What happened to Kyle Teel? Why White Sox catcher exited WBC game for Team Italy

Nobody wants to see anyone get hurt at the World Baseball Classic. 

Especially the organization of the players competing in the tournament. Several Chicago White Sox players are suiting up for various nations, including catcher Kyle Teel. 

Teel was Team Italy's starting backstop, but will need a replacement on the roster after suffering from right hamstring discomfort in an 8-6 upset on Tuesday night against Aaron Judge and Team USA. 

The former top Boston Red Sox prospect reached for his hamstring after sliding into second base on a double in the sixth inning. Teel connected for a solo home run against USA's starting pitcher, Nolan McLean, in the second. 

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 11, 2026

Teel to be replaced by bullpen catcher 

Team Italy's bullpen catcher (yes, you read that right) will replace Teel on the roster. Andres Annunziata will serve as backup to J.J. D'Orazio. 

“He's one of my catchers in Italy,” manager Francisco Cervelli told MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince. “That's the only one we've got. He's been working hard with us. I think he's the guy, because we don't have anybody else.”

White Sox fans will have to wait and see if Teel's hamstring injury affects his status for Opening Day. He was the 14th overall pick by the Red Sox in 2023 and hit .273/.375/.411 with eight home runs and a .786 OPS in 78 games in 2025. 

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