Paul Skenes, a promising young pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has committed to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This announcement is significant as it may indicate a shift in elite American pitchers' willingness to participate, given past hesitance due to injury risks during spring training. Skenes joins Aaron Judge, the appointed captain, as part of a team managed by Mark DeRosa, which hopes to improve upon their runner-up finish in 2023 after losing to Japan in the championship game.
"Enlisting the best American starting pitchers to participate in the WBC has been a challenge, with top pitchers hesitant to risk injury during spring training."
"Skenes represents a breakthrough for USA Baseball, signaling a potential shift in elite American pitchers' willingness to play in the World Baseball Classic."
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