Mark DeRosa reveals plan for Pete Crow-Armstrong during 2026 World Baseball Classic

While former Chicago Cub fan favorite and current Team USA manager Mark DeRosa wouldn't reveal his starting lineup for Game 1 of pool play against Brazil on Friday, he told reporters that he will go lefty-righty throughout the batting order. As for the plan in center field, Pete Crow-Armstrong is expected to platoon with Minnesota Twins All-Star Byron Buxton.

Fans will get an early look at Team USA on Tuesday, as they will face the San Francisco Giants in an exhibition game. Pittsburgh Pirates' ace Paul Skenes will get the start on Tuesday, with Cubs' starting pitcher Matthew Boyd expected to enter the game after Skenes departs.

There's been some added focus on Team USA's rotation after Tarik Skubal revealed that he will only make one start during pool play before returning to the Detroit Tigers.

With Skubal making only one start for Team USA, there's a chance that Boyd's inclusion on the pitching staff has added importance. For now, the plan is for San Francisco Giants' starting pitcher Logan Webb to make the start on Friday, followed by Skubal in Game 2 against Britain, and Skenes in Game 3 against Mexico.

The current plan for Game 4 is for New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean to start against Italy, but he has been under the weather. DeRosa hasn't revealed his contingency plan, but that could be where Boyd sneaks into the rotation.

Pete Crow Armstrong's role taking shape for 2026 WBC

A recent injury to Arizona Diamondbacks' outfielder Corbin Carroll likely cleared the way for Crow-Armstrong to have an added role of significance during the World Baseball Classic. Roman Anthony was selected as Carroll's replacement, but the plan seems to be for Crow-Armstrong to get the start against right-handed starting pitchers, with Buxton getting the starts against southpaws.

With there being a lack of spring training games available on Marquee Sports Network this year, the World Baseball Classic will present an opportunity for Cubs fans to get an extended look at Crow-Armstrong's progression this spring.

In the game, the focus for Crow-Armstrong has been on his approach, ensuring he can repeat his mechanics with each plate appearance. As his struggles took center stage at the end of the 2025 season, it was clear that Crow-Armstrong was developing some bad habits. The World Baseball Classic won't be the cure-all for those red flags, but being around the game's top stars certainly won't hurt his cause.