Gallardo's groin could limit availability for WBC

PHOENIX (AP) - Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo has a minor groin strain that will cause him to miss his next spring training start and could limit him from playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said Saturday that Gallardo tweaked his groin last Tuesday against Seattle. Gallardo was scheduled to start Sunday against the Cubs and then leave for the WBC, but he will instead throw a bullpen session for the Brewers.

If that goes well, Roenicke said Gallardo will return from a series of meetings with Mexico to pitch in an exhibition game for Milwaukee on Tuesday. The Brewers and Gallardo would then make a decision about whether to release him to play in the WBC.

The Brewers have a league-high 13 players participating in the tournament.