Freeland's spring debut to come against familiar Team USA squad

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – With his back spasms healed and a prevention program in place, Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland will make his 2026 Spring Training debut on Wednesday against Team USA ahead of the World Baseball Classic.

In 2023, Freeland pitched in two games for the Team USA squad that made it to the championship game before losing in the final, 1-0, to Japan. Wednesday’s start at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick will carry a little more juice and enjoyment than a first start of a Cactus League season.

“I played for them a few years ago and [manager] Mark DeRosa is back at the helm,” said Freeland, who expects to go one inning, the way most Rockies starters have this spring. “It’s going to be fun to face them, and face some old teammates. There are guys that I know in the league that I’ll face with USA across their chest."

Freeland, who turns 33 on May 14, is always up for something new. He has embraced front-office and coaching staff changes after three straight losing seasons.

Now he has new maintenance workouts.

Freeland missed time last June with a back issue, but still made 31 starts. Freeland believes addressing the mid-back spasms before games began not only prevented further injury, but gave him a strategy for keeping his back healthy throughout the regular season.

“Time will tell,” said Freeland, who earns $16 million this year to end a five-year, $64.5 million deal, but has a vesting option for 2027 at $17 million if he reaches 170 innings pitched this season. “There’s some stuff that we’re adding to my routine, stuff that I’m going to continue to do in the training room. Hopefully, it’s going to pay dividends throughout the season, keeping me healthy and keeping my back and hips feeling good.

“It’s, in general, keeping the T-spine open and having good mobility, and with that there are exercises I can do in the weight room and training room to allow me to keep that mobility.”

Freeland’s calm response to the early health setback gives him a chance to reach season goals.

“I’m not worried about Free at all – he’s looked good during his last two ‘pens, looks normal,” manager Warren Schaeffer said.

A leader of the staff during postseason runs in 2017 and 2018 who has had dramatic fortune swings and health challenges since, Freeland continues a career-long quest to develop a changeup that is effective and he can stick with long-term. Testing will occur Wednesday against the USA squad.

“We’re working hard trying to get something that I’m comfortable with, that can profile off my fastball,” Freeland said. “There’s a lot of good stuff. I’m excited to see it in the game.”

Injury news involving key players is generally positive. Infielder Tyler Freeman (low back strain) took live batting practice on Sunday and is expected in game action this week. Center fielder Brenton Doyle (left wrist sprain) is scheduled to resume baseball activity this week.