As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, Team USA has begun finalizing its pitching roles, confirming that Paul Skenes will make two starts during the tournament. This decision follows the announcement that Tarik Skubal, the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, will start only once, on March 7 against Great Britain.
Major League Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal disclosed that besides Skenes, San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will also get two starting opportunities. Having both pitchers ready for multiple games strengthens Team USA’s chances as the competition progresses.
Paul Skenes, who earned the National League Rookie of the Year title in 2024 and secured his second consecutive All-Star selection in 2025, was also a unanimous National League Cy Young Award winner, edging out top contenders Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Ranger Suarez. His proven ability to pitch deep into games offers Team USA an invaluable edge, helping preserve the bullpen’s stamina in critical knockout moments.
Dominican Republic Reveals Starting Pitcher for First Match
The Dominican Republic has named Cristopher Sanchez as the starting pitcher for their opening game against Nicaragua on March 6. Team manager Albert Pujols made this announcement during an interview on CDN Radio’s Mañana Deportiva, confirming the pitching rotation plans alongside his coaching staff, including pitching coach Wellington Cepeda.
Sanchez is currently under a four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, which extends through 2028. Following Sanchez, Luis Severino is slated to start the second game, Brayan Bello the third, and Sandy Alcantara is scheduled to pitch against Venezuela later in the tournament.
“It’s a short tournament and you have to play strategically. It’s not about resting anyone, but about using your best pitchers for each matchup,”
Albert Pujols, Manager of the Dominican Republic Team
Pujols emphasized the competitive nature of the WBC, underlining that no opponent should be underestimated.
“There are no weak teams here. Anyone can surprise you if you don’t play the right game,”
Albert Pujols, Manager of the Dominican Republic Team
The depth and tactical approach of the Dominican Republic’s pitching rotation highlight the importance of strategic pitcher deployment throughout the tournament.
Impact of Confirmed Pitching Roles on World Baseball Classic Dynamics
With Paul Skenes securing two starts for Team USA, the squad reinforces its reputation as a formidable contender. His presence ensures that key games will benefit from top-tier pitching, increasing the likelihood of lasting deeper into the tournament. Meanwhile, Dominican Republic’s deliberate rotation signals a focused effort to maximize pitcher effectiveness against various opponents.
The confirmed assignments for both teams reflect careful planning to balance player stamina, matchup advantages, and tactical decisions essential in a short but intense competition like the WBC. Observers will closely watch how these pitching strategies unfold and potentially influence the tournament’s outcome.
As the event progresses from early March, the performances of these pitchers, including Skenes, Logan Webb, and Cristopher Sanchez, will be critical factors shaping their teams’ fate in this global baseball showcase.
Rosenthal: Paul Skenes, Logan Webb expect to make 2 starts in World Baseball Classic. pic.twitter.com/OoiuWjgoNG
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) February 25, 2026
