Feb. 25, 2013; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants center fielder Andres Torres (56) hits an RBI double during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

And another one (or in the case, two) bites the dust. First, it was reliever Javier Lopez who opted out of the World Baseball Classic (though, his wasn’t due to injury) and now it’s Andres Torres and Jose Mijares who’ll be opting to stay in Scottsdale, though, through no choice of their own.

Torres, who was scheduled to play for Puerto Rico will be out with an oblique strain that could sideline him anywhere from a week to two weeks. Mijares, who was scheduled to participate and play for his native Team Venezuela hasn’t given official word that he’s out, though, it’s widely expected his elbow soreness will keep him from taking part.

The Giants – one of the most represented teams in the WBC, still have eight players who look to be participating – that with Torres, Mijares and Lopez all out.

The World Baseball Classic opens tomorrow with it’s First Round which will use a “round robin” format. Pool A will take part in Fukuoka, Japan and will feature Brazil, Japan, Cuba and China. Pool B will take place in Taichung, Taiwan and will feature Australia, Chinese Taipei, Netherlands and Korea.

Team USA will open up pool play at Chase Field on March 8th against Team Mexico.

With many position players already in camp, although they don’t technically have to report for a few more days, Hank caught up with a handful – one of which was Andres Torres, who was more than thrilled to be returning to the Bay after being traded along with Ramon Ramirez to the New York Mets in exchange for Angel Pagan last season.

A free agent this past offseason, Torres drew interest from a handful of teams – one of which happened to be the Los Angeles Dodgers, but much like Vogelsong before him – Torres wanted a return to the orange and black:

Torres said Dodgers were interested in him but he told his agent he wanted to return to #sfgiants.

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) February 12, 2013

Torres also mentioned he watched all of the postseason games the Giants played in (and was even spotted at AT&T Park for a handful) and felt the experience from a fan point of view – a torturous one we’re all too familiar with:

Torres watched all the postseason games on TV and said he was incredibly nervous. It was torture.” #sfgiants.

— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) February 12, 2013

Torres is expected to platoon with Gregor Blanco this season and be a key pinch runner and defensive reserve.