MIAMI – As Italy prepares for a monumental semifinal clash in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, manager Francisco Cervelli has announced a key roster addition to bolster the team’s pitching depth. The Azzurri, fresh off a stunning victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals, will face a formidable Venezuela squad vying for a championship berth. To navigate this challenge, Italy has called up left-handed pitcher Joe Jacques, replacing Dylan De Lucia, who is unavailable due to pitch count restrictions.
The move comes after Italy’s dramatic run through the tournament, which included an earlier upset victory over the United States in the group stage. The team is aiming to rewrite Italian sporting history and the addition of a seasoned MLB arm is intended to provide a crucial advantage on the mound. Venezuela advanced to the semifinal after stunning defending champions Japan 8-5 on Saturday, eliminating Shohei Ohtani and his team from contention.
Jacques, 31, who celebrated his birthday on March 11th, currently pitches in the New York Mets organization. He signed a minor league contract with the Mets last October. He brings Major League experience to the Italian roster, having previously played for the Boston Red Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks. De Lucia reached his pitch limit during the quarterfinal game, rendering him ineligible for the semifinal matchup against Venezuela, according to tournament rules.
What sets Jacques apart is his left-handedness. A southpaw pitcher is a valuable asset in baseball, offering a different seem to opposing hitters and creating strategic advantages. Cervelli is expected to utilize Jacques in relief, potentially for multiple innings following starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen. The manager will be looking for Jacques to provide a different look and disrupt Venezuela’s lineup.
Italy’s journey to the semifinal is already a remarkable achievement. The team’s success has captivated fans back home and generated significant excitement around the sport in Italy. The addition of Jacques is a testament to Cervelli’s commitment to assembling a competitive roster capable of challenging the world’s best baseball nations.
The semifinal matchup against Venezuela promises to be a thrilling contest. Venezuela’s victory over Japan, a team that had reached the semifinals in all five previous World Baseball Classic tournaments, was a major upset. Venezuela is now one step away from Tuesday’s Championship Game. Italy, meanwhile, is seeking its first-ever appearance in the World Baseball Classic Championship game.
Beyond Jacques, Italy also welcomed back infielder Brayan Rocchio, who will take the place of the injured Miles Mastrobuoni. Rocchio, a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, provides a boost to the team’s infield defense and offensive capabilities. These roster moves demonstrate Italy’s determination to field its strongest possible lineup against a tough Venezuelan opponent.
The game is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET (00:00 UTC Tuesday) and will be broadcast on FS1. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle between two teams eager to claim a spot in the championship game. The atmosphere at loanDepot Park in Miami is expected to be electric, with passionate fans from both Italy and Venezuela in attendance.
The World Baseball Classic has also secured Olympic implications. Venezuela’s win over Japan clinched their spot in the six-team field for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The United States and the Dominican Republic had already qualified, with Team USA automatically securing a spot as the host nation.
Italy’s success in the tournament has already provided a significant boost to the profile of baseball in the country. A strong showing in the semifinal and potentially the championship game could further ignite interest in the sport and inspire a new generation of Italian baseball players. The team’s performance is a source of national pride and a testament to the growing talent within Italian baseball.
The addition of Jacques provides Italy with a valuable weapon as they prepare to face Venezuela. His experience, coupled with his left-handed pitching style, could prove to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the semifinal game. Fans will be watching closely to see how Jacques performs on the mound and whether he can help lead Italy to a historic victory.
Next up for Italy is their semifinal showdown with Venezuela on Monday night. The winner will advance to the championship game, while the loser will see their World Baseball Classic journey come to an end. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic and all the latest updates from Miami.
