Why Bryce Harper isn't playing tonight for Team USA in WBC

The United States will take on Italy on Tuesday night in a pivotal game at the World Baseball Classic.

Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper won't be taking part.

Team USA unveiled its lineup, and it'll be Paul Goldschmidt starting at first base and batting seventh.

The full lineup is here:

USA’s lineup tonight vs. Italy with veteran Paul Goldschmidt getting the start at 1B. A victory clinches a quarterfinal berth and the No. 1 seed out of Pool B pic.twitter.com/JjshWjEFwC

The U.S. also sits Byron Buxton in favor of Pete Crow-Armstrong in centerfield.

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Why isn't Bryce Harper playing tonight?

Harper isn't playing Tuesday night against Italy in order to get Goldschmidt a start before pool play concludes. 

It's likely that simple, although there would be other ways to try and read into this.

Harper has started not particularly hot -- he's just 2-for-9 with two singles so far in the WBC.

It's not a handedness thing. Italy is starting right-hander Michael Lorenzen.

This almost certainly is to let Goldy play, but it is a big game. Harper seems likely to be available off the bench if needed.

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