Team USA received a strong hit concerning Tarik Skubal’s availability should the team advance into the championship round of the tournament. Meanwhile, Edwin Diaz will be headlining the Puerto Rican bullpen in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Let’s learn more about his updates.
Tarik Skubal Absence Stuns USA Ahead of Final
Tarik Skubal will play only one game in the 2026 WBC, a pool play game against Great Britain on March 7. Skubal confirmed the same while talking to reporters on Monday.
“If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys,” he said.
This means Team USA will not be led by Skubal from the mound in either the semifinals or finals round. He was thought to be the best man on the star-studded rotation since he’s a back-to-back Cy Young winner, including two straight AL ERA titles and has posted a 2.04 ERA in six career playoff starts.
Without Skubal, Paul Skenes is the next man in the rotation to get the job for the important games ahead. He’ll be nicely backed up by fellow starters like Logan Webb and Matthew Boyd. The roster also includes fellow All-Star Joe Ryan, who is dealing with a back injury.
Edwin Díaz Headlines Puerto Rico Bullpen Push
Puerto Rico might be missing star power as they’ll miss the presence of star infielders Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Baez in the upcoming 2026 WBC. The team, who have participated in each of the five previous editions and has made it through gthe roup stage every time, will have to rely the experience of two-time World Series champion Yadier Molina as manager, and a blend of youngsters who are lesser known on the international stage.
In terms of star power, Puerto Rican’s batting lineup will be served by a trio of veterans, including Nolan Arenado (who previously played for Team USA), Martin Maldonado and Christian Vazquez.
From the bullpen, Los Angeles Dodgers newly signed closer Edwin Diaz will be making his mark. Diaz will be joined by Seth Lugo (2024 American League Cy Young award runner up), Fernando Cruz (3.56 ERA in 49 relief appearances last year), and Elmer Rodriguez in the Puerto Rican pitching staff.
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