Kershaw to be replaced on Team USA roster after WBC quarterfinal

Veteran pitcher will get one final chance to play for the U.S. before being swapped out for Twins' Joe Ryan

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:37pm

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Retired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw will be removed from the Team USA roster following Friday's quarterfinal game in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The 37-year-old Kershaw, who announced his retirement from MLB in September, will be replaced by Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan after the quarterfinal contest.

Why it matters

Kershaw's inclusion on the Team USA roster for the WBC was a surprise, as he had announced his retirement from MLB just a few months prior. His potential final appearance for the U.S. national team has generated significant interest and anticipation among baseball fans.

The details

Through the first four games of the tournament, Kershaw has not made an appearance for Team USA. However, he will get one final chance to take the mound during Friday's quarterfinal matchup against Canada. After that game, Kershaw will be replaced on the roster by Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, who could potentially start the championship game if the U.S. advances that far.

  • Kershaw announced his MLB retirement in September 2025.
  • Kershaw will play his final game for Team USA in the WBC quarterfinal on March 15, 2026.
  • Joe Ryan will replace Kershaw on the Team USA roster after the quarterfinal game on March 15, 2026.

The players

Clayton Kershaw

A 37-year-old retired MLB pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is making a surprise appearance for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Joe Ryan

A starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who will replace Kershaw on the Team USA roster after the WBC quarterfinal game.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Kershaw won't be replaced until after that game, giving him one more opportunity to appear in a game for the United States.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

What’s next

If Team USA advances past the quarterfinals, Joe Ryan could be in line to start the championship game.

The takeaway

Kershaw's inclusion on the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic was a surprise, and his potential final appearance for the national team has generated significant interest. The decision to replace him with Twins pitcher Joe Ryan after the quarterfinal game will allow Kershaw one last chance to take the mound for the U.S. before his roster spot is filled.