Red Sox Pitcher Opts Out of World Baseball Classic

With the 2023 World Baseball Classic less than two weeks away, players are working hard at Spring Training to get themselves ready in time for the start of the tournament.

Some players who were originally planning to play in the WBC have been forced to drop out, however, including a member of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation.

Boston Red Sox News

Nick Pivetta, who was originally slated to represent Canada, pulled out of the WBC on Wednesday as he continues to recover from Covid. He initially began showing symptoms on Friday when he was forced to leave the field during a throwing session, sparking concerns that he may have suffered an injury.

Pivetta was later diagnosed with Covid upon further examination and is taking a break from baseball activities as he recovers. With the tournament so close, that wouldn't leave much time for him to properly prepare.

While the veteran right-hander is likely disappointed to miss the tournament, he's better off taking the time to build his arm strength back up rather than rushing back and potentially injuring himself. The Red Sox are counting on him to be a key contributor in their 2023 rotation, especially with so many of their starting pitchers considered question marks.