Angels’ Joe Saunders out of World Baseball Classic

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Joe Saunders declined an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, four days after agreeing to replace teammate John Lackey on the U.S. roster.

General Manager Tony Reagins said Friday that Saunders no longer appears on the roster.

The Angels used their right to veto Lackey’s participation because he had an injury last year. Reagins told the Desert Sun on Thursday that Saunders was ‘not going to play, by his own choice.’

Saunders appeared on AM 830 radio Thursday night and told host Jeff Biggs that he was flattered by the invitation. He ultimately decided to say no, he said, because the invitation came so late and he was only at about 80% of his off-season throwing program.

Ervin Santana remains listed on the roster of the Dominican Republic. Lackey, Saunders, Santana and Jered Weaver are the Angels’ top four starters.

Even with the price tags for veteran starters falling as spring training approaches, Reagins said the Angels have no plans to add a veteran to compete with Nick Adenhart, Nick Green, Shane Loux, Dustin Moseley and Anthony Ortega for the No. 5 spot.

‘At this point, no,’ Reagins said.

-- Bill Shaikin