The World Baseball Classic is here, and a couple of Braves will be representing their home countries.
The tournament will be played for the first time in six years, with 20 teams competing across four pools, based on the host countries and 2017 WBC results.
Atlanta isn’t heavily represented, but they have some star power in Ronald Acuna Jr. and Eddie Rosario, representing Venezuela and Puerto Rico, respectively.
Acuna wasn’t originally cleared to participate, but the Braves announced some time ago that he’d be able to if he desired. The superstar had battled knee soreness during the 2022 campaign but has felt much better this offseason, even competing in the Venezuelan Winter League with no issues.
Rosario is coming off an abysmal season last year. He came out of the gate hitting below .100, then underwent laser eye surgery but still never found his groove. He’s in store for a big bounce back season in 2023, so getting some competitive at-bats in the WBC is important.
Some former Braves will appear as well. Christian Bethancourt will play for Panama, Freddie Freeman will play for Team Canada, and Joc Pederson will suit up for Team Israel.
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POOL A (March 8-13)
Host: Taichung, Taiwan (Intercontinental Baseball Stadium)
Chinese Taipei
Cuba
Italy
The Netherlands
TBD (winner of 2022 WBC Qualifier)
POOL B (March 9-13)
Host: Tokyo (Tokyo Dome)
Japan
Korea
China
Australia
TBD (winner of 2022 WBC Qualifier)
POOL C (March 11-15)
Host: Phoenix (Chase Field)
United States
Canada
Mexico
Colombia
TBD (winner of 2022 WBC Qualifier)
POOL D (March 11-15)
Host: Miami (loanDepot park)
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
Israel
Dominican Republic
TBD (winner of 2022 WBC Qualifier)
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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