10 Phillies Head to the 2017 World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic was instituted in 2005 to help make up for the lack of baseball competition in the Olympics.  Every three years, countries from around the world field a team to represent their home countries.  For many baseball players, this is their one opportunity to play for their home country.   With many high-priced stars on the Phillies in the past, few risked injury to play in the tournament.  But the time is right for the rebuilding Phillies, who will send 10 players to the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

The rosters released today include the following Phillies and Phillies prospects:

Canada:
Nick Pivetta

Colombia:
Jorge Alfaro

Dominican Republic:
Hector Neris

Israel:
Kenny Koplove

Italy:
Nick Fanti

Venezuela:
Freddy Galvis
Jeanmar Gomez
Odubel Herrera
Edubray Ramos

United States:
Pat Neshek

The tournament runs from March 6 through March 22, during Spring Training.

The absence of some of the above players will help create some Spring Training opportunities for some players competing for jobs.   Prospects Nick Williams, Andrew Knapp and J.P. Crawford figure to get a lot of playing time in Grapefruit League games without the likes of Herrera, Alfaro, and Galvis on the field.

Pitchers and catchers report Monday.