How Luis Cessa's participation in the World Baseball Classic could affect his role with the Reds

Luis Cessa is one of several players from the Cincinnati Reds organization who is slated to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The WBC has not been played since 2017.

Cessa will be part of Team Mexico, joining fellow major leaguers Julio Urias (Los Angeles Dodgers), Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays), and Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays).

Coming into Reds spring training, Cessa was thought to be in line for a spot in the Cincinnati starting rotation. How might his inclusion in the World Baseball Classic affect his role on the Reds this season?

Luis Cessa's participation in the World Baseball Classic could affect his role with the Reds.

After the trade deadline saw the departures of Luis Casitllo and Tyler Mahle, and late-season injuries to Justin Dunn, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, and Connor Overton, it became imperative for Luis Cessa to slide into the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation.

Cessa, until late-August, had worked exclusively out of the Reds bullpen since arriving in Cincinnati back in 2021. However, the right-hander did have previous experience as a starter while part of the New York Yankees organization.

Cessa started nine games over the final month-plus of the 2022 season and posted a respectable 3.77 ERA. After a poor performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 13th saw the veteran allow five runs on eight hits, Cessa rallied to post a 2.61 ERA oveer his final four starts.

How will Team Mexico use Luis Cessa in the World Baseball Classic?

How Team Mexico uses Luis Cessa during the World Baseball Classic could have an impact on how the Cincinnati Reds plan to use the 30-year-old during the upcoming season. With Julio Urias, Tiajuan Walker, and Jose Urquidy all owning signifcant starting experience, Cessa may wind up in Team Mexico's bullpen.

Giovanny Gallegos is expected to close things down for Team Mexico, meaning that Cessa could be utilized in late-inning situations in order to get the game into the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals reliever.

Luke Weaver signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds and will join Cessa, Connor Overton, Justin Dunn, Brandon Williamson, and Levi Stoudt in the battle for the final two spots in the Reds rotation.

Not only will Cessa's participation in the World Baseball Classic impact his role with the Cincinnati Reds this season, but the latest injury news surrounding Tejay Antone may well force Cessa into the bullpen.