Live updates: Follow Team USA’s WBC showdown with Great Britain here
HOUSTON — Team USA, which has scored 44 total runs in its two exhibitions and 2026 World Baseball Classic opener, shook up the lineup Saturday for the game against Great Britain.
Kyle Schwarber, who hit cleanup in Game 1, becomes the leadoff man, his customary spot with the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s followed in the lineup by Alex Bregman, who is certainly hoping to get more pitches to hit than Friday when he batted fifth in the opener. He was visibly frustrated, getting walked four times and hit by a pitch.
Right fielder Aaron Judge, who hit a two-run homer in the opener, and left fielder Roman Anthony are the only players who remain in the same spot in the batting order, third and seventh, respectively. Judge will be followed by Bryce Harper, who drops from second to cleanup.
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USA WBC lineup vs Great Britain
Starter: LHP Tarik Skubal
Kyle Schwarber, DH – Phillies
Alex Bregman, 3B – Cubs
Aaron Judge, RF – Yankees
Bryce Harper, 1B – Phillies
Will Smith, C – Dodgers
Gunnar Henderson, SS – Orioles
Roman Anthony, LF – Red Sox
Ernie Clement, 2B – Blue Jays
Pete Crow‑Armstrong, CF – Cubs
Catcher Will Smith replaces Cal Raleigh in the lineup and Gunnar Henderson will play shortstop instead of Bobby Witt Jr.. Ernie Clement replaces Brice Turang at second base despite the infielder’s three hits and four RBIs in the opener. Gold Glove center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong will bat ninth, replacing Byron Buxton, who left the game in the sixth inning Friday after being hit by a pitch an inning earlier.
USA manager Mark DeRosa said that Buxton is fine and is available to come off the bench.
‘He got hit on the forearm,’ USA manager Mark DeRosa said. “X-rays are fine.’
