Riley O’Brien to WBC, Wetherholt Won’t Play – What it All Means for STL
January 19, 2026
Interesting to think how O'Brien leaving and JJ staying will impact their Opening Day roles.
2 comments
O’Brien easily has a spot in the bullpen if not opening day closer. Good move for Wetherholt. He’s trying make the roster and needs a regular spring training.
I would’ve loved to see wetherholt in the WBC but this makes sense. If he wants to make the opening day roster he needs to spend all of spring training with the team rather than playing against a bunch of guys that would struggle in the lower minors outside of the game against Japan. I’m sure we’ll see him participate in the next one once he’s more established.
2 comments
O’Brien easily has a spot in the bullpen if not opening day closer. Good move for Wetherholt. He’s trying make the roster and needs a regular spring training.
I would’ve loved to see wetherholt in the WBC but this makes sense. If he wants to make the opening day roster he needs to spend all of spring training with the team rather than playing against a bunch of guys that would struggle in the lower minors outside of the game against Japan. I’m sure we’ll see him participate in the next one once he’s more established.