Stroman to start if USA makes WBC final

Should the United States progress past Japan in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, the Americans know who they want on the mound for the final.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman is the Americans' choice to start their potential game March 22 against either the Netherlands or Puerto Rico, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

Stroman started the United States' first contest against the Dominican Republic in the opening round. The U.S. lost that matchup 7-5, though it was no fault of Stroman's. The 25-year-old Blue Jays hurler pitched 4 2/3 innings of three-hit baseball against the Dominicans, striking out four and allowing no earned runs or walks.

The WBC's championship round will take place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Netherlands will take on Puerto Rico for one spot in the final on Monday before the U.S. clashes with two-time champions Japan on Tuesday. Tanner Roark will start for the Americans.