Braves' Julio Teheran to pitch for Colombia in World Baseball Classic
OXON HILLS, MD. -- The Braves' ace will be following up his second All-Star season by competing on the world stage.
Julio Teheran was among 30 players announced Monday as those confirmed to be participating in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, with the right-handed pitcher playing for Colombia.
The only Atlanta player on the list, Teheran was joined by fellow Colombian Jose Quintana, along with Canada's Russell Martin, the Dominican Republic's Adrian Beltre, Dellin Betances, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Manny Machado, Mexico's Adrian Gonzalez, Oliver Perez and Roberto Osuna, the Netherlands' Xander Bogaerts, Jonathan Schoop and Andrelton Simmons, Puerto Rico's Javier Baez, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor and Yadier Molina, the United States' Chris Archer, Nolan Arenado, Adam Jones, Andrew McCutchen, Buster Posey and Max Scherzer and Venezuela's Jose Altuve, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Gonzalez, Felix Hernandez and Salvador Perez.
But Teheran may not be the last Braves player to join a WBC roster, as first baseman Freddie Freeman is reportedly in talks to play for Canada. While he was born in California, both of his parents are Canadian, making him eligible.
Pool play in the 2017 WBC begins in March 6, with Colombia opening against the United States on Friday, March 10 in Miami.
Teheran, 25, had a 3.21 ERA and 1.053 WHIP over 188 innings pitched in 2016 with 167 strikeouts and 41 walks. That WHIP represented best of any of his four full seasons in the majors and was a marked improvement from 2015's 1.306, which was his highest of those four years.
An All-Star for the second time -- following his 2014 selection -- he has made three consecutive Opening Day stars for the Braves. Only Greg Maddux (1993-96) and Rick Mahler (1985-88) have started four in a row.
