Webb Takes the Ball as Team USA Opens WBC Against Brazil

HOUSTON, TEX — Team USA begins their pool play for the WBC tonight against Team Brazil. 

Logan Webb will get the start for Team USA tonight. He posted a 3.22 ERA and a career-high 224 strikeouts over 207 innings. Webb is currently the only pitcher in MLB to record three consecutive 200-inning seasons (2023–2025.)

Manager Mark DeRosa is rolling out a "juggernaut" lineup for the opener that effectively looks like an MLB All-Star squad from top to bottom. You'll see your guy Aaron Judge serving as the official team captain, likely hitting near the top of the order alongside Bobby Witt Jr. and Bryce Harper to provide a massive power-speed combo right out of the gate.

With Corbin Carroll unfortunately sidelined due to a hand injury, keep an eye on Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony, who was a late addition but has already been mashing in exhibitions. The middle of the order should be anchored by the home run duo of Kyle Schwarber and Cal Raleigh, while the bottom of the order remains dangerous with Byron Buxton and Alex Bregman, who actually looked very comfortable in Scottsdale hitting home runs in back-to-back tune-up games.

Because Brazil’s staff relies heavily on soft contact rather than high velocity, this group is expected to be aggressive early to capitalize on the 65-pitch count.