Team USA reconfigures roster ahead of WBC showdown against Canada

Pitching changes, Kershaw's last chance, and Joe Ryan's role in potential title game

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:34am

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As Team USA prepares to face Canada in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, manager Mark DeRosa has made several changes to the pitching roster, bringing in fresh relievers and potentially giving Clayton Kershaw one last shot before retirement. The team also faces decisions around the use of Joe Ryan, who was originally scratched due to injury but is now set to join the roster if the U.S. advances to the semifinals.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a high-stakes tournament, and Team USA is looking to repeat as champions. The roster changes and pitching decisions will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. can advance to the championship game.

The details

DeRosa has added three new relievers to the roster - Will Vest, Tim Hill, and Tyler Rogers - to bolster the bullpen ahead of the Canada matchup. Hill, a submariner with a high groundball rate, is likely to see action against Canada's left-handed heavy lineup. Garrett Whitlock and Griffin Jax, who did not pitch against Italy, could also see action. The team is also facing decisions around the use of Clayton Kershaw, who has not yet appeared in the tournament, and Joe Ryan, who was originally scratched but is now set to join the roster if the U.S. advances.

  • The U.S. will face Canada in the WBC quarterfinals on Friday, March 17.
  • The WBC semifinals are scheduled for Sunday, March 19.
  • The WBC championship game is set for Tuesday, March 21.

The players

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Will Vest

A right-handed reliever for the Detroit Tigers who has been added to the Team USA roster.

Tim Hill

A left-handed reliever for the New York Yankees who has been added to the Team USA roster.

Tyler Rogers

A right-handed reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays who has been added to the Team USA roster.

Clayton Kershaw

A veteran left-handed pitcher who is expected to make his final appearance for Team USA before retirement.

Joe Ryan

A right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who was originally scratched from the Team USA roster due to injury but is now set to join the team if they advance to the semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to get Clayton a little run, but it's win or go home. We'll see. I've got 10 relievers in there that are rearing to go. So I think that would be a long shot, but we'll see.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, Team USA

“Joe will be ready for the 17th if and when we make it to the championship. So it will be a little Nolan McLean/Joe Ryan situation there. And we'll figure that out.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, Team USA

“There's a lot of pressure from the parent clubs to get these guys ramped up for the start of the season. If (Boyd's) going to be the Opening Day starter for the Cubs, we had to guarantee him innings — the game's gotta dictate now. Pool play is a different animal. Trying to weave our way through it from a pitching standpoint, all bets are off now.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, Team USA

What’s next

If Team USA defeats Canada in the quarterfinals, they will advance to the semifinals on Sunday, March 19. The winner of that game will move on to the WBC championship game on Tuesday, March 21.

The takeaway

Team USA is making tough roster decisions and pitching changes as they navigate the high-stakes World Baseball Classic tournament. The team's ability to effectively manage its pitching staff will be crucial in determining whether they can repeat as champions.