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Mason Miller could be a game-time decision for the championship game of the World Baseball Classic on March 17.
MORE: Juan Marichal sends message after Dominican Republic exits WBC on controversial strikeout
The San Diego Padres’ closer, who hasn’t allowed a run while recording two saves in four WBC appearances, will only be available to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa if Padres manager Craig Stammen allows it.
Dennis Lin and Maria Torres of The Athletic were first to report Monday that “a decision will be made on (Miller’s) availability for Tuesday’s WBC finale depending on how he feels ahead of the game.”
Exactly when DeRosa finds out if Miller is available remains to be determined, but it will be a hot topic during the manager’s pregame media scrum.
The United States will play the winner of the March 16 semifinal between Venezuela and Italy for the championship.
Miller, whose 100-mph fastball has resulted in 10 strikeouts and no hits allowed in four scoreless innings, would be DeRosa’s top choice to close again.
If Miller can’t go, DeRosa can choose from David Bednar (New York Yankees), Garrett Whitlock (Boston Red Sox) or Griffin Jax (Tampa Bay Rays).
While Bednar and Whitlock have some experience closing for their current teams, Jax does not. He, however, went 10-for-16 in save situations for the Minnesota Twins in 2024.
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The post Latest Mason Miller update could force Team USA to choose new WBC closer appeared first on The Big Lead.
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MORE: Juan Marichal sends message after Dominican Republic exits WBC on controversial strikeout
The San Diego Padres’ closer, who hasn’t allowed a run while recording two saves in four WBC appearances, will only be available to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa if Padres manager Craig Stammen allows it.
Dennis Lin and Maria Torres of The Athletic were first to report Monday that “a decision will be made on (Miller’s) availability for Tuesday’s WBC finale depending on how he feels ahead of the game.”
Exactly when DeRosa finds out if Miller is available remains to be determined, but it will be a hot topic during the manager’s pregame media scrum.
The United States will play the winner of the March 16 semifinal between Venezuela and Italy for the championship.
Miller, whose 100-mph fastball has resulted in 10 strikeouts and no hits allowed in four scoreless innings, would be DeRosa’s top choice to close again.
If Miller can’t go, DeRosa can choose from David Bednar (New York Yankees), Garrett Whitlock (Boston Red Sox) or Griffin Jax (Tampa Bay Rays).
While Bednar and Whitlock have some experience closing for their current teams, Jax does not. He, however, went 10-for-16 in save situations for the Minnesota Twins in 2024.
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NFL: Updated 2026 NFL salary cap space for all 32 teams after first free agency wave
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: Paul Skenes reveals ‘heavy’ message he received before WBC semifinal
MARCH MADNESS: 3 March Madness teams with easiest paths to NCAA Tournament Final Four
OSCARS: Look inside the Oscars $350,000 gift bags for 2026 Academy Awards
SPORTS MEDIA: Pat McAfee celebrates historic USA Olympic hockey accomplishment
VIRAL: ‘Embarrassing’ Oscars Snack Box goes viral with Conan O’Brien note
The post Latest Mason Miller update could force Team USA to choose new WBC closer appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
