Paul Skenes has been removed from today's game against the Dominican Republic with one out and runners on first and second, per Jeff Passan. The Team USA starter was observed shaking his head as he walked off the mound, ending his outing earlier than anticipated in the high-stakes international matchup.
The departure came at a pivotal moment in the game, with Juan Soto at the plate for the Dominican Republic. Tyler Rogers has been called upon from the bullpen to face Soto and manage the inherited runners. This move places an immediate and heavy burden on the United States relief staff, which must now account for more than half of the outs required to complete the game.
The situation represents a major shift in the pitching strategy for the United States. Skenes, a key piece of the rotation, leaves the mound during a significant threat from one of the most dangerous offenses in the tournament. Further information regarding the decision to pull the starter has not yet been disclosed by the team.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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