CDMSports.com

Nathan pulls out of WBC

MLB Headlines
03.06 Renowned pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney retires, joins Dodgers' staff
03.06 A's agree to terms with Garciaparra
03.05 Torn hip labrum, but no surgery for A-Rod
03.05 Report: Torn hip labrum, but no surgery for A-Rod
03.05 Giants release OF Roberts
03.05 Ramirez happy to be back with Dodgers
03.05 Report: A-Rod to have hip surgery
03.04 Manny saga finally ends with new deal
03.04 Breaking down the World Baseball Classic
03.04 Report: Manny deal imminent

Fort Myers, FL (Sports Network) - Twins closer Joe Nathan pulled out of the World Baseball Classic Sunday, leaving Team USA without one of baseball's best arms just days before the competition is set to begin.

Nathan cited discomfort in the AC joint in his right shoulder as the reason for his leaving the team. He said he began experiencing discomfort in the offseason.

The 33-year-old Nathan is arguably one of the most successful closers in the game, recording 36 or more saves in each of his five seasons in Minnesota. In 2008, Nathan recorded 39 saves in 68 appearances, posting a 1-2 record with a 1.33 earned run average, the fourth time in five seasons he has posted a sub-2.00 ERA.

Angels closer Brian Fuentes also bowed out of the first round of the WBC Sunday, leaving Team USA with the Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton, the Marlins' Matt Lindstrom, the Mets' J.J. Putz, the Blue Jays' B.J. Ryan and the A's Brad Ziegler as options for the closer's role.

Team USA is set to begin pool play on March 7 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada, the home of the Blue Jays. In the four-team pool with the United States is Canada, Italy and Venezuela. Japan took home the title in the inaugural WBC in 2006.

| | | | |