Sore groin takes Indians' Sizemore out of WBC

[February 28, 2009]  GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Cleveland Indians All-Star center fielder Grady Sizemore will not play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic because of soreness in his left groin.

The injury has been bothering Sizemore for about a week and he has been considering not playing in the WBC. He had been scheduled to leave training camp on Sunday and join the American team in Clearwater, Fla.

Sizemore played in the Indians' first two Cactus League games, but the leg bothered him slightly while stealing a base on Thursday. He told Indians manager Eric Wedge Friday morning that he thought it was best he remain in camp. The Indians then informed representatives of the U.S. team.

Sizemore batted .268 with 33 homers, 90 RBIs and 38 steals last season.

[Associated Press]

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