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Reds order Johnny Cueto to stay out of World Baseball Classic

The Reds nixed pitcher Johnny Cueto's intentions to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in March, reports CBS Sports. Part of the rationale was related to an injury Cueto suffered during the playoffs last season. The 27-year-old right-hander strained his oblique after during Game 1 of the NLDS after just six pitches and was done for the remainder of the postseason.

Cueto said the oblique wasn't an issue, but that he respected the team's decision:

"I think they might worry about my oblique," he said, adding "I feel good. I feel 100 percent."

"It was their decision," Cueto said through a translator. "And I respect that."

Cueto said that he and the Reds discussed winter ball and the WBC at the end of last season. But the Reds decided not to take the risk -- Cueto was 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA last season.