There is now just over a month until the start of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. It will be the tournament’s first edition since 2017, when the United States first won.
Obviously, it is expected that there will be a ton of MLB players taking part in the event. Several have already confirmed their presence and the caliber of the game will definitely be high.
Jordan Romano is part of the list of guys who accepted the invitation, he who was to put on the uniform of the Italian team. On the other hand, we learn that the reliever of the Jays has finally withdrawn and will not take part in the event.
At first glance, it might seem a bit worrying to see a guy withdraw, but the explanation is probably simpler than thinking of an injury: Italy will play alongside Taiwan in the group stage and they don’t will not have a very big club.
So for a guy like Romano, staying in North America to focus on his MLB season might be a better idea than traveling that far and maybe getting 1-2 shots in the tournament. , no more.
Romano was also approached by the Canadian team, but he also declined their invitation. He might have been able to throw more there and he wouldn’t have had to travel far (Canada will play in Phoenix), but he seems to want to focus on the 2023 season.
Recall that in 2017, Romano had taken part in the competition under the Italian colors, but he was not the #1 reliever of his club at that time. His responsibilities are greater now, and he probably wants to make sure he’s as prepared as possible for them.
It’s obviously a blow for the Italian team, but for the Jays, it seems like good news. The gunner will be able to be 100% focused on his role in Toronto and he will put all the chances on his side to be the closer the Jays need.
And for Toronto, that might be the best-case scenario.
