Reds fans could see Nick Lodolo's WBC dreams fulfilled after Tarik Skubal decision

Tarik Skubal is taking the one-and-done approach at this year's World Baseball Classic. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers ace will only make one start for Team USA and then return to spring camp. Skubal's scheduled to start Team USA's second game of the WBC against Great Britain on March 7.

Needless to say, an overwhelming majority of baseball fans are upset with Skubal's decision. Having just watched the United States hockey team — both the men's and women's — defeat the Canadians and take home a gold medal during the 2026 Winter Olympics, Skubal's lack of commitment to Team USA is drawing some harsh criticism.

Skubal's decision, however, could open the door for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo to fulfill his WBC dreams. According to Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Team USA approached both Lodolo and Hunter Greene about joining the squad. Greene turned down the opportunity, citing his commitment to the Reds organization, but Lodolo showed a desire to pitch in the WBC.

Tarik Skubal's World Baseball Classic decision could provide an opportunity for Reds starter Nick Lodolo

Lodolo spoke to Reds manager Terry Francona about his yearning to pitch for Team USA, but it would appear that Tito talked him out of participating in the WBC. Francona told him, “If you’re dying to do it, I’ll support you. I’m just worried. I’ve seen guys come back and not be the same."

Based on the fact that Lodolo was not named to the Team USA roster, it would seem that Francona's words of wisdom stuck. But with Skubal only making an abbreviated start before jetting back to Florida for Tigers' spring camp, one has to wonder if the Reds lefty will receive another phone call from Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.

Francona's objection to Lodolo pitching in the WBC is not without sound reason. The environment of the World Baseball Classic is unlike anything these players have ever experienced. Representing your country on the biggest stage can cause certain players to overextend themselves during the heat of the moment, and for an injury-prone pitcher like Lodolo, that can be a recipe for disaster.

Former Major League pitcher Lance Lynn, however, doesn't see view pitching in the WBC as an enhanced injury risk. "When you're maybe in the arbitration process or about to be in free agency, yeah, there's a lot of risk there," Lynn said during an episode of Cardinals Territory. "But that risk is also going to happen wherever you're at. If I'm going to blow out [my arm] in March, I'm going to blow out with Team USA on my chest."

Injuries are part of the game, and to Lynn's point, whether it happens during the WBC, spring training, or a player's first game of the season, the result is the same. For Lodolo and the Reds, they'll have to weigh their options if Team USA comes calling.