Danny Duffy to start Sunday for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

Team USA Manager Jim Leyland announced that Danny Duffy will start on Sunday against Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. The game will be played in Miami at 6 CT and will be broadcast on MLB Network. Team USA begins play on Friday evening at 5 pm CT against Team Colombia.

Duffy will be limited to just 65 pitches in the first round of play, with the pitch limits going up to 80 in the second round and 95 in the third round. Any pitcher who throws 50+ pitches must rest four days, and any pitcher who throws 30+ pitches must rest two days. Duffy is expected to remain in camp with Team USA through the duration of the World Baseball Classic, which could run through March 22, depending on how far Team USA advances.

Duffy will face a Canadian lineup short of Major Leaguers. Blue Jays outfielder Dalton Pompey, former Twins slugger Justin Morneau, and former Royals catcher George Kottaras are among the most seasoned Major League hitters for the Canadians.

Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer joins Duffy for Team USA. Also participating in the World Baseball Classic are Salvador Pérez and Alcides Escobar (Team Venezuela), Drew Butera (Team Italy), and Joakim Soria (Team Mexico). A number of Royals minor leaguers and former Royals players will also participate, including Edinson Vólquez, Carlos Beltrán, and Mike Avilés.

You can find a complete schedule of games here. Games will be broadcast exclusively on MLB Network.