Okay, last update for the night… I hope.
- In his article on the latest round of players to commit to Team USA, Jon Heyman mentions that Troy Tulowitzki will be held back from Team USA do to injury concerns. I had read elsewhere that Tulowitzki wanted to play in the WBC almost specifically to show how healthy he was, but maybe the Rockies are stopping him.
- Adam Wainwright won’t be pitching in the WBC… but then again, he wasn’t even invited.
- Barry M. Boom’s list of players who have committed to Team USA includes Jimmy Rollins, the first confirmation in recent days that he’ll be on the roster.
- And, perhaps the biggest news:
Bullpen at least Kimbrel, Gregerson, Perez. Verlander possible as a later add. Victorino on bench. US will carry three catchers. Still TBD.
— Barry M. Bloom (@Boomskie) January 14, 2013
@boomskie What does “later add” mean? As in he’s not sure yet, or as in “he’ll be ready in the second round”?
— Dan J. Glickman (@DanJGlickman) January 14, 2013
@danjglickman Will determine before March 7 if he’s in shape enough to pitch. Basically up to Verlander.
— Barry M. Bloom (@Boomskie) January 14, 2013
Okay, so there you go: Justin Verlander will take part if he feels up to it. And there is still room for one more catcher on the roster (Posey? Wieters? Ellis?).
More WBC news as we get closer to roster day on Thursday.