FULLERTON, Calif., March 15 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee will not play for Team USA Thursday at the World Baseball Classic because of a shoulder injury.
The decision was made on Wednesday after an MRI Tuesday by orthopedic specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum. Lee, 30, was hurt while making a diving catch of a foul ball in a 4-3 win over Japan. He told MLB.com that he was going to wait and see.
"We'll see tomorrow (Wednesday)," said Lee. "The Cubs don't want me to play, but if I feel like I can play, I'm going to play. I'm not going to be stupid about it, but if I feel like I'm not hurting anything, I'm going to play."
Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal said Lee "must wait 48 hours after the test before he can be given a green light to play."
Lee is batting .357 with three homers and eight RBI. He is tied in homers with Ken Griffey, Jr.
