Kingdom of the Netherlands at Venezuela

Injuries noted

Today is Friday, March 6, 2026. The World Baseball Classic (WBC) Pool D opening game between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Venezuela is scheduled for today at **12:00 PM ET** at **loanDepot Park** in Miami, Florida. ### (1) Current Betting Odds (as of March 6, 2026) Odds vary slightly across major sportsbooks. Venezuela enters as a heavy favorite. * **Moneyline:** * **Venezuela:** -455 (FOX Sports) to -500 (DraftKings) * **Netherlands:** +345 (FOX Sports) to +360 (DraftKings) * **Run Line:** * **Venezuela:** -1.5 (-145) or -3.5 (+105) * **Netherlands:** +1.5 (+120) or +3.5 (-130) * **Total (Over/Under):** 9.5 (Over -110 / Under -110) ### (2) Starting Pitcher Matchup and Probable Lineups **Starting Pitchers:** * **Netherlands:** **Antwone Kelly** (RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates organization). A rising prospect who reached Double-A in 2025, known for a fastball touching 101 mph. * **Venezuela:** **Ranger Suárez** (LHP, Boston Red Sox). The veteran southpaw signed a 5-year, $130M deal with Boston this offseason and serves as Venezuela's ace. **Probable Lineups:** | Position | Netherlands | Venezuela | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **LF** | Ray-Patrick Didder | Wilyer Abreu | | **CF** | Ceddanne Rafaela | Jackson Chourio* | | **SS** | Xander Bogaerts | Andrés Giménez | | **2B** | Ozzie Albies | Gleyber Torres | | **3B** | Didi Gregorius | Maikel Garcia | | **DH** | Hendrik Clementina | Willson Contreras | | **1B** | Sharlon Schoop | Luis Arráez | | **C** | Chadwick Tromp | Salvador Pérez | | **RF** | Druw Jones | Ronald Acuña Jr. | *\*Note: Reports from March 6 indicate Jackson Chourio may be a late scratch (see Injuries).* ### (3) Injuries and Roster Changes * **Venezuela:** * **Jackson Chourio:** Reported as a potential late scratch from the starting lineup this morning (March 6). * **Pablo López:** Out for the tournament (and 2026 MLB season) following a torn elbow ligament requiring Tommy John surgery; replaced by **Jhonathan Díaz**. * **José Alvarado:** Ineligible due to a previous performance-enhancing drug suspension; replaced by **Christian Suárez**. * **Germán Márquez:** Replaced by **Anthony Molina** prior to the tournament. * **Netherlands:** * **Jurickson Profar:** Withdrawn from the roster this week (March 3) after a positive PED test; his brother **Juremi Profar** remains on the infield squad. * **Jurrangelo Cijntje:** Declined his invitation to the tournament, leading to Antwone Kelly taking the "ace" role. ### (4) Game Preview and Betting Analysis **Preview:** Venezuela is considered part of the "Big 5" favorites to win the entire classic. Their lineup features immense MLB power and the reigning NL batting leader, Luis Arráez. The Netherlands, managed by Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, relies on a veteran infield (Bogaerts/Albies) but lacks the pitching depth of previous semifinal runs. The pitching matchup is lopsided, favoring the established MLB star Suárez over the minor-league prospect Kelly. **Betting Analysis:** * **The Case for Venezuela:** Their depth is superior; hitters like Gleyber Torres and Andrés Giménez are batting in the bottom third of the order, showcasing a lineup with no easy outs. * **The Case for Netherlands (+3.5):** The Dutch have a history of WBC "magic," and with a high run line of 3.5, they only need to keep the game competitive. If Antwone Kelly's 100+ mph fastball keeps the Venezuelan power hitters off-balance early, the Dutch could cover. * **Market Prediction:** Analysts favor the **Under 9.5**, citing early-tournament "jitters" and Venezuela's strong bullpen (anchored by high-leverage MLB relievers) likely shutting down the Dutch late in the game.