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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The World Baseball Classic is less than a week away, with the USA getting some exhibition games underway on Tuesday and Wednesday. The USA’s first game of the tournament is on Friday, March 6, against Brazil in Houston, Texas.
This international event is one of the best global tournaments in sports, and the best players in MLB answer the call to step up and put the country’s pride on the line. That includes New York Yankees‘ star outfielder and USA captain, Aaron Judge.
On Monday, Judge sent a meaningful mention to the group of USA players, which includes names like Bryce Harper, Paul Skenes, Kyle Schwarber, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr, and many, many more talented big leaguers.
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Aaron Judge’s Message to Team USA Roster
GettyAaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees
In what looks like a speech to the full cast of USA players, Aaron Judge shares this message with the group:
“Sacrifice for your family at home. You’re sacrificing for your country. And you’re sacrificing for the brothers in the trenches with you every single day, and that’s what they all want us to do, fellas. We’re down, we’re beat up a little bit. You know, lean into each other, man. We’re going to lay it all on the line. If we do that, we’re bringing the gold home, I’m telling you that. ”
Watch over that clip; it looks like part of it, right in the middle, is cut up, which is likely a great soundbite that had to be cut out, but either way, it’s good to have your captain be one of the consensus best hitters on the planet.
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Other Team USA WBC News
Earlier this week, it was announced that Joe Ryan would miss out on pitching in the tournament. His replacement is Ryan Yarborough.
Tarik Skubal throwing just 55 pitches in one game is significant, as it gives a clearer outlook to the team’s starting rotation. Logan Webb will pitch the first game vs. Brazil.
Then, Skubal will get his one start against Great Britain, and Paul Skenes will pitch vs. Mexico. Mexico beat Team USA last WBC, so manager Mark DeRosa is deploying his top arm in the most important pool play game.
After Skenes, Nolan McLean will likely go against Italy. The knockout stages of the tournament begin on March 13. If Team USA were to advance to the final, that game is on the 17th of March.
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