U.S. Manager DeRosa's Miscalculation May End Logan Webb's WBC Run

Team USA's loss to Italy puts Webb's World Baseball Classic future in jeopardy

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:04pm

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San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb and Team USA could be eliminated from the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday after the U.S. dropped their final Pool B game against Italy 8-6. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa's comments about resting star players against Italy, believing the Americans had already secured a quarterfinal spot, have been criticized as a severe miscalculation that may cost Webb and the U.S. an early exit from the tournament.

Why it matters

Webb's potential early exit from the WBC would be a disappointment for the Giants, who were hoping their ace could gain valuable international experience ahead of the MLB season. DeRosa's questionable lineup decisions have raised concerns about the U.S. team's management and preparation for key tournament games.

The details

In an interview after the U.S. win over Mexico, DeRosa said he planned to rest star players against Italy, believing the Americans had already clinched a quarterfinal spot. However, the loss to Italy has put the U.S. in a precarious position, needing Italy to beat Mexico on Wednesday or for Mexico to win but score fewer than 5 runs in order to advance. Webb made one start for the U.S., pitching 4 innings with 1 home run allowed, 0 walks and 6 strikeouts.

  • On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the U.S. lost to Italy 8-6.
  • On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Italy will play Mexico, with the U.S. team's fate hanging in the balance.

The players

Logan Webb

San Francisco Giants ace who made one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Mark DeRosa

Manager of the U.S. national baseball team competing in the World Baseball Classic.

Bryce Harper

Star player for Team USA who was not in the starting lineup against Italy.

Cal Raleigh

Star player for Team USA who was not in the starting lineup against Italy.

Tony Vitello

Manager of the San Francisco Giants, discussing how the team tries to learn from the WBC.

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What they’re saying

“I'm gonna get some guys off their feet, no question about it. I'd like to get (Paul Goldschmidt) a start and he has been awesome, a leader of men behind the scenes with Aaron Judge. I'd like to get Gunnar (Henderson) in there again. Ton of respect for Italy.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, Team USA

“I misspoke ... and completely misread the calculations. We knew Mexico was going to play Italy and then running all the numbers, we knew if we lost tonight with the runs allowed, runs scored, outs. I just misspoke.”

— Mark DeRosa, Manager, Team USA

What’s next

The U.S. team's fate will be determined on Wednesday when Italy plays Mexico. If Italy beats Mexico or if Mexico beats Italy while scoring fewer than 5 runs, the U.S. will be eliminated from the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

DeRosa's questionable lineup decisions and apparent miscalculation of the tournament tiebreaker rules have put the U.S. team in a precarious position, potentially costing them a chance to advance and ending Logan Webb's WBC run after just one start. This raises concerns about the U.S. team's preparation and management for key tournament games.