For only the second time in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins will receive a start. This time it comes in a pivotal moment, with Team USA competing in the WBC Championship game against Team Japan Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. ET at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
Mullins will start in left field Tuesday night. He joins a loaded Team USA outfield that features Mookie Betts in right field and Mike Trout in center field.
Mullins broke out in 2021, slashing .291/.360/.878 with 30 home runs and 59 RBI, earning him a nod to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career. Mullins also finished ninth in American League MVP voting and took home a Silver Slugger.
In 2022, however, Mullins declined in production, slashing .258/.318/.721 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI. He hopes to return to form in 2023, and playing with a crew of Major League Baseball superstars won't hurt, as he preps for the new season.
The Baltimore Orioles are coming off their first winning season since 2016.
Mullins will try to help Team USA win its second consecutive WBC title, after the team won the event in 2017.
Here's a look at how Team USA will line up for Tuesday's World Baseball Classic championship game vs. Team Japan:
1) RF Mookie Betts
2) CF Mike Trout
3) 1B Paul Goldschmidt
4) 3B Nolan Arenado
5) DH Kyle Schwarber
6) SS Trea Turner
7) C J.T. Realmuto
8) LF Cedric Mullins
9) 2B Tim Anderson
SP Merrill Kelly
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