After a long and exhilarating group stage, the 2026 World Baseball Classic has seen itself narrowed from 20 teams to eight.

Brazil, Czechia, Nicaragua, and Panama—all having finished at the bottom of their respective pools—have been relegated. These four teams will need to re-qualify for the main tournament in 2029. Meanwhile, the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, Italy, and Puerto Rico have all advanced to the knockout stage.

These eight remaining teams will play single elimination games tonight and tomorrow as the field is further cleared down to the last two teams standing for March 17th’s championship bout in Miami, Florida.

Game No. 1: Korea (대한민국) at Dominican Republic (República Dominicana)

Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA

One of three Pool C teams to finish group play with a 2-2 record, Korea knocked out Australia and Chinese Taipei by way of tiebreakers and an incredibly exciting match-up against Samurai Japan. Now Korea is fighting for their first top four World Baseball Classic result since they took home the silver medal in 2009.

Korea will be led tonight by starting pitcher and former MLB star Hyun-jin Ryu. Ryu will be making his second start of the tournament. The 39-year-old lefty worked three innings of one run baseball—off a solo home run—against Chinese Taipei and struck out three batters during the group round.

One of just three 4-0 teams represents a sturdy wall against Korea’s aspirations. The team from the Dominican Republic is absolutely stacked with current and former big league talent on their roster and coaching staff. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Fernando Tatis Jr have been excellent at the plate, backed up by strong pitching that includes current Rockies reliever Juan Mejia and former Rockies reliever Carlos Estévez.

Making the start for the Dominican Republic is 2024 Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Cristopher Sánchez. The left-handed starter wasn’t his sharpest his last time out against Nicaragua, giving up three earned runs on six hits and a walk over 1 1/3 innings. He did, however, strike out four batters in the first inning to escape a bases loaded jam.

First Pitch: 4:30 PM MDT

TV: FS2

Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM

Lineups:

LHP Hyun-jin Ryu vs LHP Cristopher Sánchez

Game No. 2: United States at Canada

Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA

It may sound unlikely, but the powerhouse United States team enters the knockout stage as one of the more controversial teams in this year’s tournament. Despite being one of the most talented rosters on paper, Mark DeRosa’s squad has been accused of not taking the World Baseball Classic seriously this year. From not being aware they were on the verge of elimination, to the manager not knowing who was in his own bullpen, to Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh refusing to shake the hand of MLB teammate and Team Mexico outfielder Randy Arozarena’s hand, the Americans have been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Thanks to a commanding win by undefeated Italy over Mexico, the United States made it to the knockout stage and will be led on the mound by San Francisco Giants righty Logan Webb. Webb pitched a near-flawless four innings during the group stage against Brazil. He struck out six batters and his only blemish was a single hit—a solo home run off the bat of Lucas Ramirez.

USA’s opponent tonight will be Team Canada, who have made the knockout stage for the first time in the history of the World Baseball Classic as the surprise top seed of Pool A. Even though they’re the top seed, Canada remains the underdog. The squad from America’s hat hasn’t defeated the squad from Canada’s pants since the 2006 tournament. They might have some extra motivation as they seek to avenge Team Canada’s loss in the 2026 Olympic hockey finals.

Arizona Diamondbacks righty Michael Soroka will take the mound for the Maples. He pitched three innings of one run baseball against Colombia his last time out with two strikeouts.

First Pitch: 6:00 PM MDT

TV: Fox

Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM

Lineups:

RHP Logan Webb vs RHP Michael Soroka

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Twins 1 Blue Jays 6

A win.

Cody Ponce had troubles finding the strike zone, but he didn’t give up a run. He gave up 4 walks and 2 hits, with 2 strikeouts. He came out of the game with 2 out in the second inning and then came back in to get the first out of the third inning. His ERA is 1.13 this spring, though he was very lucky today to have no runs against.

Others:

• Michael Plassmeyer: Got the last out of the second.
• Spencer Miles: 1.2 innings, 2 hits, 1 earned, 1 walk, 1 k. 4.05.
• Brendon Little: 1 inning, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 k. 0.00.
• Joe Mantiply: 1 inning, 1 hit, 1 walk. 0.00.
• Connor Seabold: 1 inning, 1 walk, 3 k . 7.20.
• Javen Coleman: 2 innings, 2 walks, 1 k.

Batters, starters:

• George Springer: 0 for 2, walk. .167.
• Daulton Varsho: 3 for 3, 5 RBI, home run. .452. He’s have a very nice spring. 1.420 OPS.
• Addison Barger: 1 for 3, k. .269.
• Jesus Sanchez: 0 for 3, 2 k. .206.
• Brandon Valenzuela: 0 for 3, 3 k. .286.
• Sean Keys: 1 for 3, k. .222.
• Rafael Lantigua: 0 for 3, k. .393.
• Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 2. .227.
• Carlos Mendoza: 0 for 1, walk. .412.

Others:

• Nathan Lukes: 0 for 1. .261.
• Jonatan Clase: 0 for 1. .286.
• C.J. Stubbs: 0 for 1, k. .286.
• Josh Kasevich: 0 for 1. .412. He’s likely done more to impress us than any of the other minor leaguers (well, other than our own Minor Leaguer).
• Charles McAdoo: 0 for 1, .231.

The Jays are now 8-10 on the spring. Nice to see them win some.

Tomorrow the Jays host the Tigers. Max Scherzer is to start, and Alejandro Kirk will be back.

And the Jays have assigned a few players to the minors:

• RHP Chad Dallas

• RHP Ryan Jennings

• RHP CJ Van Eyk

• C Aaron Parker

• INF Cutter Coffey

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers, March 13, 2026, 6:05 p.m. ET

Location: Publix Field at Joker Merchant Field, Lakeland, FL

How to Listen: KDKA-FM 93.7

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Detroit Tigers looking to grab a win in the Grapefruit League.

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BD community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Mets vs Marlins

Mets lineup

1. Marcus Semien – 2B
2. Jorge Polanco – 1B
3. Bo Bichette – 3B
4. Luis Robert – CF
5. Francisco Alvarez – DH
6. Mike Tauchman – LF
7. Luis Torrens – C
8. Tyrone Taylor – RF
9. Jackson Cluff – SS

SP: Kodai Senga – RHP

Marlins lineup

1. Esteury Ruiz – CF
2. Heriberto Hernandez – LF
3. Connor Norby – 3B
4. Graham Pauley – DH
5. Christopher Morel – 1B
6. Joe Mack – C
7. Fenwick Trimble – RF
8. Jesus Bastidas – SS
9. Chase Jaworsky – 2B

SP: Chris Paddack – RHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 6:10 PM EDT
TV: SNY

Mets at Nationals

Mets lineup

1. Carson Benge – RF
2. Mark Vientos – DH
3. Brett Baty – 1B
4. Ronny Mauricio – SS
5. Christian Arroyo – 3B
6. Vidal Bruján – 2B
7. Hayden Senger – C
8. A.J. Ewing – LF
9. Cristian Pache – CF
   
   SP – Carl Edwards Jr.

Nationals lineup

1. CJ Abrams – SS
2. James Wood – LF
3. Daylen Lile – RF
4. Luis Garcia – 1B
5. Dylan Crews – CF
6. Jose Tena – DH
7. Nasim Nunez – 2B
8. Drew Millas – C
9. Yohandy Morales – 3B

SP: Zack Littell – RHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 6:05 PM EDT
TV: No luck, Chuck

Good afternoon everyone, it’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions. Remember to send in your questions for our weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

XRayReb asks:Which pitcher and position player do you predict will make their MLB debut first?

It’s difficult to say, as the Yankees carry a loaded roster and the few interchangeable pieces are players that have already seen action at the major league level. Still, the 40-man roster is a useful tool for estimating who has the inside track to a cup of Joe when the team is in a pinch, and currently that makes our likeliest candidates Elmer Rodriguez and Spencer Jones.

Rodriguez is an easier sell, as he rose through three levels of the minors last year (though admittedly he made just one start in Triple-A). After dominating at High-A and Double-A, he’s one good half with the RailRiders away from a callup if the team is in need of starting pitching, and even though the team’s depth is strong in the rotation there’s plenty of concern about how many of them are coming off of injuries — and new ones always pop up sooner or later in the year.

Jones is a much tougher pitch, for a variety of reasons. First, he’s blocked from the majors much like Rodriguez is with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham patrolling Yankee Stadium’s outfield, but unlike with the rotation it’d take a small disaster unfolding for him to see time in the majors. The organization wants him developing by playing every day, which means a backup role where he’s playing once or twice a week is out of the question, and there’s another name ahead of Jones on the depth chart with Jasson Domínguez on the outskirts as well. On top of that, Jones’ play has one glaring flaw that the team surely wants to see major improvement on before they consider calling him up.

The problem with the position player side is that nearly everyone else has made their major league debut already, either because they’re veterans and journeymen waiting for another chance or they’re prospects that got a taste of the majors but not much more. Thus, even with a couple of theoretical candidates on the board, Jones still stands as the likeliest to appear first just because of the incredible power that he can put on display, flaws and all.

ConorGallogy asks: With so many at the WBC, have any minor leaguers getting an opportunity shown more than expected?

There’s quite a number of Yankees participating in the WBC, to be sure, but it hasn’t opened up that massive a window for the organization’s prospect to take over the show. The tournament is two weeks long after all, and some players will be returning earlier as they get eliminated. One of the more unheralded names that have shined during this part of spring, however, is Max Schuemann, a third baseman with a handful of game experience in the majors with the A’s. Schuemann has appeared in 10 games this spring, hitting for a 1.036 OPS entering play on Friday, and he’s caught the eye of Aaron Boone and the coaching staff for his effort in camp. He’s not likely to appear with the team anytime soon, but his name is in the hat now should the team need depth in the infield, and that’s not something that might’ve developed as well had so many of the regular’s not been busy elsewhere.

yankobb asks: Is it just me or are the WBC celebrations become more exaggerated this time around? I know it’s always been more emotional but celebrating like you just won the championship when you push your lead from 14 runs to 15 runs seems a bit excessive.

We here at Pinstripe Alley tend to collectively side in favor of letting players express themselves on the field, and the WBC is no exception here. Quite the opposite, in fact — the unique circumstances of the tournament and the limited time with which these players have to enjoy the bonds they formed on these rosters lead to plenty of moments where the players want to erupt in celebration, regardless of the scoreboard. And since the mercy rule is in play, there’s no real threat of “overcelebrating” or anything of the sort: every run brings a team closer to walking off in a way that these players won’t get to experience once they’re back with their MLB teams.

A rough first inning cost Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers dearly, as he surrendered four runs in that opening frame in the Bombers’ 7-6 loss at the hands of the Atlanta Braves on Friday afternoon at CoolToday Park in North Port. Things did get interesting in the ninth, though.

Atlanta got to the last inning up 7-1, but Tyler Hardman singled with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth to plate two runs, and then Garrett Martin launched a three-run bomb to put the Yankees within one. After Ornelas’ blast, however, the Bombers couldn’t do any more damage, as Owen Cobb lined out, Jorbit Vivas struck out, and while Ernesto Martínez Jr. singled, Kenedy Corona popped out to shortstop to end the game.

The Yankees are now 13-7 in Grapefruit League play, while the Braves improved to 13-5 with their win. New York simply couldn’t touch Atlanta’s starter Didier Fuentes, who pitched three perfect innings with five strikeouts to his name. The righty debuted for the Braves last year and won’t even turn 21 until June, and since they’ll now be entering the season without the injured Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz, he certainly made his case to new skipper Walt Weiss that he should have a role on the 2026 club.

New York’s starter didn’t fare nearly as well. Mauricio Dubón welcomed Weathers to Atlanta’s spring home with a leadoff home run. Later in the first, the southpaw surrendered RBI singles to Austin Riley, Jonah Heim, and Kyle Farmer to make it 4-0 before he could complete the first three outs.

After that, Weathers settled in and threw 2.2 scoreless frames with four punchouts before being lifted in the fourth. He touched 100 mph with his four-seamer and averaged 98.4 mph, but could only get one whiff on 13 swings with the pitch.

Weathers’ sweeper, however, was on point, earning him a whopping seven whiffs on 10 swings for a 70-percent whiff rate. The changeup gave him three additional swings and misses to round out his total for the afternoon to 11. Weathers, whose spring training ERA is now at 8.68, managed to stretch out to 67 pitches. He appears to have hit a bit of a wall, but as long as his stuff and velocity keep trending up, there shouldn’t be a reason to worry about him. Barring injury, Weathers should slot in somewhere behind Max Fried and Cam Schlittler in the back end of the Yankees’ Opening Day rotation, with Will Warren and Luis Gil likely joining him.

The Yankees finally scored in the top of the fourth, when Max Schuemann doubled and crossed the plate on a Cody Bellinger single against Dylan Dodd.

That marked Bellinger’s only hit on the day, and it proved to be a quiet one for the Bombers’ more familiar contingent. Ryan McMahon (playing a clean shortstop), and outfielders Trent Grisham, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Randal Grichuk combined to go 0-for-11 with six K’s.

Although none of the members of the Yankees’ bullpen today should be on the Opening Day roster, they fared decently enough on this afternoon. Kelly Austin got Ozzie Albies to ground out and was followed by an impressive Yovanny Cruz, who touched 101.5 mph and struck out two brand names—Matt Olson and Austin Riley—in a perfect inning. From there, it got a little bumpier, as Dom Hamel allowed a couple of runs in two innings of relief, surrendering five hits and a walk while failing to record a single strikeout. Osvaldo Bido conceded the Braves’ seventh run late in the game.

The Yankees will play again on Saturday, as they return home to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to take on the Philadelphia Phillies, starting at 1:05 pm ET. Max Fried will toe the rubber for the Bombers in preparation for his Opening Day start. In the meantime, if you’re interested in World Baseball Classic action, Austin Wells and the Dominican Republic will face Korea tonight at 6:30pm ET on FS2, while Aaron Judge and Team USA will contend with Canada at 8pm ET on Fox.

Box Score

After recording a scoreless appearance in three innings with one strikeout and one walk in the World Baseball Classic as the captain for Colombia’s squad, new Rockies José Quintana (1-0, 0.00 ERA) is back in action today as Colorado (10-8-1) hosts the Texas Rangers (11-8) at Salt River Fields.

The Rockies will face Jabob Latz (0-0, 5.40 ERA). The Rockies lost their first showdown against Texas in Cactus League action when they fell 9-5 on Feb. 22. The Rockies will be looking to build off the momentum of their 13-2 win over Arizona on Thursday.

First Pitch: 2:10 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network (1:55 p.m. pregame)

Lineups:

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