San Francisco Giants’ Andres Torres & Jose Mijares Out Of WBC

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.