Yankees Pitcher David Bednar Faces Uncertain Availability for USA's WBC Final
New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar could be ruled out of Team USA's World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday night in Miami, according to emerging reports. The decision hinges on managing his pitch count with the Major League Baseball season just days away.
Concerns Extend to Padres Closer Mason Miller
There are parallel worries over San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller, who followed Bednar in shutting out the Dominican Republic during USA's thrilling 2-1 victory on Sunday night. That win secured their place in the tournament's championship game.
With MLB's opening day rapidly approaching, both pitchers are under scrutiny for their workload. Currently, Bednar appears more likely to miss the final, as revealed by The New York Post's Jon Heyman on Monday.
Managerial Caution and Player Perspectives
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen expressed reservations about Miller's availability, stating, 'Not ruled out, not decided. 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.'
If Miller pitches on Tuesday, it would mark his third appearance in just five days. He acknowledged the need for caution, saying, 'I've got to be smart about it, too,' while confirming his desire to play. 'If I say I’m good to go, they’re going to be supportive of that.'
Pitch Count Details and Upcoming Fixtures
Bednar delivered a crucial performance on Sunday night, striking out two batters in the seventh inning with a runner in scoring position. He has accumulated 79 pitches across four appearances for Team USA. Meanwhile, Miller has thrown 40 pitches over the past five days.
Team USA will face the winner of Monday night's semifinal between Venezuela and Italy. The MLB season commences next Wednesday for Bednar, whose Yankees play a day earlier than most teams, traveling to face the San Francisco Giants in a game broadcast live on Netflix.
Miller and the Padres begin their season on Thursday at home against the Detroit Tigers, adding urgency to the pitch management decisions.
