Reliever Jose Arredondo bows out of WBC

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels reliever Jose Arredondo, who was supposed to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, has pulled out of the event because of a strained left hip flexor.

Arredondo, who went 10-2 with a 1.62 earned run average in 52 games as a rookie last season, suffered the injury while pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers in a Cactus League game Saturday. The right-hander was supposed to leave the team that day to join the Dominican Republic’s WBC camp but never left Tempe.

‘It’s not that bad,’ Arredondo said. ‘But I wanted to stay here.’

Arredondo received treatment for four days and was scheduled to participate in fielding drills today. Manager Mike Scioscia said if Arredondo comes out of today’s workout OK, he should be able to pitch in a game in the next few days.

Center fielder Torii Hunter remained sidelined because of tightness in his left hamstring. Hunter said the injury was not serious, but he will probably be held out of game action until Sunday or Monday as a precaution.

‘It’s really minor, it’s not even a problem, but there’s no need to go out there now,’ Hunter said. ‘Spring training games don’t count. But put it this way. If this was the regular season, I’d be playing.’

The lineup for today’s exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants:

3B Chone Figgins
SS Maicer Izturis
LF Juan Rivera
1B Kendry Morales
DH Mike Napoli
2B Howie Kendrick
RF Chris Pettit
C Ryan Budde
CF Peter Bourjos
P Dustin Moseley

-- Mike DiGiovanna