Tarik Skubal, USA Roster Replacements Revealed Ahead of WBC Quarterfinal Bracket

Team USA is making changes to its pitching staff heading into Friday's matchup with Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal.

The WBC announced on Thursday that Tarik Skubal, Michael Wacha, and Ryan Yarbrough will be replaced on the U.S. roster by Will Vest, Tyler Rogers, and LHP Tim Hill.

Meanwhile, manager Mark DeRosa told reporters that Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw will be removed from the active roster if the team defeats Canada in the quarterfinals.

Skubal's departure was expected, though he did at least leave open the possibility of sticking around for another start after his lone appearance against Great Britain on March 8.

"I didn't expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ," Skubal told reporters after the game. "I was pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp. Things have changed, obviously. That's why I'm going to have some conversations and try to figure out a plan for me. But yeah, I don't know either way."

Despite the hope he might stay, Skubal later confirmed on March 9 that he would be leaving Team USA after the game against Mexico and returning to camp with the Detroit Tigers.

Wacha and Yarbrough are being replaced after rough outings in the WBC. Wacha allowed three runs on four hits in three innings against Brazil in the opening game for the U.S. on March 6.

Yarbrough gave up three runs (two earned) on two hits in 2.1 innings in Tuesday's 8-6 loss to Italy.

WBC rules allow each country to place up to six pitchers in the designated pitcher pool who can be added to the roster after pool play.

Hill, Vest, Rogers, Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm were the pitchers in the U.S. pool. Hill is essentially a one-for-one replacement for Yarbrough as a lefty specialist out of the bullpen.

Vest, who recorded a career-high 23 saves with the Tigers last season, gives Team USA another proven late-inning option in a close game.

Rogers had a 1.98 ERA in 81 appearances between the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants in 2025. He signed a three-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency.

The United States advanced to the knockout round on Wednesday when Italy defeated Mexico. Team USA finished as the runner-up in Pool B.

Friday's game between Team USA and Canada will be played at Daikin Park in Houston with first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.