Team Italy reveals Phillies $172 million All-Star as starting pitcher for WBC semifinal against Venezuela

A Philadelphia Phillies All-Star will play a pivotal role in Team Italy's run to the World Baseball Classic championship game. 

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola will replace Michael Lorenzen as Italy's starting pitcher in tonight's semifinal matchup against Ronald Acuna Jr. and Venezuela. 

"Another possibility for Italy, per sources: Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen both pitch tonight -- and, if they advance, manager Francisco Cervelli goes full bullpen game in the finals against Team USA," Passan wrote on X. "At this point in the WBC, it's an all-hands-on-deck approach for the Italians." 

Italy pivots to Nola 

Nola threw five scoreless innings during pool play against Mexico, allowing just four hits and striking out five in the victory. Lorenzen could be in line for a second start against Team USA after throwing 4.2 scoreless frames against one of the best lineups in WBC history. 

In terms of Major League postseason experience, this could turn out to be a smart move by Cervelli. Nola's 55.2 innings of playoff baseball with the Phillies are 48 more than Lorenzen's six appearances. 

Nola had arguably the worst campaign of his 11-year career in 2025, posting a ghastly 6.01 ERA with 9.4 hits allowed per nine innings in 17 starts with the Phillies. 

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