The U.S. national team, which participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), strengthened its bullpen.

MLB.com, the official homepage of the Major League Baseball (MLB), reported on the 14th that bullpen pitchers Nick Martinez (32, San Diego Padres) and Daniel Bard (37, Colorado Rockies) will compete as the WBC U.S. representatives.

Martinez recorded 4 wins and 4 losses with a 3.47 ERA in 47 appearances (10 starts) as a swingman this season. Bard, a seasoned veteran, made a big success with 34 saves and a 1.79 ERA as a Colorado closer. Along with Emmanuel Classe (Cleveland Guardians, 42 saves) and Edwin Dias (New York Mets, 32 saves), he is one of the three MLB closers who have achieved “more than 30 saves and an ERA of 1 point.” In particular, Martinez participated as a U.S. representative at the Tokyo Olympics held last year, started two games, and contributed to the silver medal with an average ERA of 1.64 (16 strikeouts and 2 runs allowed in 11 innings). With the addition of two experienced players, the bullpen depth (players) of the US national team has become stronger. 메이저사이트

Currently, the United States is declaring that MLB superstars will participate one after another. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt (St. Louis Cardinals), second baseman Trevor Story (Boston Red Sox), third baseman Nolan Arenado (St. Louis), shortstop Tim Anderson (Chicago White Sox), etc., are lined up with large players at each position. A total of six players were confirmed for the bullpen with the joining of Martinez and Bard. Previously, it was announced that Ryan Presley (Houston Astros), Dillon Tate (Baltimore Orioles), Devin Williams (Milwaukee Brewers), and David Bedner (Pittsburgh Pirates) will join the WBC.

The United States is drawn in Group C along with WBC Mexico, Colombia, Canada and Great Britain, and will play the first round in Phoenix, Arizona, USA from March 12.