Team Canada manager Ernie Whitt has announced his probable starting pitchers for the four Pool C games at the World Baseball Classic.
Cal Quantrill of the Cleveland Guardians will start Canada’s opener against Great Britain on March 12. The 28-year-old set a career-high with 186.1 innings in 32 starts for Cleveland last season, posting a 3.38 ERA and 128 strikeouts.
Quantrill will be followed by 19-year-old left-hander Mitch Bratt — a Rangers prospect — who will start against the United States. Noah Skirrow — a right-hander in the Phillies system — will start against Colombia while veteran Rob Zastryzny will start the Group C finale against Mexico.
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Canada’s rotation took a hit after Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta withdrew from the WBC due to an illness that delayed his start to spring training.
On the position player said, Whitt said the infield is set with Freddie Freeman at first, Edouard Julien at second, Otto Lopez at shortstop, Abraham Toro at third and Bo Naylor catching. In the outfield, Tyler O’Neill is locked in a centre but Jacob Robson, Jared Young, Denzel Clarke, Owen Caissie and Dasan Brown will compete for the other spots and DH at-bats.
Sportsnet and SN NOW will have complete coverage of the World Baseball Classic, including every Team Canada game.
Canada opens the tournament in Phoenix on Sunday against Great Britain at 3 p.m. ET/ noon PT. They will then play the U.S. on March 13 at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT, Colombia on March 14 at 3 p.m. ET/ noon PT and Mexico on March 15 at 3 p.m. ET/ noon PT.
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