Brian Roberts Headed to the World Baseball Classic

Well, because Boston's Dustin Pedroia is hurting, guess who's in the World Baseball Classic? Our own Brian Roberts.

MIAMI -- Brian Roberts is joining Team USA. Roberts, the Orioles' veteran second baseman, is replacing Dustin Pedroia on the United States squad.

The move was made before Team USA faced Puerto Rico on Saturday night at Dolphin Stadium in Round 2 of the World Baseball Classic.

Pedroia has a left oblique strain. The Red Sox All-Star returned to Fort Myers, Fla., on Saturday night to be examined by team doctors.

Pedroia is now officially out of the Classic. He can't return if Team USA advances to the semifinals.

The Orioles have Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., so Roberts has a short distance to travel to be with Team USA.

Through eight Grapefruit League games, Roberts was 5-for-23 (.217) for the Orioles.

Roberts was in the lineup for Baltimore on Saturday against Boston at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.

Go get 'em Brian!