Albert Pujols says Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara will start the World Baseball Classic final if the Dominican Republic advances past Team USA.
The Dominican Republic national baseball team is one win away from returning to the championship stage of the World Baseball Classic, and if they get there, the plan is already in place for who will take the mound.
According to the Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson, manager Albert Pujols confirmed Sunday that Sandy Alcantara, the ace of the Miami Marlins, will start the championship game if the Dominican Republic advances past Team USA in the semifinal.
“Alcantara will be our pitcher no matter what,” Pujols said before the semifinal matchup. “If God gives us that opportunity, if we move to the final, Alcantara will be the starter. The plan is like that. I’m not going to change it no matter what.”
The Dominican Republic faces the U.S. with a trip to the title game on the line. The winner will face either Italy or Venezuela for the championship.
Alcantara has already pitched once in the tournament, making a start during pool play when the Dominicans defeated Venezuela 7–5. The right-hander threw three innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out three. It wasn’t his sharpest outing, something Alcantara acknowledged afterward.
“My performance today was not my best,” Alcantara said following the game.
Despite the uneven line, the Dominican offense provided plenty of support as the team finished pool play undefeated and advanced to the knockout rounds.
Alcantara made it clear after that outing that he remains fully committed to helping his country however needed.
“I’ll be available to start or relieve, you name it,” he said. “We are here for one cause: to represent the Dominican Republic.”
From a workload perspective, saving Alcantara for the final also makes sense. He has not pitched more than three innings in a live setting this spring, and the championship game would allow him to get extended work while staying on track for the upcoming MLB season.
Miami has already named Alcantara its Opening Day starter against the Colorado Rockies on March 27. If the Dominican Republic advances and Alcantara starts the WBC final on Tuesday, the timing would still align with his normal preparation schedule.
Now, everything depends on one game. If the Dominican Republic defeats the United States, the Marlins ace will be waiting for the ball on the sport’s international stage.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!