Fletcher to Suit Up for Team Italy in World Baseball Classic

Oliver Grigg March 8, 2023

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Former Razorback Dominic Fletcher will suit up for Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Fletcher, who played at Arkansas from 2017-19, is the second former Hog to participate in the World Baseball Classic. Drew Smyly, who pitched for the Razorbacks from 2009-10, represented Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

.@Domfletch15 will become just the 2nd Razorback to participate in the #WorldBaseballClassic (Smyly, USA '17) when he and #TeamItalia begin pool play on Thursday in Taiwan.

In their final exhibition game before facing off against Cuba, Fletch went 3-5 with 4 RBI. #ProHogs pic.twitter.com/DJFmFVM1kC

— Arkansas Baseball Player Development (@HogsPlayerDev) March 6, 2023

Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the No. 75 overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, Fletcher has skyrocketed through the minors since making his professional debut. Currently the No. 17 overall prospect in the Diamondbacks’ system, he slashed .301/.368/.452 with five home runs and 38 RBI for the Reno Aces, Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate, in 2022.

Fletcher will play alongside his brother, David, for Italy, which opens the tournament against Cuba at 5 a.m. CT Thursday, March 9. Italy will also square off against Chinese Taipei (March 10), Panama (March 12) and the Netherlands (March 13) in pool play.

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