Team USA bonds, pauses rivalries and says farewell to 'the fireman'

Team USA trained in Houston for about a week ahead of World Baseball Classic pool play, emphasizing team bonding and lighter moments such as bus sing‑alongs. Clayton Kershaw, retired from MLB, is on the roster as an unrestricted relief option the coaching staff calls their 'fireman.'

Team USA has been training in Houston for about a week ahead of World Baseball Classic pool play. Players have balanced on-field preparation with time to build camaraderie and enjoy team moments. Rookies and veterans have mixed duties, including a 21-year-old buying a speaker for bus rides. Coaches emphasized keeping players healthy while naming roles for the tournament. Key details: - Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old on the roster, was asked to provide a large speaker for team bus rides; Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" was played and it is unclear who chose the song. - The team is preparing to open pool play in Houston and was scheduled to play Brazil on Friday, with sellout crowds expected at Daikin Park during pool play. - Cal Raleigh acknowledged a heated rivalry with the Astros but said wearing "USA" may prompt fans to cheer rather than boo. - Aaron Judge called Daikin Park "a great place to play" and said wearing the red, white and blue will create new memories. - Clayton Kershaw, who retired after last season, is representing Team USA with no pitching restrictions and was described by pitching coach Andy Pettitte as the team's "fireman." - Kershaw did not pitch particularly well in a recent pre‑WBC game against the Rockies, but coaches view him as an emergency option that reduces pitching concerns for the staff. Summary: Team USA has emphasized bonding while preparing for World Baseball Classic pool play in Houston, combining light moments with roster planning. Pool play begins this weekend with an opening game against Brazil, and coaches have identified Kershaw as an unrestricted relief option if needed.