With Mason Miller's status uncertain for Tuesday's World Baseball Classic championship game, Team USA received an encouraging update on Garrett Whitlock. Whitlock will make his third appearance in the last five days if he pitches on Tuesday. WBC teams have to listen to MLB teams' requests for their players. However, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Whitlock is available for the contest, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe.
There is still a chance Miller may be available. Regardless, having Whitlock ready to go out of the bullpen will be crucial. Nolan McLean is starting for Team USA, but one has to imagine that manager Mark DeRosa will not hesitate to remove him if he struggles early in the matchup.
Team USA's bullpen performance will be pivotal on Tuesday night.
Whitlock has impressed across his three games pitched during the WBC. The right-handed reliever has yet to allow a run in his three innings of work. Whitlock has also recorded five strikeouts and hasn't walked a batter.
It remains to be seen when Whitlock will pitch on Tuesday. Team USA would obviously love for McLean to give the ball club five strong innings. If that does not happen, DeRosa will turn to the bullpen early. Whitlock could be an option to enter the contest earlier in the game, but Team USA may also save him until the later innings.
Either way, the Red Sox's hurler will likely play a role in the game at some point on Tuesday night.
