Toronto Blue Jays submariner Tyler Rogers to represent USA at World Baseball Classic
Photo credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
It appears another member of the Toronto Blue Jays is set to take the international stage at the World Baseball Classic.
According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Tyler Rogers has been added to United States national baseball team’s designated pitcher pool.
Rogers indicated he will join the Americans after the preliminary round, making him eligible to be activated for the later stages of the tournament.
If he takes the mound, it will mark Rogers’ first appearance for his country in a major international competition.
The submarining right-hander has quietly been one of baseball’s most dependable relievers since 2021.
Over the past five seasons, Rogers has surpassed 70 innings each year, compiling a 2.71 ERA and 3.38 FIP across 378.1 innings.
His success is particularly notable given his unconventional delivery and a fastball that typically sits in the mid-80s, generating weak contact and ground balls rather than overpowering hitters.
Should the Americans advance out of Pool B, Rogers would join fellow Blue Jay Ernie Clement on the roster. Jeff Hoffman is also a potential addition for Team USA in later rounds.
Toronto could have significant representation across the tournament. José Berrios may suit up for Puerto Rico if they advance from Group A.
Blue Jays pitchers Jeff Hoffman (USA), Tyler Rogers (USA) and Jose Berrios (Puerto Rico) are listed on the Designated Pitcher Pools for the WBC and are eligible to be added later in the tournament if needed
Blue Jays organization could see as many as 14 players participate.
Several minor leaguers will also represent their respective countries: Adam Macko (Canada), Yariel Rodriguez (Cuba), Will Cresswell (Great Britain), and Ismael Munguia (Nicaragua). Meanwhile, C.J. Stubbs and RJ Schreck are expected to represent Israel.
On the major league roster, Alejandro Kirk will play for Mexico, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the Dominican Republic, Kazuma Okamoto for Japan, Leo Jiménez for Panama, and Andrés Giménez for Venezuela.
Before Rogers can join the Americans, however, the United States must first navigate Pool B.
The group features Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil, and the Americans runners-up in 2023 are widely expected to secure one of the top two spots.
Pool B games will be played in Houston, giving Team USA home-field advantage.
The tournament opens March 5, with the United States beginning play March 6 against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston.
The tournament opens March 5, with the United States beginning play March 6 against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston.
They will face Great Britain the following day, Mexico on March 9, and conclude pool play against Italy on March 10.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14|99 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays submariner Tyler Rogers to represent USA at World Baseball Classic Will Blue Jays submariner Tyler Rogers play a significant relief role for Team USA in the WBC? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 65.7 % |
| No | 18 | 18.2 % |
| Too early to tell | 16 | 16.2 % |
| List of polls | ||