CLEARWATER, Fla. — Ryan Yarbrough was added to Team USA’s active roster on Sunday morning as a replacement for Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, who is sidelined with a back injury. This development brings the total number of New York Yankees players representing the team to ten for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Yarbrough, a left-handed pitcher, joins fellow Yankees Aaron Judge, David Bednar, and Paul Goldschmidt on Team USA. The team is set to play exhibition games against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday and the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday before beginning pool play against Brazil on Friday.
Manager Aaron Boone Comments on Yarbrough’s Inclusion
Manager Aaron Boone, speaking at BayCare Ballpark, noted the timing of Yarbrough’s availability as a factor for his addition.
“Kind of times up with his next outing, when he’d pitch, so it makes some sense,”
Boone said. “Obviously a good opportunity.”
Yarbrough’s Role and Recent Activity with the Yankees
Yarbrough recently re-signed with the Yankees to provide depth in the pitching rotation, although he is expected to serve mainly as a bullpen option unless injuries arise among the starters. He made his spring training debut last Monday versus the Pittsburgh Pirates but missed a planned appearance due to illness on Friday. After recovering, he returned to the Yankees’ camp Saturday and engaged in light throwing. His next pitching appearance is likely to be with Team USA in one of the upcoming exhibition matches.
Yankees Pitching Presence Strengthened in WBC
With Yarbrough’s addition, four Yankees pitchers are now taking part in the World Baseball Classic. Alongside him are relievers David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Fernando Cruz, further increasing the team’s contribution to the international tournament.
Upcoming Schedule and Yankees Players in Team USA
Team USA will continue preparations with exhibition games this week before starting its World Baseball Classic pool play. The Yankees’ involvement in the tournament underscores their broad representation, including notable players such as Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt. The event also highlights the roles of other Yankees grappling with performance and injuries during spring training.
