Pirates reap reward as pitcher whiffs on bold move after World Baseball Classic

Much of the attention on Pirates players at the World Baseball Classic centered on Paul Skenes, but a different Pittsburgh pitcher walked away from the tournament with his eyes on a big-league breakthrough.

After missing the Opening Day roster, Joe La Sorsa activated his upward mobility clause, which would allow him to go on waivers in hopes of signing with another team. The bold move fell flat, however, and La Sorsa is now with Triple-A Indianapolis.

La Sorsa and Team Italy shocked the baseball world by upsetting Team USA in the group stage of the WBC. The Italians had a comfortable lead when the lefty entered in the seventh inning and struck out Kyle Schwarber on a foul tip.

It wasn’t La Sorsa’s first taste of international fame, either. He was electric in the 2023 WBC as well. It's no wonder he thought a team would pick him up on waivers.

Joe La Sorsa bet on himself after the World Baseball Classic, but he may have to wait for his payout

Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for the Pirates, La Sorsa went unclaimed and has stayed in the Pittsburgh fold. And while he toils down at Triple-A, a possible flaw in the Pirates’ pitching staff could quickly open a path back to the Majors.

The Pirates are without a lefty in the starting rotation, and southpaw Hunter Barco has been failing his bullpen test. Should Pittsburgh slot Barco back into the rotation (or send him back to Indianapolis for more seasoning), La Sorsa could be a strong contender for the vacated bullpen role — although he would need to be added to the 40-man roster first.

Sooner or later, La Sorsa will likely make it back to the Majors. He put together a solid spring (0.750 WHIP in four innings) and has big-league experience (57 innings over the past three seasons). He’s the kind of role player you need on your taxi squad in the event of doubleheaders or injuries.

The key for La Sorsa will be making the most of his moment when it comes. Based on his performance for Team Italy this spring, the southpaw will be able to do just that.