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Gray accepts invite to pitch for U.S. at WBC

Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The United States squad received a major boost Monday when Oakland Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle he will pitch at the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March.

"It’s a great start to the new year," Athletics manager Bob Melvin told Slusser in a text message. "First off, it’s a great honor. The best players get these invitations.

"I think this will add to his focus this year and, at the end of the day, playing for your country is really cool."

Gray will join a U.S. rotation that is also expected to contain Chris Archer, Marcus Stroman, Danny Duffy, and Tanner Roark.

Projected U.S. rotation

PITCHER GS IP W-L ERA SO
Chris Archer 33 201.1 9-19 4.02 233
Marcus Stroman 32 204 9-10 4.37 166
Danny Duffy 26 179.2 12-3 3.51 188
Tanner Roark 33 210 16-10 2.83 172
Sonny Gray 22 117 5-11 5.69 94

* 2016 MLB stats

Gray played for the U.S. collegiate national team in 2009-10 along with a number of other players who became big-leaguers including Trevor Bauer, Christian Colon, Yasmani Grandal, and Kolten Wong.

The 27-year-old joins Oakland teammates Khris Davis (Mexico), John Axford (Canada), and Liam Hendriks (Australia) at the WBC.

After finishing third in American League Cy Young voting in 2015, Gray struggled last season amid issues with his forearm, but is reportedly feeling strong after tossing offseason bullpen sessions and working with a personal trainer.

Over the course of his four-year career in MLB, Gray owns a 38-31 record with a 3.42 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through 98 appearances, 96 of which have been starts.

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