Team USA is gearing up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a stacked starting rotation. However, when Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal announced he'd be making just one start before heading back to his MLB duties, it left many fans scratching their heads.
Pittsburgh Pirates standout Paul Skenes, likely the No. 2 starter, is set for two starts in the tournament. Joining them in manager Mark DeRosa's rotation are potential starters like Matthew Boyd, Nolan McLean, Joe Ryan, and Logan Webb.
So, why are Skubal and Skenes limited to so few starts? Logan Webb, the anticipated Opening Day starter for the San Francisco Giants, sheds some light on the matter.
Webb on WBC Strategy: 'It's Only Seven Games'
Webb recently appeared on "Foul Territory" with former Major League catcher Erik Kratz, where he discussed the upcoming WBC. He confirmed his plan to make two starts and aimed to clarify the strategy behind the limited appearances.
"I feel like I got slack for that, too," Webb explained, addressing the confusion surrounding the pitching strategy. "It's only seven games. If I throw two, Paul throws two, and Skubal throws one... we've got some serious talent covering those other games."
The U.S. boasts a deeper pitching roster than in 2023, featuring a total of six Cy Young Awards, including three from future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. With such depth, the strategy appears to be maximizing the impact of each starter while maintaining a fresh and formidable rotation throughout the tournament.