The Yankees are losing a 13th player to the World Baseball Classic.
Lefty Ryan Yarbrough is replacing Twins righty Joe Ryan on the 30-man Team USA roster for pool play, the WBC officially announced Sunday. Ryan is dealing with lower back inflammation and will go back into the designated pitcher pool, meaning he will be re-eligible to be added to the roster after pool play if his condition improves.
Yarbrough, who was being stretched out as a starter this spring despite what looks like a full Yankees rotation, was on schedule to pitch Saturday but was replaced by Paul Blackburn. The 34-year-old made eight starts and 11 relief appearances for the Yankees last season, pitching to a 4.36 ERA, and he signed a one-year deal to return early this offseason.
His departure for pool play could open up more opportunities for Yankees fans to see some of the top pitching prospects in the organization as the spring progresses.
Team USA is in WBC Pool B in Houston with Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico. They open pool play against Brazil on Friday.