Here are three things we should keep an eye on in baseball throughout the day.
1. World Baseball Classic (WBC) Opening:
The World Baseball Classic officially opens this afternoon in Tokyo. Australia will face Chinese Taipei at 10 PM ET. White Sox infielder recruited to Australian national team curtis mead And the Guardians’ top prospect. Travis BazzanaHe was selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. outfielder Stuart Fairchildright Hu Qiweiand infielder blue, fluency and Chiwei Lin All are current or former big leaguers representing Taiwan. view Lee Ha-yu (tiger) and Lin Yumin (D-back) is also on the roster, so fans will definitely recognize the bullpen coach. Qianming Wang.
The Czech Republic will face South Korea tomorrow at 5 a.m. ET. Of the four teams starting the WBC in the first two games, the Korean roster has some of the most familiar names to the average MLB fan. former all star Hyunjin RyuNow 38 years old, he is one of the leaders of the pitching staff. right handed Dane Dunning and Riley O’Brien He also has considerable big league experience. Position players with major league experience Kim Hye-seong, Lee Jeong-hoo, Jamai Jonesand Shay Whitcomb. The Czech player best known to MLB fans is a former Orioles infielder. Terrine Barbra.
2. Outages affecting NL East:
The Braves outfielders were announced yesterday. Jurickson Profar He was suspended for 162 games for taking performance-enhancing drugs. Phillies Center Fielder Johan Rojas He reportedly failed his PED test and was suspended for 80 games. Profar was suspended 80 games last year for PED use. This is Rojas’ first attack. Both suspensions are expected to be appealed.
A pair of suspensions has left Atlanta and Philadelphia somewhat confused regarding their outfield plans. For the Braves, Profar’s possible suspension will open up DH at-bats for the following non-roster invitees: Dominic Smith, Ben Gamelor Tristin English. The Phillies will now rely much more heavily on their top prospects. Justin Crawford Ahead of his big league debut on opening day pedro leon Invitees not on the list Brian de la Cruz One of the possible fourth outfield options.
3. Could Profar’s suspension change things for Atlanta?
Suspending Profar could have significant implications for Atlanta. Profar will miss out on his $15 million salary, which could result in the Braves being exempt from an additional $3 million in luxury tax. due to initial injury Spencer Schwellenbach and hurston world repAtlanta is short on starting pitching. They did not tend to pursue right-handedness Lucas Giolito and Jack Littell But perhaps a sudden influx of cash might change that approach. Both seem like better choices to provide rotation stability than the following current 5th rotation candidates: Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz and Jose Suarez. With Profar likely off the roster, the Braves might consider bringing in another bat to help with the designated hitter and corner outfielder mix.
