Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros celebrates after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 to win the 2022 World Series in Game Six of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 05, 2022 in Houston.
Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesHouston Astros closer Ryan Pressly played an integral role in the team's World Series victory last month, and he'll look to add to his list of career accolades before the start of the 2023 season.
Pressly was officially announced as a member of Team USA for the 2023 World Baseball Classic on Thursday. Pressly is the fourth relief pitcher to join the Team USA squad for the upcoming tournament, along with Brewers closer Devin Williams, Pirates closer David Bednar and Orioles reliever Dillon Tate.
Team USA would receive a serious boost if Pressly is able to replicate his performance from the 2022 playoffs. The two-time All-Star secured six saves in Houston's run to a World Series title, going 11 innings without an earned run. The postseason was a continuation of Pressly's strong 2022 campaign, a season in which he posted a 2.98 ERA with 33 saves in 48 1/3 innings.
Pressly won't be the lone Astro on Team USA as the roster currently stands. Kyle Tucker is a member of the United States' star-studded outfield, one that includes former MVPs Mike Trout and Mookie Betts, as well as Orioles standout Cedric Mullins. Tucker himself turned in an impressive 2022, as he was the only player in baseball with 30 home runs and 25 steals.
The United States squad will look to secure their second straight World Baseball Classic title in 2023. They will start the tournament on March 11 in Phoenix as Pressly and company compete in Pool C. Team USA is joined by fellow North American squads Mexico and Canada, as well as Colombia and Great Britain.