Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was not included on Team USA’s roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic, nor was he included in their designated pitcher pool. A rule change that permits teams to add two pitchers was implemented with hope of luring Kershaw and others into participating in the WBC.
There was early optimism Kershaw would suit up for Team USA, though the expectations cooled as the offseason wore on. Speaking during a press conference at Dodger Stadium last month, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman essentially ruled out the possibility of Kershaw participating.
USA manager Jim Leyland will have a starting rotation comprised of Detroit’s Michael Fulmer, Kansas City’s Danny Duffy, Oakland’s Sonny Gray, Seattle’s Drew Smyly, Toronto’s J.