The Reds Block Johnny Cueto From Pitching In The World Baseball Classic

The Cincinnati Reds used the appeal process to prevent ace Johnny Cueto from pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

 A 19-game winner last season, Cueto strained his right oblique eight pitches into the opening game of the Division Series in San Francisco.

"I wanted to pitch for the Dominican but the team said no. It's all right," Cueto said. "I am going to work to get ready for the season. I was ready to pitch. I'm 100 percent. I talked to my agent they said no, so no problem. I understand they worry about my oblique. I will be watching the Classic and rooting for the Dominican."

Manager Dusty Baker agrees with the team's stance.

"I'm not sure happy is the right word. I'm more relieved." Baker said. "I understand the pressure for the Latin player to pitch for their country. If he was a 10-game winner instead of a 19-game winner there wouldn't be as much pressure."

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