Team USA set to face Canada in the WBC Quarterfinals, and Minnesota Twins fans won't like Mark DeRosa's decision.
Team USA is set to face Canada on Friday in the World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals. After losing to Italy in their final pool game, Team USA was in danger of elimination. Fortunately, the Italy vs. Mexico game went their way, and they advanced.
One of the big developments in USA’s loss to Italy was the emergence of Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Homering twice in that game, Crow-Armstrong was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing showing for the Americans. This performance left manager Mark DeRosa with a decision to make, as Crow-Armstrong did not open the tournament as the favorite to start in center field, with Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton having the inside track to that spot.
But with Crow-Armstrong swinging a hot bat, and Buxton currently hitless in the WBC, DeRosa is going with the Cubs star in center.
Buxton will start Friday’s game on the bench but could be an option to pinch run or pinch hit at some point. Canada is starting right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka on the mound, who Buxton does have a double against in his MLB career. That was his lone at-bat against Soroka.
While this is disappointing for Twins fans, it is seemingly the right move for Team USA. This is a short tournament, so DeRosa has to go with whoever is swinging the hottest bat. Right now that is Crow-Armstrong, as he is tied with New York Yankees star Aaron Judge atop Team USA’s home run leaderboard with two. His five runs batted in trail only Roman Anthony for the team lead.
Canada will not be an easy matchup for Team USA. They went 3–1 in pool play and are led by MLB stars like Josh Naylor, his brother Bo Naylor, two-time Gold Glove outfielder Tyler O’Neill and others. There are also several big league pitchers on Canada’s roster, including Soroka who is getting the start.
For Buxton, he could still factor heavily into Team USA’s plans. His speed and defense make him a valuable piece off the bench, especially with starters like Kyle Schwarber, Cal Raleigh and Alex Bregman who may need to be pinch ran for late in games.
If USA advances, they will play the winner of Friday's contest between Team Korea and Team Dominican Republic. Currently unbeaten in WBC play, the Dominican Republic is USA's likeliest opponent in the semifinals assuming they defeat Canada. That is the matchup many have been waiting for, and perhaps Buxton could reenter the starting lineup then.