Goodyear, AZ (My Sportsbook) - Cleveland Indians centerfielder Grady Sizemore will miss the upcoming World Baseball Classic because of a sore left groin. Sizemore, who was expected to share center field duties with Detroit's Curtis Granderson for Team USA, has been nursing the injury for the last week, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. The 26-year-old Sizemore had gone 3-for-6 with a double and two RBI in the Indians' first two Cactus League games. He tested the groin by stealing a base in Thursday's win over Arizona, but felt pain afterward. Sizemore decided on Friday to skip the tournament and the Indians informed Bob Watson, who is running Team USA. Last season, Sizemore batted .268 with 33 homers, 90 RBI and 38 steals in 157 games for the Indians. Replacing Sizemore will be Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino, who posted career-highs in batting average (.293), home runs (14) and RBI (58) in 2008. Victorino will join teammate shortstop Jimmy Rollins on the Team USA roster. |
