From Coors to the Classic: Tovar, Senzatela lead Rockies' WBC contingent

The Colorado Rockies will be well-represented in the World Baseball Classic, with 12 players representing at least eight different countries.

Ezequiel Tovar and Antonio Senzatela headline the list as the two will represent Team Venezuela, whose first game is Friday, March 6th against the Netherlands at 10:00pm MST.

Colorado is hoping they get 2024 Tovar back in form—the player who was smashing doubles and playing Gold Glove defense before the injuries.

Team Canada will be represented by southpaw Antoine Jean and newly acquired infielder Edouard Julien, who will play multiple positions for the Rockies.

Team Mexico will feature a pair of relievers: hard-throwing right-hander Victor Vodnik and newly acquired left-hander Brennan Bernardino.

Former Rockies great and third baseman Vinny Castilla will serve as bench coach for Team Mexico.

Team Israel will feature first baseman/outfielder Troy Johnston, who's competing for an Opening Day roster spot, while Rockies No. 3 prospect Cole Carrigg will likely man shortstop for them.

Carrigg was drafted as a catcher in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft but has shifted to shortstop and center field during spring training.

Free agent signings Tomoyuki Sugano (Team Japan), Michael Lorenzen (Team Italy), and Willi Castro (Team Puerto Rico) will anchor their respective teams, while Juan Mejia (Team Dominican Republic) steps into the bullpen to replace Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Edwin Uceta.

Colorado doesn't have a player on Team USA, but they'll face them in an exhibition game Wednesday afternoon with Kyle Freeland expected to start. Back spasms delayed his Cactus League debut, but he's surely fired up to make his first appearance of the season against Team USA, the squad he pitched for back in 2023.