Team USA Starting Lineup, Pitcher for WBC Championship Game vs. Japan

Team USA will play Team Japan Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. ET in the World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. Here's a look at Team USA's starting lineup and starting pitcher for the WBC title game Tuesday against Japan.

Team USA will play Team Japan Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. ET in the World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

Japan earned a trip to the WBC title game in dramatic fashion Monday night, defeating Team Mexico 6-5 on a walk-off, two-run double from third baseman Munetaka Murakami in the bottom the ninth inning.

Japan has not lost a single game in the WBC and is vying for its third World Baseball Classic title. The Japanese won the first two WBC events in 2006 and 2009, and placed third in the last two events in 2013 and 2017.

Meanwhile, Team USA is going for its second consecutive World Baseball Classic crown, defending its title that it won in 2017.

With championship hopes on the line, Team USA is throwing Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly.

In a surprising turn of events, Team Japan will give the ball to starting pitcher Shota Imanaga. San Diego Padres starter Yu Darvish was expected to start for Team Japan, but Imanaga will get the start instead.

Darvish is expected to be available out of the bullpen, as is 2021 American League MVP Shohei Ohtani.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa's lineup will resemble much of the way it has looked throughout the tournament, with Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado at the top of the batting order, Trea Turner playing shortstop and Tim Anderson returning to his new position at second base. Cedric Mullins will get a start in left field, with Kyle Schwarber serving as the club's designated hitter.

Here's a look at how Team USA will line up for Tuesday's World Baseball Classic championship game vs. Team Japan:

1) RF Mookie Betts

2) CF Mike Trout

3) 1B Paul Goldschmidt

4) 3B Nolan Arenado

5) DH Kyle Schwarber

6) SS Trea Turner

7) C J.T. Realmuto

8) LF Cedric Mullins

9) 2B Tim Anderson

SP Merrill Kelly

Team USA lineup for their WBC final matchup vs. Japan! pic.twitter.com/yMmMwg2JDG

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 21, 2023

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