USA, Dominican Republic Unveil Lineups for World Baseball Classic Semis, Cal Raleigh Not Starting

United States manager Mark DeRosa has chosen his lineup for the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Sunday.

DeRosa released the lineup ahead of the contest against the Dominican Republic, and it features many of the same familiar names such as Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber who have been staples for much of the tournament.

But it does not feature catcher Cal Raleigh:

Here is the lineup the Dominican Republic will use:

Raleigh not being in the lineup for Team USA is notable considering he just launched 60 home runs to go with 125 RBI while leading the Seattle Mariners to the American League Championship Series.

However, he is 0-for-9 with five strikeouts in three games during this tournament.

Will Smith is 2-for-6 with a double and is no stranger to pressure-packed scenarios after winning back-to-back World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers the last two seasons.

He also won the 2020 championship with the Dodgers.

All Smith did during last season's Fall Classic was hit what proved to be the game-winning home run in the 11th inning of Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was a legendary moment and one that forever cemented his place in Los Angeles baseball history.

Perhaps he will deliver in the clutch for the Red, White and Blue as well.

It might not matter, though, if Paul Skenes pitches like he is capable of at his best. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace is the reigning National League Cy Young winner and will take the ball for the Americans in the single-elimination scenario.

If he leads the way in a United States win, the victors will face either Italy or Venezuela in the championship game on Tuesday.