When will Cristopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola and Taijuan Walker pitch in World Baseball Classic?

Keep track of all of the latest updates pertaining to Phillies players participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic:

Feb: 28 — Latest on Phillies starters in the World Baseball Classic

Of the five pitchers in the projected Phillies Opening Day starting rotation, three will pitch in the World Baseball Classic. Cristopher Sánchez headlines the Dominican Republic’s pitching staff. Aaron Nola will pitch for Team Italy and Taijuan Walker will once again be part of the Team Mexico rotation.

Per multiple reports, here is when each Phillies starter is scheduled to pitch:

• Cristopher Sánchez: March 6 vs. Nicaragua in Miami
• Aaron Nola: March 11 vs. Mexico in Houston
• Taijuan Walker: March 8 vs. Brazil in Houston

Walker will also start an exhibition for Team Mexico against the Diamondbacks on March 3.

Team Italy could have used Nola a day earlier against Team USA, but the strategy here is likely to use Nola, the best starter on the team, in the game that will likely decide who advances to the knockout stage out of Pool B. Team USA is widely expected to finish first in the group that also includes, Mexico, Italy, Brazil and Great Britain.

There is a chance a fourth Phillies starter, Jesús Luzardo, could join Team Venezuela in the middle of the tournament. Luzardo told Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase that he is in contact with manager Omar López. Luzardo is listed as a pitching reserve on the Venezuelan roster. He could be added to the roster as a replacement for an injured player.