Blue Jays' Ryan pulls out of World Baseball Classic

Toronto Blue Jays reliever B.J. Ryan said late Sunday he will not be pitching for the United States at the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

After coming back from injury last season and a shaky start in spring training, Ryan has opted to work on his game instead with the Jays.

"This was an especially tough decision because of the honour of playing for my country," said Ryan in a statement released by Team USA.

"But I feel it is the best interest of Team USA and the Toronto Blue Jays organization to not participate. I do not see it as being fair to my USA teammates, my Blue Jays teammates or myself to try to compete when my mechanics and delivery are not where they need to be in order to perform at the highest level."

Ryan, 33, has surrendered four runs in just over an inning of work for Toronto in Grapefruit League action last week.

Ryan came earlier than expected in 2008 after undergoing ligament-replacement surgery in his left elbow. He compiled 32 saves in 36 opportunities last season, going 2-4 in 60 games with a 2.95 earned-run average.

The U.S. also learned Minnesota closer Joe Nathan won't participate, citing shoulder soreness.

Relievers LaTroy Hawkins (Houston) and Joel Hanrahan (Washington) have been named as replacements.

The United States will begin the WBC on Saturday afternoon against Canada at Rogers Centre in Toronto.