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Chicago Cubs: Marcus Stroman joining Team Puerto Rico for World Baseball Classic

By David Hill

Jul 29, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) throws a pitch during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) throws a pitch during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although the World Baseball Classic will not happen until March, teams are beginning to take shape. Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman is the latest major leaguer to commit to a roster for the tournament.

Stroman announced on Twitter that he will be joining Team Puerto Rico for the WBC, marking his second appearance in the tournament. Previously, in 2017, he had played for Team USA.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman to be part of Team Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic

Team Puerto Rico has to hope that Stroman’s foray into the tournament will be as successful as his previous one. He posted a 2.35 ERA in his three outings in the 2017 WBC, being named the tournament MVP as Team USA took home the title. Ironically, his best outing came against Puerto Rico in the finals as he fired six shutout innings, allowing just one hit.

Despite a slower start to the 2022 campaign, and an injury just as he was finding his groove, Stroman has had a solid showing this year. He has posted a respectable 3.99 ERA and a 1.182 WHiP over his 67.2 innings, striking out 62 batters with just 18 walks.

Team Puerto Rico would certainly take that sort of performance in the WBC. They are going to face plenty of competition from the Dominican Republic, Japan, and the United States entries into the tournament. Cuba, the Netherlands, and South Korea are always tough as well. And their bracket, where they will face the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and an Israeli entry that shocked everyone in the most recent tournament, will not be easy to navigate.

Adding Stroman to the pitching staff is a good start. He could be one of the better pitchers in the tournament and does have a history of success. If Team Puerto Rico is going to advance to the second round, they will need him to replicate his success from 2017.

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Marcus Stroman is officially returning to the World Baseball Classic. The Chicago Cubs pitcher has confirmed his place on Team Puerto Rico.

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