Mark DeRosa holding Mason Miller from WBC final made no sense

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Mar 18, 2026 - 20:00
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Mark DeRosa holding Mason Miller from WBC final made no sense

During the championship game of the World Baseball Classic between Team USA and Team Venezuela, manager Mark DeRosa made another baffling decision.

Venezuela secured the victory, 3-2, winning the tournament for the first time in its national history. It was electrifying. Despite maintaining a lead for the first seven innings of the game, Venezuela allowed a home run to Bryce Harper to tie up the match in the bottom of the eighth.

Team USA reliever David Bednar was considered "likely out" before the game due to pitch count restrictions. However, the status of the flame-throwing Mason Miller was a bit more uncertain.

Before the game, DeRosa told reporters that Miller was officially available to use from the bullpen. ESPN's Jeff Passan and FOX's Ken Rosenthal both clarified to report that Miller would only come in for Team USA during a one-inning "save situation" for Team USA.

Once the game was tied 2-2, it was Team USA reliever Garrett Whitlock (and not Miller) who came in to hold the line in the top of the ninth inning. While it was not officially a save situation, it was certainly a moment that called for the best pitcher available on the mound.

During this tournament, that arm belonged to Miller. He had not given up a hit or a run during the 2026 World Baseball Classic and he had recorded 10 strikeouts in his appearances.

Whitlock, who is not the closer for the Red Sox during the MLB season, came in for this urgent appearance and surrendered a walk and then allowed the go-ahead run against Venezuela. Team USA was not able to tie it up in the bottom of the ninth and lost the game, earning the silver medal.

DeRosa told reporters that Miller would have come into the game if Team USA had taken the lead.

If he meant that Miller would have followed Whitlock if Team USA took the lead in the ninth inning, that is an impossible situation as Team USA was the home team and would have won the game on a walk-off.

Alternatively, if he meant that if Team USA took the lead in the eighth inning then Miller would have come in for the ninth, that also does not make much sense.

What is the difference between the pitch count for Miller and the San Diego Padres in a tie game versus a save situation? It is the same amount of exertion on the body in either scenario and they are equally important moments on the mound.

DeRosa previously said he knew Miller "definitely" wanted the ball in this closeout game, but the reliever never got the chance. It was a decision that potentially cost Team USA a gold medal in this tournament.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mark DeRosa holding Mason Miller from WBC final made no sense

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