Team USA’s toughest test is what lyes ahead.
After defeating Team Canada 5-3 on Friday, it set up a box office matchup between the USA and team Dominican Republic. The USA is 4-1 total (3-1 in pool play) in the WBC, but as a whole, they have not been clicking yet. Whether it’s been lineup decisions, bullpen decisions, or something else, USA has seemed detracted. Going into their matchup with the DR, they need to be fully focused.
In my mind, there are three keys to victory for Team USA to advance to the finals.
3. The Lineup
DeRosa has changed the lineup a few times so far for USA, but one big change is needed. Cal Raleigh can’t continue to start behind the plate. His at-bats have been poor (no hits in the first five games and numerous runners left). His defense almost costed Team USA their tournament with a big passed ball against Canada.
Oh boy…
The ball gets by Cal Raleigh and Team Canada has something cooking in the 7th 👀 pic.twitter.com/fpIPcFfV7n
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 14, 2026
There has also been this weird thing where Raleigh won’t dap up the opposing hitter if they ask. This has created some unnecessary drama in the tournament that we could all do without.
Will Smith has a career of clutch. He has won three world series with the Dodgers and is always a threat in the clutch. Pair that with solid defense behind the plate, and you have yourself a starter.
Raleigh’s at-bats have been so non-competitive to this point that it doesn’t make sense for DeRosa to continue starting him. With it all on the line, a change is needed.
The same can be said for first base. Though Bryce Harper‘s at-bats have been better over the past two games, he has struggled at the plate as well. Paul Goldschmidt is the only regular option for first base, though Ernie Clement has logged some innings over there in 2022. Goldschmidt against the right-hander Luis Severino could also work. In his career, Goldschmidt is 2-5 with three walks against Severino.
USA’s lineup, lead by Aaron Judge, also needs to put pressure on Severino. One of the flaws with Team DR is their pitching staff, and if the lineup is putting pressure on DR’s staff the whole night, with will create a better situation for USA’s win chances.
DeRosa has some tough decisions looming for this lineup, but he needs to be aggressive to move on to the finals.
2. Bullpen Decisions
Team USA’s bullpen has struggled to this point. Both Gabe Speier and Brad Keller have not been sharp in their outings for the US.
The good news for DeRosa is USA has gotten some new relievers in the bullpen. Tim Hill from the Yankees — who is perfect to neutralize the big lefties in the DR’s lineup — and Jeff Hoffman from the Blue Jays are the main two.
With the other options not being as good for team USA, Hill and Hoffman will play a big role in the bullpen decisions.
Mason Miller, Garret Whitlock and David Bednar also need to be full go’s for the US to get through this game. With how powerful the DR’s lineup is, the hooks on relievers need to be quick if they get into trouble.
1. Paul Skenes
USA winning the semifinals hedges on one persons shoulders: Paul Skenes. Team USA will go as far as he does. This will be the first time in his career he has faced many hitters in Team DR’s lineup, including Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. If he is able to give Team USA innings, and successful ones at that, then lining him up to face Team DR will be a successful move for DeRosa.
The USA has a chance to win this game, but there are multiple ways they could lose this game. Their tournament is on the line tomorrow night. It’s time for USA to show up and execute.