Lefty Jhonathan Diaz is headed to the international event, which begins on March 5.
PEORIA, Ariz. - Another member of the Seattle Mariners is now headed to the World Baseball Classic.
Left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Diaz, who is in camp on a minor league deal, will now pitch for Team Venezuela. He will replace ace Pablo Lopez, who is now set to miss the entire season because of Tommy John surgery.
Daniel Alvarez-Montes had the information on social media.
Diaz is the second member of the Mariners who will suit up for Venezuela, joining reliever Eduard Bazardo. Diaz has yet to pitch in spring training but did throw a bullpen session on Friday.
About Jhonathan Diaz
Now 29 years old, Diaz is a five-year veteran of the Los Angeles Angels and Mariners. He's made six total appearances for Seattle in the last two years, pitching to a 4.09 ERA (one start).
He's been solid rotational depth for Seattle since arriving and he figures to function in the same way in 2026. However, because he's off the 40-man roster, he's lower in the hierarchy than Emerson Hancock, who should operate as the No. 6 starter.
Dane Dunning, who started the Cactus League opener, is also likely in the mix and should also be ahead of Diaz.
About the World Baseball Classic
The tournament begins on March 5 and runs through March 17. This is the sixth iteration of the classic, which began in 2006. Japan has won three titles (2006, 2009, 2023), while the Dominican Republic (2013) and United States (2017) have also won.
Japan and the US are the favorites this time around.
Several prominent members of the Mariners are participating, including Cal Raleigh (USA), Gabe Speier (USA), Julio Rodriguez (DR), Randy Arozarena (Mexico), Andres Munoz (Mexico), and Michael Arroyo (Colombia). Other minor leaguers and prospects are playing as well.
Also on the M's...
--Kade Anderson threw an excellent live bullpen session again on Saturday, striking out Julio Rodriguez, Mitch Garver and Rob Refsnyder. He spoke afterwards.
--After a dreadful 2025 season that saw him battle multiple injuries, Luke Raley went 2-for-2 in the Cactus League opener. Manager Dan Wilson spoke about what a healthy Raley can do for the team in a media session on Saturday morning.
--The newest episode of the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast is now out. Brady talks with former M's outfielder Casper Wells, as well as Criswell, and shares his take on the situation for Arroyo as he continues to impress at the plate.
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