Team USA manager cites pitching restrictions as a factor in loss to Mexico
Team Mexico defeated Team USA, 11-5, on Sunday, marking Mark DeRosa's first loss in his managerial career and the second-worst loss for the United States in World Baseball Classic history.
Team USA is 1-1 in pool play and at risk of elimination, regardless of whether they win their remaining games. If the U.S., Colombia, and Mexico each finish 3-1 in pool play, the tiebreaker would be decided by runs allowed per out, likely eliminating Team USA.
Three pitchers gave up at least three runs in the poor pitching performance, but DeRosa admitted following the game that his options were limited.
"It's tough," DeRosa said via ESPN. "You're trying to massage innings. You're trying to protect these guys. You're trying to honor their parent clubs."
The MLB Network analyst made one of his first mistakes as manager by leaving right-hander Brady Singer to face first baseman Joey Meneses in the fourth inning. Meneses hit his second home run of the game during that at-bat, extending Mexico's lead to 7-1.
It was a questionable decision to bring in Singer after DeRosa called on right-hander Kendall Graveman in the third inning, who used five pitches to get out of trouble. A similar move was made by DeRosa in the eighth inning when he brought in reliever Devin Williams. Milwaukee's closer threw only one pitch before being removed.
Asked why Graveman and Williams were removed from the game so quickly, DeRosa explained it was at the request of major league clubs, which is the same for many pitchers on the team.
"A lot of these guys are restricted from cleaning up a dirty inning and going back out," DeRosa said.
"There's a lot of honoring parent clubs' wishes to get these guys ready for the regular season," DeRosa emphasized. "You're kind of limited in the number of arms you have down there. You have to push some guys."
Team USA's pitching had been a glaring weakness heading into the tournament, and the WBC's pitch count and MLB teams' requests have exacerbated the problem. However, the lineup has been the biggest disappointment through the first two games. The U.S. only scored two runs in the first seven innings against Team Mexico.
Even in their win against Great Britain on Saturday, the star-studded lineup didn't exactly shine, scoring six runs on nine hits.
Despite the lack of production, Team USA shortstop Tim Anderson, who drove in three runs Sunday, insists spirits are high.
"The vibe is still the same," Anderson said. "You look around and see who's in the locker room, and there's nothing to complain about. We have a bunch of dudes in there. It's just a matter of time before things start clicking."
The United States aims to rebound against Team Canada. In their last game, Canada defeated Great Britain by mercy rule, 18-8. Chicago White Sox RHP Lance Lynn will be on the mound for the U.S., while Texas Rangers prospect Mitch Bratt gets the start for Canada.
Team USA will face Team Canada at Chase Field on Monday at 10 p.m. E.T.
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