United States manager Mark DeRosa. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Mark DeRosa explains why he didn't use star closer Mason Miller in Team USA's WBC loss

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 12:49 AM ET

Mark DeRosa made a critical decision that ended up costing Team USA in the final inning of this year’s World Baseball Classic against Venezuela.

Team USA had all the momentum following Bryce Harper’s two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning that sent the crowd roaring inside loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla. The Americans needed a clean top of the ninth inning to put all the pressure on Venezuela.

DeRosa gave the ball to Garrett Whitlock with the country’s hopes on the line. The skipper’s call proved to be the wrong one, as Whitlock gave up a lead-off walk and then an RBI double to Eugenio Suarez that tilted the game Venezuela’s way.

Team USA was unable to answer, losing the WBC title game 3-2 for the second consecutive time. The Americans also lost 3-2 to Japan in 2023 after Shohei Ohtani won his legendary duel with Mike Trout.

DeRosa didn't insert Mason Miller in the contest. The San Diego Padres closer had been lights-out in the WBC heading into Tuesday’s affair, and he also recorded the save in Team USA’s semifinal win over the Dominican Republic.

Miller did not allow a single run during the tournament, with hitters going 0-for-12 against him with 10 strikeouts.

DeRosa was asked about not using Miller and later explained that the Padres had only allowed Team USA to use Miller in a single-inning save situation. With the two teams tied at 2-2, the moment did not qualify.

Mark DeRosa on not using Padres closer Mason Miller in the 9th: ‘‘Honoring the Padres. Had we taken the lead, he was coming in, but I wasn't going to bring him in to a tie game.’
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2026

It’s a tough situation for DeRosa. There’s a world where DeRosa inserted Miller instead of Whitlock and Team USA came away with the gold medal.

While that would have brought Team USA glory this season, it could have potentially dissuaded MLB teams from allowing their players to participate in the future, knowing Team USA is willing to break agreed-upon limits.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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