Retired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw won’t last long in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Team USA plans to replace Kershaw on its roster following Friday’s quarterfinal, manager Mark DeRosa announced Thursday.
The 37-year-old Kershaw announced his retirement from MLB in September. The veteran shocked the baseball world a few months later, saying he would pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Through four games, however, Kershaw has not made an appearance.
That could change during the quarterfinal Friday. After Team Italy’s win over Mexico on Wednesday, Team USA squeaked into the next round of the tournament, where they will take on Canada on Friday. Kershaw won’t be replaced until after that game, giving him one more opportunity to appear in a game for the United States.
Once that contest is over, Kershaw will be replaced by Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan, who could be in line to start the championship game if the U.S. advances to that point.
This story will be updated.
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