WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

It was back to business as usual for Shohei Ohtani on Friday.

New York radio host Sal Licata went insane on a caller trying to defend the World Baseball Classic, as the WFAN host is not a fan of the tournament.

Team USA captain Mike Trout said he had the time of his life "representing that USA on my chest" following Tuesday night's loss to Japan in the WBC.

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve has had surgery on his broken right thumb.

Kyle Schwarber's home run in the World Baseball Classic final Tuesday night almost ended in catastrophe for one fan in the stands at loanDepot Park in Miami.

Longtime journeyman catcher Ryan Lavarnway has decided to hang up his cleats after playing for Team Israel in the recently concluded World Baseball Classic. “I have played on eight big league teams and worn the uniform of 18 other clubs, mostly in the minors,” he wrote. He spent parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues, getting his final at-bats with the Cleveland Indians in 2021. “You don’t have to be the biggest, strongest, or fastest to accomplish your dreams,” Lavarnway wrote. “If you don’t believe things are possible, maybe you need someone to believe in them before you can, like my coaches did for me.

The World Baseball Classic ended on Tuesday night with a showdown that many had started dreaming about before the tournament even began. On a full count, Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout on a sweeping slider as Japan beat the United States 3-2 to win their third World Baseball Classic. Kan Ikeda sent an email to all 30 MLB clubs while he was in college. #AAPI pic.twitter.com/ZI8O8pRovb — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 28, 2021The 2023 All-World Baseball Classic Team! pic.twitter.com/haN7F85ebR — World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 22, 2023

This year’s World Baseball Classic left lasting memories, 47 games over two weeks that restored Japan’s supremacy and reinforced Shohei Ohtani’s unmatched ability while expanding the sport’s global footprint.

Team USA fielded a World Baseball Classic roster brimming with All-Star names from Trea Turner to Mookie Betts to Mike Trout.

Japan is once again kings of baseball, taking home their third World Baseball Classic victory due to the heroic ninth inning efforts of none other than Shohei Ohtani.

The World Baseball Classic will return for its sixth edition in March 2026, with organizers concluding spring training remains a better time than after the World Series or in the middle of the major league season.

The United States and Japan will do battle in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday night. It is a matchup of titans in the sport.

MIAMI - With the Major League Baseball season just over a week away, there is one more important game to be played, as two of the world’s most dominant countries in the sport square off in the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Watch the World Baseball Classic on FuboTV (7-day free trial)United States vs. JapanWhen: Tuesday, March 21Time: 7 p.m. Japan looked rather strong on home soil in Pool B, running through the group with a 4-0 record. That was when Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run walk-off double, sending Japan back to the final. The United States had to rebound after losing in Pool C action to eventual group-winner Mexico.

Japan's clutching hitting got them back into the game against Mexico and eventually the win to move onto the World Baseball Classic final.

Shohei Ohtani sparked a ninth-inning rally with a leadoff double, and Munetaka Murakami hit a walk-off, two-run double to lift Japan over Mexico 6-5 and into the World Baseball Classic final.

Our expert made his Mexico vs. Japan World Baseball Classic predictions at BetMGM Sportsbook, which offers new users first-bet insurance worth up to $1,000. MEXICO VS. JAPAN PREDICTION: JAPAN -1.5 (-135) at BetMGM SportsbookJoin BetMGM Sportsbook to fade or follow any of our experts’ Mexico vs. Japan World Baseball Classic predictions using first-bet insurance worth up to $1,000. Mexico vs. Japan predictions for Monday’s World Baseball Classic semi-final on 3/20Throughout the World Baseball Classic, Japan has dominated. Let’s get into our Mexico vs. Japan World Baseball Classic predictions, which our experts made after activating their new BetMGM Sportsbook account. Therefore, the best bet from our experts’ Mexico vs. Japan World Baseball Classic predictions is on Japan -1.5 (-135 at BetMGM).

Protesters gathered outside loanDepot Park in Miami as Cuba got ready to play the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic. There were demonstrations inside the ballpark too.

Trea Turner homered twice to give him a tournament-leading four, and the defending champion United States romped over Cuba 14-2 to reach its second straight World Baseball Classic final.

USA vs. Cuba PREDICTION: Cuba team total over 3.5 (+105 at DraftKings Sportsbook)Click here to sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook to claim $200 in bonus bets from a $5 bet on anything, such as our USA vs. Cuba World Baseball Classic predictions. USA vs. Cuba predictions for Sunday’s World Baseball Classic semifinal, 3/19It was a thrilling quarterfinal round for both teams. With a great matchup ahead, let’s take a look at our experts’ USA vs. Cuba World Baseball Classic predictions. Odds, betting lines and spreads for USA vs. Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball ClassicThe USA are the favorites in tonight’s semifinal game. World Baseball Classic schedule and bracket ahead of USA vs. CubaTonight’s semifinal matchup marks only three games left in the World Baseball Classic.

Lars Nootbaar has become a fan favorite for his pepper-grinder celebration but the move has been discouraged in Japan's high school baseball circuit.

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve has a broken right thumb and needs surgery after getting hurt in Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States at the World Baseball Classic.

MIAMI - In what has been an entertaining edition of the World Baseball Classic, only four teams are left, as they will look to try and punch their tickets to the championship game early this week. Watch the World Baseball Classic on FuboTV (7-day free trial)United States vs. CubaWhen: Sunday, March 19Time: 7 p.m. ETWhere: LoanDepot Park (Miami, Fla.)Channel: FOX Sports 1Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV StreamThe “defending” WBC champions did not have the easiest time making it to Sunday. Watch the World Baseball Classic on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Mexico vs. JapanWhen: Monday, March 20Time: 7 p.m. After winning the first two editions of the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009, they have been unable to advance to the final four.

Lars Nootbaar's imaginary pepper-grinder was the talk of World Baseball Classic games in Japan, but the fun-loving gesture by the St. Louis Cardinals outfielder does not appear welcome in Japan's popular high school baseball tournament. When a player for Tohoku High School twisted his two fists together — imitating Nootbaar — after getting on first base Saturday, the umpire told him to stop. Hiroshi Sato, manager for Tohoku High School, defended his player.

Trea Turner hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning that lifted the United States over Venezuela 9-7 and into the World Baseball Classic semifinals.

Jose Altuve left Venezuela’s 9-7 quarterfinal loss to the United States with a possible broken right thumb after getting hit by a pitch.

San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez left the World Baseball Classic on Saturday after he wasn't guaranteed to start for Team USA for the rest of the event. United States manager Mark DeRosa said Martinez will return to Padres spring training to prepare for the start of the major league season. Lance Lynn will start for Team USA in Saturday's game against Venezuela with a spot in the WBC semifinals on the line.

USA baseball will take on undefeated Venezuela for a spot in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic. The March 18 game on FOX will stream at 7 p.m. on Fubo. Venezuela went 4-0 in pool play while Team USA went 3-1, losing to Mexico. Team USA and Venezuela met in the second round of the 2017 WBC with the USA winning 4-2. Saturday’s game will be played in Miami and will stream on Fubo.

The Detroit Tigers veteran is currently with Team Venezuela, which plays the United States in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic on Saturday night in Miami. “My body is certainly telling me that this might be the right time to call it a career,” Cabrera told ESPN on Friday. Cabrera, who turns 40 in April, is embarking on his 21st big-league season and his 16th with the Tigers. “My only goal this year is to stay on the field for as many games as possible and, most importantly, to help Detroit win. Cabrera told ESPN he is savoring the opportunity.

The former Tigers infield prospect homered early in the game and then hit a two-run, game-tying single in the seventh inning, fueling Mexico’s 5-4 comeback win over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic on Friday night. Mexico’s victory spoiled a fine night by Tigers shortstop Javier Baez, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Paredes went on to hit 20 homers in his first season with the Rays. Baez is expected to return to Lakeland in the next day or so and resume spring training preparation with the Tigers. The winner of that game will advance to face Cuba in the other semifinal game on Sunday night.

Luis Urías hit the go-ahead single in a three-run seventh inning that fueled Mexico’s 5-4 comeback victory over Puerto Rico to advance to its first-ever World Baseball Classic semifinals.

Many of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani aren’t playing in spring training these days.

Puerto Rico and Mexico will square off in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic at 7 p.m. on FS1. You can stream the game for free on Fubo. Puerto Rico clinched a spot in the quarterfinals on Wednesday with a win over the Dominican Republic, while Mexico made it thanks to a head-to-head victory over the United States in Pool C play. Mexico is expected to start pitcher Julio Urias and is in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009. Puerto Rico will meet Mexico for only the second time, winning a 2017 matchup against Mexico in 2017.

It’s time to address all the baseball “experts” who suddenly have strong opinions about the World Baseball Classic.

USA vs. Venezuela predictions for Saturday’s World Baseball Classic quarter-finalThese teams had very different journeys to get to this quarter-final game. With all this considered, let’s break down our USA vs. Venezuela World Baseball Classic predictions. Enter your email here:USA vs. Venezuela baseball picks including Venezuela MLUnlike the United States, Venezuela is a complete team. You can bet on our USA vs. Venezuela World Baseball Classic predictions at FanDuel Sportsbook and get 10x your first bet. World Baseball Classic schedule and bracket ahead of USA vs. VenezuelaPool play is over in the World Baseball Classic, which means there are only a handful of games remaining.

New York Mets star closer Edwin Díaz injured his right knee celebrating a win that advanced Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and eliminated the Dominican Republic.

Shohei Ohtani pitched shutout ball into the fifth inning and sparked a four-run third with a bunt single, leading Japan over Italy 9-3 and into its fifth straight World Baseball Classic semifinal.

Lars Nootbaar's pepper-grinder gesture is catching on all across Japan, not just at the Tokyo Dome. You see people doing it on the trains, across the counter ordering a coffee and of course among the 40,000 fans who have packed the Tokyo Dome to watch Japan play in the World Baseball Classic. “I heard the pepper grinders around the country, their sales have gone up quite a bit this past week.”

New York Mets fans began the year dreaming about a World Series closed out by Edwin Díaz.

New York Mets fans began the year dreaming about a World Series closed out by Edwin Díaz.

The World Baseball Classic has the occasional crazy celebration, but perhaps none wilder so far than the Puerto Rican crowd after Francisco Lindor's inside-the-park homer.

USA vs. Colombia predictions for the World Baseball ClassicThe USA entered this year’s World Baseball Classic with high expectations after winning the event in 2017. With the star power of the USA, the rest advantage and their tournament lives on the line, our USA vs. Colombia World Baseball Classic predictions focus on a team USA victory. Join PointsBet Sportsbook to fade or follow our experts’ USA vs. Colombia World Baseball Classic predictions with a chance to earn Second Chance bets. There’s always the option of backing the USA to win the World Baseball Classic at +330 odds, but for today, the best bet from our USA vs. Colombia World Baseball Classic predictions is on the USA -7.5 runs (-110 at PointsBet Sportsbook). USA vs. Colombia betting odds, lines and spreads for the World Baseball ClassicCurrently, the USA -7.5 is listed at -110 odds at PointsBet Sportsbook, with Colombia +7.5 coming with the same -110 odds.

Italy’s baseball team is getting a lot of exposure at the World Baseball Classic, thanks to the new espresso machine that it kept in the dugout.

Cuba advanced to the World Baseball Classic semifinals for the first time since 2006 with a 4-3 win over Australia as Alfredo Despaigne hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly and Yoelkis Guibert followed with a two-run single in three-run fifth inning.

Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman had to leave Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game for Team Canada with a hamstring injury.

Freddie Freeman says playing for Team Canada in this year's WBC is a way for him to honor his late mother, a Canadian native who passed away from skin cancer when he was 10.

Eugenio Suárez and Anthony Santander had two hits each as Venezuela beat Nicaragua 4-1 and improved to 3-0 in the World Baseball Classic.

The Detroit Tigers signed a Nicaraguan pitcher to a contract one hour after he struck out a trio of superstars from the Dominican Republic during a World Baseball Classic game.

Mark DeRosa said last week that one of his most important jobs as United States manager during the World Baseball Classic is making sure his players understand the tournament is a competition, not an exhibition.

Japanese pitching prospect Roki Sasaki threw a 100 mph fastball and hit Czech Republic batter William Escala over the weekend. As an apology, Sasaki gifted Escala with candy.

Nicaragua's 21-year-old pitcher Duque Hebbert struck out Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Rafael Devers on Monday in the WBC. The Detroit Tigers immediately signed him after the game.

PHOENIX - It is getting down to crunch time in pool play action in the World Baseball Classic, as the United States looks to avoid dropping back-to-back games when they take on Canada on Monday night. Watch the World Baseball Classic on FuboTV (7-day free trial)With their star-spangled and star-studded roster, the Americans came into this edition of the WBC with expectations of winning it all. With a 1-1 record in Pool C, the United States are hoping to get back on the winning track, as they have one more game against Columbia on tap on Tuesday. World Baseball Classic (Pool C)Who: Canada vs. United StatesWhen: Monday, March 13Time: 10 p.m. ETWhere: Chase Field (Phoenix, Ariz.)Channel: FOX Sports 1, FOX DeportesStream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV StreamCheck out the WBC schedule here

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Kunwoo Park and Ha-Seong Kim hit grand slams in consecutive innings, and South Korea set a World Baseball Classic scoring record with a 22-2 rout over China in a game between already eliminated teams.

South Korea scored 22 runs in its rout of China, setting a record for the most runs in a World Baseball Classic game. However, they are unable to make the next round.

There a common thread running through the World Baseball Classic when opponents face Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani and his Japanese teammates.

The Great Britain World Baseball Classic team faced internet ridicule on Saturday night as they took on the United States. It was about their uniforms.

Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer that landed just below his image on a video advertising board, sending Japan to a 7-1 victory over Australia in the World Baseball Classic.

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St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar has suddenly become a popular star playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

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Shohei Ohtani doubled and singled for his second straight two-hit game, and Japan overcame a three-run deficit to beat South Korea 13-4 for its second straight win at the World Baseball Classic.

Cabrera will be joined by fellow Detroit Tigers teammate Eduardo Rodriguez, who started for the Tigers in Lakeland on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, WBC pool play is already under way in Asia. Tigers minor-leaguer Jack O’Loughlin started and pitched two scoreless innings. Former Tigers minor-leaguer Ulrich Bojarski went 2-for-4. Jonathan Schoop’s Dutch team is 2-0 in pool play after defeating Panama 3-0 early Thursday morning.

Robbie Perkins hit one of Australia’s three homers to beat South Korea 8-7 on Thursday in Group B at the Tokyo Dome.

Jonathan Schoop singled to help start a three-run rally in the sixth inning as the Netherlands beat Cuba 4-2 in the first game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. More games will be played today, including Panama-Taiwan (6 a.m. Eastern time) and Panama-Netherlands (11 p.m. Eastern time). Schoop, a native of Curacao, left the Tigers nearly a week ago to make the trip to Asia and start preparing for the WBC. Meanwhile, Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera has left to join the Venezuelan team, which will play an exhibition game against the Houston Astros on Wednesday to prepare for WBC play. That would put him in line to make his next start for Venezuela on March 14 against Nicaragua in Miami.

The 20-team World Baseball Classic got underway after a six-year absence with the Netherlands defeating Cuba 4-2 in a Group A game in Taiwan to open the tournament.

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- If Eduardo Rodriguez is going to help Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic in a couple weeks, he might want to break a sweat in a Grapefruit League game first. The Detroit Tigers’ veteran left-hander pitched three scoreless, seemingly effortless innings in his second start of the spring on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Detroit Tigers are back at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to face the Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-hander Matt Manning will be on the hill as the Tigers try to break a three-game losing streak. Matt Vierling will lead off and play right field, while Riley Greene moves back to center. Jonathan Schoop, in what is likely his last game before leaving for the World Baseball Classic, will start at third base. pic.twitter.com/AiIkkYBDa7 — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) March 1, 2023After Manning, Rony Garcia, Jose Cisnero, Mason Englert, Miguel Diaz, Will Vest and Kervin Castro are scheduled to pitch.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The top two hitters in the Detroit Tigers’ first spring lineup are heading to Taiwan in one week to play in the World Baseball Classic. Lead-off man Jonathan Schoop (the Netherlands) and Andy Ibanez (Cuba) might get an extra at-bat on Saturday by virtue of their spots at the top of the lineup.

Aaron Judge would make a stacked Team USA roster much better. After signing a record contract, the Yankees captain is focusing on the team's first World Series since 2009.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Spring training 2023 is here. Today only pitchers and catchers who are participating in next month’s World Baseball Classic are required to be in camp. For the Detroit Tigers, that means left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, who will compete for Venezuela. Many pitchers, catchers and even some position players are already in camp. Related:Rosters released: 8 Tigers will play for 7 different countries in World Baseball ClassicTigers’ spring training: Full list of 22 non-roster inviteesTigers announce 2023 spring training schedule with road trips all around Florida

The United States will be defending its World Baseball Classic crown six years after winning a WBC in 2017, and the roster for next month may be its best ever.

Eight current members of the Detroit Tigers organization have been selected to the rosters of seven different countries for next month’s World Baseball Classic. Players from the “ABC Islands” -- Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao -- can play for the Dutch team in international competition. * Longtime Tigers minor-league outfielder and Windsor, Ontario, native Jacob Robson will play for Team Canada. * Former Tigers third baseman Isaac Paredes, traded to the Tampa Bay Rays last spring, will play for Mexico. Additionally, former Tigers pitcher Warwick Saupold, a stalwart on the international circuit for the Aussies, will make another appearance.

Major League Baseball’s new pitch clock, limits on shifts and larger bases will not be used during the World Baseball Classic.

Cubans signed with Major League Baseball organizations and other foreign clubs will for the first time join domestic stars on the national team that will play in the World Baseball Classic.

The first Detroit Tigers will start to report to Lakeland, Fla., for spring training one month from Friday. Major League Baseball has officially released the report dates for all teams. Pitchers and catchers who are participating in the World Baseball Classic (if any) must report on Feb. 13. Other pitchers and catchers report to Tiger Town on Feb. 15. The Tigers open their Grapefruit League season on Feb. 20 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium against the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies on Feb. 25.

MLB stars such as José Abreu, Yordan Alvarez, Randy Arozarena, Yoán Moncada and Luis Robert can now decide to play for Cuba in the WBC in March.

The United States will permit Major League Baseball players from Cuba to represent their home country in the World Baseball Classic next year.

Clayton Kershaw, still one of the best pitchers in baseball, is set to join a star-studded Team USA roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani has committed to playing for Japan in the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic.

DETROIT -- Rosters are starting to trickle out for next year’s World Baseball Classic, and the Detroit Tigers will likely be well represented on several teams. But here’s one name you might not have expected: Rookie outfielder Riley Greene confirmed Tuesday that he had been approached about playing for Team Puerto Rico in the tournament next spring. The World Baseball Classic will be held March 8-21, 2023, at various sites. “I want all our guys to play in the WBC,” Hinch said. “I think it’s a tremendous experience, a hat tip to their country that they’re from and and an opportunity to play in an incredible atmosphere.