In preparation for Sunday’s semifinal clash against the Dominican Republic and following a 5-3 win over Canada in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, Team USA has made further roster adjustments. This time, Clayton Kershaw was substituted for Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman.
Changes in pitching staff are common during the WBC. Before the quarterfinal matchup, America also modified its roster, removing pitchers Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, Michael Wacha of the Royals and Ryan Yarbrough of the Yankees. They were replaced by right-handed relievers Will Vest of the Tigers, Tyler Rogers from the Blue Jays, and lefty reliever Tim Hill from the Yankees.
Kershaw, who retired from MLB at the end of the 2025 season and did not participate in the WBC, made the decision after Friday’s game. Hoffman’s performance as a high-leverage setup man for the Phillies between 2023-24 was impressive. Last season, despite facing some bad batted-ball luck, he recorded 33 saves and finished 59 games.
Will Vest is coming off a 3.01 ERA in 68 ⅔ innings with 75 strikeouts in 2025. He achieved similar results in 2024 and 2023. Meanwhile, Tyler Rogers, who approaches hitters with a unique arm angle, led the majors in appearances last season with 81, holding a 1.98 ERA.
The roster changes mean Skubal’s appearance during pool play will be his sole start in this WBC. He had conflicting schedules to maintain his Opening Day position with the Tigers following his first start.
“I believe I can only find peace by celebrating in Miami after we win the whole f—ing thing,” he shared earlier this week.
Paul Skenes of the Pirates will pitch against the Dominican Republic in the semifinals. Should the U.S. reach Tuesday’s championship game, Nolan McLean from the Mets is planned to be the starter, per MLB Network.
