Olympic appearance, after finishing sixth in the 1992 Barcelona games and winning bronze at Tokyo 2020.</p><p>Although the International Olympic Committee dropped baseball and softball from the games after 2008, both sports are being brought back for LA 2028 as "optional" sports due to their popularity in the host nation. The IOC also reinstated baseball for the Tokyo games in a similar manner.</p><p>Countries from Europe, Asia, and Oceania will attempt to qualify for LA 2028 through a series of other tournaments over the next two years.</p><p>Only six teams total will qualify, and will be split into two groups of three for the tournament.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 14: Salvador Perez #13 and Angel Zerpa #61 of team Venezuela reacts to a play during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team Japan at loanDepot park on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Venezuela, Dominican Republic qualify for 2028 Olympics

Grab an espresso. Play some Bocelli. Team Italy's headed to the final four.  The Italians' Cinder...

<p>Grab an espresso. Play some Bocelli. Team Italy's headed to the final four.</p><p>The Italians' Cinderella run in the World Baseball Classic continued Saturday with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico at Daikin Park to clinch a berth in the WBC semifinals.</p><p>Italy now travels to Miami, where it will <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3500327" href="https://thescore.com/news/3500327">play Venezuela</a> in the second semifinal Monday night. The Italians will be the designated home team for the contest, and have last at-bat.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't know how many people would've picked the Dominican Republic, Japan, the United States, and Italy in the final four, but we're here now," first baseman and team captain Vinnie Pasquantino said postgame. "... This is incredible, man. What a group of guys."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tried to get this fixed after the fact but I’m sorry I excluded Venezuela. Didn’t mean to that. Looking forward to watching that game we all know it should be fireworks. My bad Team Venezuela. I still love you Maikel, Sal, Luinder, and Zerpa <a href="https://t.co/bRybeOQjc2">https://t.co/bRybeOQjc2</a></p>— Vinnie Pasquantino (@VPasquantino) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPasquantino/status/2032959274729533705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Italy's offense once again started fast. After starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18619" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18619">Sam Aldegheri</a>, a Verona native, allowed a leadoff homer to Puerto Rico's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/5188" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/5188">Willi Castro</a>, the Italian bats responded by plating four runs in the bottom of the first and another four in the fourth. Catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/17290" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/17290">J.J. D'Orazio</a> drove in three, including what ended up as the winning runs on a two-RBI ground-rule double in the fourth.</p><p>Puerto Rico nearly erased a six-run deficit in the final two innings, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate in the eighth and had the tying run up in the ninth. But closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/14150" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/14150">Greg Weissert</a> shut things down with 1 2/3 innings of relief to save what is now the biggest win in Italian baseball history.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Italy’s undefeated run in the 2026 World Baseball Classic continues! 🇮🇹 <a href="https://t.co/6DOxJ3g9zV">pic.twitter.com/6DOxJ3g9zV</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2032950564619956426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Aldegheri allowed two runs over just 1 1/3 innings, but six relievers picked him up the rest of the way. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/20674" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/20674">Dylan DeLucia</a> struck out three over four shutout innings in a bulk role, and Dan Altavila added a shutout frame of his own.</p><p>Every Italian hitter reached base at least once, and all but Sam Antonacci recorded a hit.</p><p>Italy's taken part in every WBC since the event began in 2006, but had never finished higher than seventh in the overall standings. That's all changed this year, as the Azzurri are 5-0 in the tournament after sweeping Pool A and then winning Saturday's quarterfinal.</p><p>Though the team is made up largely of Italian-Americans, its run has captured attention in Italy, a country that's produced just nine big-league players. Saturday's game was broadcast on Italian television in prime time, putting baseball on the biggest possible stage in the nation.</p><p>"Italy doesn't have the greatest development in baseball, and that's what we're trying to do right now," Pasquantino said, per <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=216554">ASAP Sports</a>. "And if we continue to be successful with this - I mean, there was baseball being played at bistros and cafes in Italy tonight over there. That doesn't happen.</p><p>"So without the group that we have, it just doesn't happen. So we're getting eyeballs on the sport and we're bringing people together. And to me that's what the World Baseball Classic is about, is bringing people who wouldn't normally watch baseball, to get them to watch baseball."</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 14: Francisco Cervelli #29 of Italy celebrates with his team after defeating Puerto Rico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game at Daikin Park on March 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Italy beats Puerto Rico, advances to semis as dream WBC continues

There was no shortage of roster moves in the American League this winter as a number of front off...

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Handing out offseason grades for every AL team 

The Dominican Republic is off to the World Baseball Classic after crushing South Korea in a 10-0 ...

<p>The Dominican Republic is off to the World Baseball Classic after crushing South Korea in a 10-0 seven-inning mercy-rule quarterfinal win Friday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12678">Austin Wells</a> sealed the Dominicans' spot in the semis with a three-run walk-off homer against Korea's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/20421" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/20421">Hyeong Jun So</a> in the bottom of the seventh.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE DR WALKS IT OFF IN THE 7TH INNING! 🇩🇴 <a href="https://t.co/xcw9AIMYQJ">pic.twitter.com/xcw9AIMYQJ</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2032621975034908971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Albert Pujols' star-studded squad will play the winner of the United States-Canada quarterfinal on Sunday at LoanDepot Park in Miami.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Dominicans, now 5-0 in the WBC, wasted little time jumping on Korea with a three-run second inning. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16275" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16275">Junior Caminero</a> ignited the offense with an RBI double that scored <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, who raced around third and flew into home plate with a slide reminiscent of his dash at Yankee Stadium last October.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">VLADDY SAFE AT THE PLATE. OH MAN. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/YjnIdisRMq">pic.twitter.com/YjnIdisRMq</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2032593916357411196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Dominican Republic then forced Korea to use four pitchers as they scored four runs in the bottom of the third to put the game out of reach.</p><p>Dominican ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11757">Cristopher Sánchez</a> allowed just two hits while striking out eight over five shutout innings. He finished with a flourish, striking out his final four batters. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8218" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8218">Albert Abreu</a> followed by striking out three in a pair of flawless frames out of the bullpen.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr.</a> also drove in a pair of runs to bring his tournament total to 11 RBIs. That's the most ever in a single WBC by a Dominican hitter and just two shy of the single-tournament record, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2032604972940947655">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>This year marks the first time the Dominicans have reached the semifinals since 2013, when the nation won its only WBC title. Like in 2013, the team has completely dominated. Wells' walk-off shot was the Dominicans' 14th homer of the tournament, tying the single-WBC record set by Mexico in 2009, per <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2032622713232105739">Langs</a>.</p><p>Though the Koreans were in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009 after advancing on tiebreakers, they appeared overmatched in Friday's contest. Former MLB All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/20449" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/20449">Hyun Jin Ryu</a>, who returned to his nation's domestic league in 2024, didn't make it out of the second inning and was charged with three earned runs in the loss.</p>

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 13: Austin Wells #28 of Team Dominican Republic celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game presented by Capital One between Team Korea and Team Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Dominicans dominate Korea with mercy-rule win to reach WBC semis

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a World Baseball Classic-record three home runs and Aaron Nola tossed five...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13889" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13889">Vinnie Pasquantino</a> hit a World Baseball Classic-record three home runs and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4777" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4777">Aaron Nola</a> tossed five shutout innings as Italy continued its remarkable run with a 9-1 win over Mexico to send the Azzurri and Team USA to the quarterfinals.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Italy punches their ticket to the quarterfinals! 🇮🇹 <a href="https://t.co/KkUC2Mgjei">pic.twitter.com/KkUC2Mgjei</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2031918105849708790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Italy (4-0) won Pool B and will play Pool A runner-up Puerto Rico in its quarterfinal Saturday. The Americans, who nearly got knocked out of the tournament on tiebreakers after Tuesday's shocking loss to Italy, will take on longtime rival and Pool A winner Canada on Friday in Houston.</p><p>The other quarterfinal matchups <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3497823" href="https://thescore.com/news/3497823">will see</a> Venezuela take on defending champion Japan, and the Dominican Republic face Korea at Miami's LoanDepot Park. The higher-seeded nation will be the designated "home" team in each quarterfinal and get the last at-bat.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Matchup</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
<th>TV</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>March 13</td>
<td>Korea vs. Dominican Republic</td>
<td>6:30 p.m.</td>
<td>FS2/SN360</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>March 13</td>
<td>USA vs. Canada</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>Fox/SN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>March 14</td>
<td>Puerto Rico vs. Italy</td>
<td>3 p.m.</td>
<td>FS1/SN1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>March 14</td>
<td>Venezuela vs. Japan</td>
<td>9 p.m.</td>
<td>Fox/SN1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Faced with a win-and-in scenario Wednesday, Italy took control early and didn't let up. Pasquantino hit his first of three round-trippers to lead off the second, sneaking the ball over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/12272" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/12272">Jarren Duran</a>'s glove in right field. He also homered in the sixth and eighth innings.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/3237" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/3237">Jon Berti</a> added a solo shot in the fourth to make it 2-0. Italy then broke it open with a three-run fifth inning that knocked Mexican starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14340" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14340">Javier Assad</a> out of the game.</p><p>The Italians nearly threw the whole tournament into chaos by upsetting the U.S. on Wednesday. Had Mexico beaten Italy by four runs or less, the star-studded Team USA would have been eliminated based on tiebreakers. Instead, manager Mark DeRosa - who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3497008" href="https://thescore.com/news/3497008">acknowledged</a> that he misunderstood his team's situation heading into the Italy game - will now have a chance at redemption, as well as a world championship.</p><p>Mexico, meanwhile, entered the tournament hoping to build on 2023's run to the semifinals. Instead, the team will head home after pool play for the third time, falling short of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics (the WBC is serving as an Olympic qualifier for teams from the Americas).</p><p>The Mexicans put runners on base in each of the first four innings Wednesday but came up empty every time. They scored their lone run on a bases-loaded RBI groundout by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12534" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12534">Alek Thomas</a> in the bottom of the seventh that marked Mexico's last real threat.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Manager Francisco Cervelli #29 of Italy celebrates with his team after defeating Mexico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic - Pool B at Daikin Park on March 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Italy thumps Mexico as U.S. survives to reach WBC quarters

At long last, Canada has advanced in the World Baseball Classic.  The Canadians clinched a berth ...

<p>At long last, Canada has advanced in the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>The Canadians clinched a berth in the WBC quarterfinals for the first time with a 7-2 win over Cuba in the Pool A finale at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OHHH CANADA 🇨🇦<br><br>Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/baseballcanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BaseballCanada</a>, moving on to the Quarters for the first time in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldBaseballClassic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldBaseballClassic</a> HISTORY! <a href="https://t.co/Cq6QoQxrnC">pic.twitter.com/Cq6QoQxrnC</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/2031858163448721577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Canada bounced back from a tough loss to Panama by beating both Puerto Rico, which had already clinched a quarterfinal spot, and Cuba in its final two games to win Pool A. The Canadians earned first place by virtue of holding the head-to-head tiebreaker over Puerto Rico.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada will next face the runner-up from Pool B - one of Mexico, Italy, or the United States - at Houston's Daikin Park on either Thursday or Friday. Puerto Rico will face the Pool B winner, also in Houston.</p><p>This year marks the first time that Canada, a participant in all six WBCs, has ever advanced out of the first round. In previous years, it had run into roadblocks while in a pool with the U.S. and Mexico.</p><p>Abraham Toro led the way Wednesday for Canada, going 3-for-5 with a homer that stood up as the game-winning run. Owen Caissie added two RBIs, bringing his career WBC total to nine - a new Canadian record.</p><p>Starter Cal Quantrill was brilliant, allowing just one unearned run on two hits over five innings while striking out five. Indigo Diaz, Adam Macko, James Paxton, and Eric Cerantola followed him out of the bullpen to preserve Canada's win.</p><p>"We're not here for a participation ribbon," Quantrill said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/2031867817083965687">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><p>Cuba, meanwhile, failed to advance out of the group stage for the first time in WBC history. The Cubans had reached the quarterfinals in each of the five previous tournaments, including a semifinal berth in 2023.</p><p>Cuba would have moved on with a win Wednesday. Instead, it threw away the game almost immediately, starting with ace Lívan Moinelo being called for two consecutive pitch-clock violations in the first inning. The Cubans also committed three errors, including sixth-inning gaffes by catcher Andrys Perez and second baseman Yiddi Cappe, helping the Canadians break it open.</p>

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 11: Abraham Toro #31 of Team Canada celebrates a 7-2 victory against the Team Cuba after the game during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 11, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Canada beats Cuba to advance in WBC for 1st time

Canada shook off Sunday's tough loss to Panama by defeating Puerto Rico 3-2 on Tuesday at the Wor...

<p>Canada shook off Sunday's tough loss to Panama by defeating Puerto Rico 3-2 on Tuesday at the World Baseball Classic at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.</p><p>The win means the Canadians control their own destiny heading into the Pool A finale against Cuba (2-1) on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.</p><p>Canada will clinch the top spot in Pool A and advance out of the first round for the first time in WBC history with a win over Cuba, while Puerto Rico, already qualified for the next round, will finish second. That scenario would set up a quarterfinal matchup between Canada and the Pool B runner-up, with Puerto Rico taking on the Pool B winner. However, the Canadians will be eliminated if they lose to Cuba.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We're looking forward to (playing Cuba)," Canada outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5140">Tyler O'Neill</a> <a href="https://x.com/WBCBaseball/status/2031578507470328010">said</a> postgame. "It's gonna be a dogfight. They're a great team. We're gonna do our best to come out, play hard, and we'll see what happens."</p><p>Canada fought back from an early 1-0 deficit Tuesday when O'Neill and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/14391" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/14391">Tyler Black</a> drew back-to-back bases-loaded walks in the third inning to take a 2-1 lead. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/10014" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/10014">Abraham Toro</a> drove in what stood up as the winning run with a fourth-inning RBI single.</p><p>Puerto Rico cut the deficit to one run in the bottom of the fourth on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1841" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/1841">Martín Maldonado</a>'s pinch-hit RBI groundout but couldn't get any closer. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/20455" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/20455">Brock Dykxhoorn</a>, who pitches for Taiwan's Uni-President Lions, shut out the Puerto Ricans over the final three innings to lock down Canada's victory.</p><p>"He pitched extremely well," manager Ernie Whitt said of Dykxhoorn, who was one of the final additions to Team Canada, according to <a href="https://x.com/thehazelmae/status/2031583564052181093">Sportsnet's Hazel Mae</a>. "He was on our radar. Our pitching ... you couldn't ask for more. The three guys (Dykxhoorn, starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/12348" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/12348">Jordan Balazovic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/9600" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/9600">Logan Allen</a>) stepped up and held a good club in check."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/8241" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/8241">Cal Quantrill</a>, a seven-year big-league veteran, will start Wednesday afternoon's game for Canada. He'll face Cuban ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/20513" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/20513">Lívan Moinelo</a>, who won the Pacific League MVP in Japan last season.</p>

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 10: Owen Caissie #21 of Team Canada celebrates with Liam Hicks #34 after scoring a run on a single hit by Abraham Toro #31 (not pictured) against Team Puerto Rico during the fourth inning at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 10, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Canada beats Puerto Rico, controls destiny heading into Pool A finale

Puerto Rico's pitching staff isn't going to get a boost in the quarterfinals after all.  Toronto ...

<p>Puerto Rico's pitching staff isn't going to get a boost in the quarterfinals after all.</p><p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a> won't join his national team in the next round of the World Baseball Classic after being denied insurance, Puerto Rico general manager Carlos Beltrán announced Tuesday after his team's loss to Canada, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/2031574892605292767">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><p>"We feel bad because in some way or another we know the intention that he had was to be with us, helping us out, he worked really hard here getting ready," Beltrán said, per <a href="https://x.com/thehazelmae/status/2031581287757099358">Sportsnet's Hazel Mae</a>. "He's in a program ... pitching 70 pitches, and he feels healthy."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Puerto Rican GM Carlos Beltran said Jose Berrios will not be participating at the WBC (insurance was not approved)<br><br>“There’s no doubt he could’ve helped us… the process has been frustrating… we have to move forward.” <a href="https://t.co/uwaSMVp6TM">pic.twitter.com/uwaSMVp6TM</a></p>— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehazelmae/status/2031577020308820186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Earlier in the day, Puerto Rico manager Yadier Molina said the Blue Jays had signed off on Berríos' participation.</p><p>Berríos, who competed in each of the past three WBCs, was one of several Puerto Rican players who weren't included on the team's initial roster due to insurance issues. He finished the 2025 season on the injured list with elbow inflammation and missed the Blue Jays' run to the World Series.</p><p>However, the 31-year-old has looked sharp in Grapefruit League action thus far, posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with seven strikeouts and four walks over 10 2/3 spring innings for Toronto.</p><p>Had Berríos been cleared, he likely would have started Puerto Rico's quarterfinal game. Instead, Molina will presumably turn to Seth Lugo, who started the Pool A opener and would be pitching in the quarterfinals on six days' rest.</p><p>Puerto Rico, which hosted Pool A in San Juan, beat Cuba on Monday to clinch a spot in the WBC quarterfinals for the first time since 2017. The team currently sits first in Pool A but would finish second if Canada beats Cuba on Tuesday.</p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MARCH 27: José Berríos #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning on Opening Day at Rogers Centre on March 27, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Berríos won't join Puerto Rico for quarterfinals after insurance denied

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

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Caio Miari

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