Why is Team USA pitching staff struggling in 2023 WBC? Analyzing why one of baseball's best nations can't get outs

Team USA got completely blasted against Mexico. As they cruised to their first win by a score of 6-2, they were throttled by rival Mexico, 11-5. Their offense struggled until late, but the pitching just could not get outs.

This is going to be a familiar refrain in this World Baseball Classic. The United States is going to have to get into shootouts with the stronger baseball nations and even then, they might lose.

There are a couple of reasons why the United States is struggling so badly with pitching. Here's what's gone wrong so far.

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Team USA just doesn't have the pitching this time around

The biggest reason the USA is struggling on the mound is that they just don't have their stars available. The offense has stars aplenty at each position, but the pitching staff is very thin.

In a world where pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Zack Wheeler, Walker Buehler, and others could theoretically be on the roster, it's very disappointing to see a staff led by Adam Wainwright.

Wainwright pitched fine and he's far from a bad pitcher, but if that's the ace of the best baseball nation in the world, then it's no surprise they got blasted. Nick Martinez, their supposed number-two starter, has a 4.50 career ERA.

Team USA's Nick Martinez

It doesn't help that guys like Sandy Alcantara and Shohei Ohtani are on different teams this WBC.

Team USA also struggled with pitching injuries. A top three of Clayton Kershaw, Nestor Cortes Jr., and Wainwright is serviceable, but the former two were lost to injury. The bullpen isn't much stronger than the starting rotation, either.

That leaves them without many options, so if they're going to repeat as WBC champions, Mike Trout, Kyle Schwarber and company are going to have to carry them.