Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino was added Friday to the U.S. roster for next month's World Baseball Classic.
Victorino, a 1999 graduate of St. Anthony High School, replaced the Cleveland Indians' Grady Sizemore, who withdrew due to soreness in his left groin.
''Of course I want to play,'' Victorino was quoted as saying on mlb.com. ''I just love playing the game.''
Victorino is one of four outfielders on the U.S. roster, joining the Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun, the Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson and the Colorado Rockies' Brad Hawpe.
One concern for Victorino was the time spent away from his team during spring training. The U.S. team starts practice next week for the WBC, which runs from March 5 to 23. The Phillies open the season April 5 at home against the Atlanta Braves.
''I'm not like one of those other superstars on the team who are that good that they can take this time,'' Victorino said. ''I still want to prepare myself for the season.''
The U.S. opens pool play in the WBC on March 7 against Canada in Toronto.
Sizemore's injury had been bothering him for about a week, and he won't play in any exhibition games for a few days.
The All-Star center fielder was disappointed he would miss the WBC.
''This was something I was looking forward to,'' Sizemore said. ''I was excited to get a chance to play for my country.''
Victorino joins Phillies teammate Jimmy Rollins on the U.S. team.
