WBC News: Dodgers Ace Julio Urias Won’t Pitch in Mexico’s Must-Win Game on Wednesday

Team Mexico is getting set for a win-and-in game against Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. First pitch is around 12:00 p.m. PST, and the winner of the game locks in a spot in the next round of the tournament. While the loser isn’t necessarily eliminated, they’ll need a USA loss against Colombia to have any chance of advancing to the next round.

Team Mexico is starting Houston Astros RHP Jose Urquidy in the game, but many have speculated if Dodgers ace Julio Urias could make an appearance at some point — he proved in 2020 that he was pretty good out of the bullpen in important games.

However, Mexico’s manager, Benji Gil, confirmed that Urias will not be going out there no matter what happens in the game (per Bob Nightengale).

“I would love to win this tournament,” Gil said. “but I have to protect his career. If he would come out [of the bullpen], I would tackle him to stop him.”

You love seeing that from Gil. While he knows Urias would be perfect in any situation in the game, he also knows he can’t jeopardize his career for this one game and tournament.

Knowing Urias, he’ll want to be out there — but have no fear Dodger fans, Gil is prepared to tackle him if he tries to go out there. Well, on second thought, maybe we don’t want Urias getting tackled, but we get the point. Dodger fans can appreciate Gil for protecting Urias, and Mexico fans can hope Urquidy and the pen can get the job done in this massive game.

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