Mark DeRosa is under fire for a critical decision that ended up costing Team USA in the final inning of this year’s World Baseball Classic against Venezuela.
Team USA had all the momentum following Bryce Harper’s two-run homer in the bottom of the 8th inning that sent the crowd roaring inside loanDepot Park in Miami, Fla. The Americans needed a clean top of the 9th inning to put all the pressure on Venezuela.
DeRosa gave the ball to Garrett Whitlock with the country’s hopes on the line. The skipper’s call proved to be the wrong one, as Whitlock gave up a lead-off walk and then an RBI double to Eugenio Suarez that tilted the game Venezuela’s way.
Team USA was unable to answer, losing the WBC title game 3-2 for the second consecutive time. The Americans also lost 3-2 to Japan in 2023 after Shohei Ohtani won his legendary duel with Mike Trout.
Several fans and media members slammed DeRosa for not inserting Mason Miller in the contest instead. The San Diego Padres closer had been lights-out in the WBC heading into Tuesday’s affair, and also recorded the save in Team USA’s semifinal win over the Dominican Republic.
I got a lot of questions about the game management for USA
— Zo (@zo_demalia) March 18, 2026
Why isn’t Mason Miller pitching the 9th??
Mark Derosa not throwing Mason Miller in the 9th inning of a tie game in the championship is worse than not knowing the elimination rules.
— Connor Thomas (@ConnorThomas975) March 18, 2026
Mark DeRosa was just informed that tonight was indeed an elimination game an Mason Miller will not be able to pitch tomorrow
— Jimmy “Hoggystyle” Hatfield (@bighog1968) March 18, 2026
Miller did not allow a single run during the tournament, with hitters going 0-for-12 against him with 10 strikeouts.
DeRosa was asked about not using Miller and later explained that the Padres had only allowed Team USA to use Miller in a single-inning save situation. With the two teams tied at 2-2, the moment did not qualify.
It’s a tough situation for DeRosa. There’s a world where DeRosa inserted Miller instead of Whitlock and Team USA came away with the gold medal.
While that would have brought Team USA glory this season, it could have potentially dissuaded MLB teams from allowing their players to participate in the future, knowing Team USA is willing to break agreed-upon limits.
