The United States releases Skubal, Wacha, and Yarbrough and adds three relievers for the quarterfinals

MIAMI — The United States team made several moves in its pitching staff before the start of the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, strengthening its bullpen for the elimination phase of the tournament.

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The American team removed pitchers Tarik Skubal, Michael Wacha, and Ryan Yarbrough from the roster, who will not continue with the team in the final stretch of the championship. Instead, relievers Will Vest, Tyler Rogers, and Tim Hill were integrated, who will provide greater depth to the bullpen for the final innings of the games. Skubal had pitched three innings in the United States' victory over Great Britain on March 7, but ultimately decided to return to the Detroit Tigers camp and not continue participating in the tournament. The additions of Vest, Rogers, and Hill offer new alternatives to the North American team manager from the bullpen, especially in closing situations, after the three limited opposing hitters to an OPS of .640 or less during the past Major League season.

World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals

After an intense group stage, eight teams advanced to the knockout phase of the tournament. The quarterfinals will begin on Friday with two matches. That day, the Dominican Republic will face South Korea at 6:30 in the evening at loanDepot park in Miami. Later, United States will clash with Canada at 8:00 at night at Daikin Park in Houston. The Saturday's day will continue with the match between Italy and Puerto Rico at 3:00 PM, followed by the match between Japan and Venezuela at 9:00 PM. The winners of each match will advance to the semifinals of the tournament.