Ahead of their quarterfinal matchup against Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Team USA has swapped out several pitchers from its roster. The changes involve removing starter Tarik Skubal and relievers Michael Wacha and Ryan Yarbrough, while adding relievers Will Vest, Tyler Rogers, and Tim Hill. These adjustments aim to bolster the bullpen for the knockout stage beginning Friday.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic enters its quarterfinals on Friday, with Team USA facing Canada after completing pool play. Roster adjustments are common between rounds in the tournament, and the United States has followed suit by altering its pitching staff.
Removed from the active roster are Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, who started and pitched three innings in a win over Great Britain on March 7; Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha; and New York Yankees left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, who appeared in relief during pool play. Skubal's outing against Great Britain marks his only appearance for Team USA in this WBC, as he opted to return to Tigers spring training to prepare for the regular season's Opening Day.
Joining the team are Detroit Tigers right-hander Will Vest, 30, who posted a 3.01 ERA with 75 strikeouts and 21 unintentional walks in 68 2/3 innings during the 2025 MLB season; Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Tyler Rogers, 35, who led the majors with 81 appearances and recorded a 1.98 ERA with 48 strikeouts and seven walks in 77 1/3 innings, ranking in the 96th percentile for ground-ball rate; and New York Yankees left-hander Tim Hill, 36, who had a 3.09 ERA in 67 innings in 2025, with strong ground-ball tendencies and a .444 OPS allowed against left-handed batters.
These additions provide Team USA with versatile bullpen options, as each new reliever held opposing hitters to a .640 OPS or lower in the majors last season. Meanwhile, New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes and Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, who pitched in relief for Team USA, are expected to return to their clubs' spring training to build up for the regular season. Recently retired Clayton Kershaw will be replaced after the quarterfinals, and Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, who was initially removed due to a back injury, is a potential replacement.
Skubal reflected on his limited involvement, saying earlier this week: "I think the only way I'll be at peace with it is in Miami celebrating after we win the whole f---ing thing. That'll give me some peace."
For the quarterfinal against Canada, San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb is slated to start. Should the U.S. advance, Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes, a fellow 2025 Cy Young winner with Skubal, would pitch in the semifinals against either the Dominican Republic or Korea. The championship game is scheduled for March 17, where either Ryan or New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean could start, according to MLB Network.
