Team USA could be without huge piece in WBC final

San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller may have already thrown his last pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

On Monday, Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters no decision has been made regarding Miller's availability for Tuesday's final against the winner of the second WBC semifinal between Venezuela and Italy. The USA advanced to the title round with a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic on Sunday, which ended with Miller's controversial called strike three on a 3-2 pitch out of the zone.

"Not ruled out, not decided," Stammen said while at Padres spring training, according to ESPN.

"How we do with every pitcher, we evaluate them after their outing, see how they feel and then calculate when their next outing's going to be. So he's in that same boat," Stammen explained.

Losing Mason Miller in WBC final would be a huge blow to USA

Miller has two saves in four games at this year's WBC. The hard-throwing right-hander routinely hits triple-digits on his fastball, making him difficult to hit. He's pitched four innings at the 2026 event, allowing no hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks. 

Miller's availability will be worth monitoring as the United States gears up for Tuesday's final. The bullpen could be thin without him. NY Post MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that New York Yankees closer David Bednar "is likely out due to pitch count," while New York Mets closer Clay Holmes left the team earlier in the tournament after a brief stint.