It was announced today that San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Martinez will be pitching for Team USA in the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic! The 32-year-old will be entering his second season with San Diego after competing in the WBC.
It is interesting that the World Baseball Classic announced Martinez as a reliever today despite him planning on being a starter in 2023. Perhaps the Padres told manager Mark DeRosa that Martinez is only to be used in short spurts out of the bullpen in an effort to save his arm.
A couple more relief arms are #ALLIN for the World Baseball Classic.