Team Canada has been dealt a big blow ahead of the World Baseball Classic as ace Nick Pivetta has dropped out of the tournament.
Sportsnet's Shi Davidi confirmed the decision after MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported it was expected to happen.
Pivetta has been behind schedule building up at Boston Red Sox camp and manager Alex Cora revealed recently that the Victoria native recently overcame a bout with COVID-19 that delayed his preparation for spring training. While the illness isn't expected to impact his availability for the Red Sox on Opening Day, it will take him out of consideration for the WBC in March.
Pivetta, who just turned 30, has been a starter in the big leagues for the past six seasons with the Phillies and Red Sox. In 2022 he set career-highs in innings pitched (179.2) and starts (33) while posting a 4.56 ERA and 175 strikeouts.
Without Pivetta, Canada will now hand the ball to Cleveland Guardians starter Cal Quantrill, who has two years of starting experience in MLB on his resume. Behind him, minor leaguers Noah Skirrow and Rob Zastryzny could make starts.
Canada opens the World Baseball Classic against Great Britain on March 12 and will also face the United States (March 13) and Columbia (March 14) in pool play. All games will be available to watch live on SN NOW.
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