Team Canada announces formidable starting lineup vs Phillies in WBC tune-up

Yesterday Team Canada dropped their first exhibition game game to the Toronto Blue Jays 10-7.

Today Canada gets one final tune-up before the World Baseball Classic kicks off from March 5-17, using this exhibition matchup as a last opportunity to sharpen every detail before the games truly count.

There's an added layer of intrigue in this one, as Phillies manager Rob Thomson, a proud Canadian from Corruna Ontario, watches his home country take the field against his own club.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith was first to report Canada's lineup for the afternoon showdown.

Edouard Julien will set the tone at the top of the order, bringing patience and table-setting ability to ignite the offense early against Philadelphia.

Josh Naylor (28, first-round pick in 2015 by the Miami Marlins) anchors the heart of the lineup at first base. After blasting 20 home runs last season, Naylor's left-handed power will be a centerpiece of Canada's attack on the international stage.

Right behind him, Tyler O'Neill delivers a dangerous combination of elite defense and right-handed thunder. His athleticism and intensity add another dynamic layer to the middle of the order.

Abraham Toro slides into the two-hole, offering valuable switch-hitting versatility and a disciplined approach that consistently puts pressure on opposing pitchers.

Up the middle, Otto Lopez takes over at shortstop, providing steady defense and dependable instincts. His confident, high-energy style has a way of lifting the entire dugout.

At second base, Tyler Black gives fans an exciting glimpse at one of Canada's emerging young bats, a prospect known simply for producing hits at every level.

On the mound, veteran right-hander Cal Quantrill (31, first-round pick in 2016 by the San Diego Padres) gets the start.

While he worked through a challenging 6.04 ERA last season, his poise and big-game experience bring stability to this exhibition opener.

This projected starting nine blends established major-league impact with hungry young talent eager to make their mark, forming a balanced and dangerous lineup heading into tournament play.

Denzel Clarke rounds out the order and injects electrifying speed at the bottom of the lineup, a constant threat to disrupt the game the moment he reaches base.
It's one last opportunity to let it fly and show the baseball world what Canadian grit truly looks like.

First pitch between Team Canada and the Philadelphia Phillies is scheduled for 1:07 PM ET, with coverage available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

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