Logan Webb will open Team USA’s WBC pool play vs Brazil; the rotation also features Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes and Nolan MacLean. Webb’s managed spring workload and likely short outings suggest bettors may favor Team USA’s moneyline in the opener and consider innings or low-scoring props — Webb projects as a safe, limited starter.
Logan Webb Named Team USA’s Opener for World Baseball Classic Pool Play
Logan Webb will start the United States’ first pool-play game at the World Baseball Classic, taking the mound Friday against Brazil at Houston’s Daikin Park. The move was confirmed as players reported to camp for initial workouts and the pool-play rotation was set.
Pool-Play Rotation and Schedule
Tarik Skubal is scheduled to follow Webb, taking the mound the next day against Great Britain. Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes will start the third pool game versus Mexico on March 9, and New York Mets’ Nolan MacLean will get the ball against Italy on March 10 after missing initial camp time due to illness.
Webb’s Role and Workload
Webb is expected to make two starts for Team USA only if the team finishes among the top two in pool play and advances to elimination rounds. He had opted out of the 2023 WBC to focus on spring training with the Giants, and his recent spring start saw him work three innings (38 pitches), allowing two hits and one run while striking out three. Team USA’s planned use of starters mirrors 2023 strategy — brief outings and frequent bullpen usage — which should keep Webb fresh for his club after the tournament.
Pitching Depth and Roster Notes
The U.S. pitching staff includes David Bednar, Matthew Boyd, Garrett Cleavinger, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Brad Keller, Clayton Kershaw, Mason Miller, Gabe Speier, Michael Wacha and Garrett Whitlock. One scheduled starter, Skubal, has indicated he will return to Tigers camp after his WBC start. While Webb pitches for Team USA, the Giants will continue evaluating Robbie Ray, Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle in spring rotation work, with Landen Roupp considered a leading internal candidate for the fifth-starter role.
Implications for Team USA
The rotation balances high-end arms with depth suited to short, high-leverage appearances. That approach gives the U.S. flexibility during pool play and reduces the burden on any single starter. Webb’s controlled early spring workload and the planned usage pattern make it unlikely he’ll be asked for long outings, preserving him for the Giants’ spring schedule if Team USA advances.
Betting Takeaways
Webb’s status as opener against Brazil and the team’s reliance on short starts create clear betting angles: backing Team USA’s moneyline in the opener may be sensible, while inning-count and low-scoring props (e.g., under on starter innings or total runs) could offer value given the expected quick hook for starters.
Monitor official lineups, bullpen usage updates and Webb’s final pregame workload for sharper prop decisions.
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