Damaso Marte, out of World Baseball Classic with Bad Shoulder, 3/15/06

• Damaso Marte cheers with crowd at World Baseball Classic playing for the Dominican Republic. ap photo

SAN JUAN -3/15/06- "Pirates left-hander and World Baseball Classic participant Damaso Marte traveled back to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to get treatment for a sore shoulder, and the Dominican Republic will have to name a replacement before the start of the Classic semifinals.

• Marte allowed three runs in 1/3 inning Sunday in the Dominican Republic's 7-1 loss to Puerto Rico. He did not pitch Tuesday night, when the Dominicans beat Venezuela to advance to the semifinals of the Classic in San Diego beginning Saturday.

"I have inflammation in the shoulder. We don't know what it is, but I'm going to Pittsburgh to be examined," Marte told the Associated Press before leaving Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

• Dominican Republic manager Manny Acta revealed the injury after his team's 2-1 win Tuesday night. He can choose a replacement from a pool of 13 pitchers listed on the Dominican Republic's provisional roster who were not included on the 30-man active squad.

The list includes Texas Rangers closer Francisco Cordero, who originally opted out of the Classic because of concerns about his right shoulder. Cordero watched on television as his countrymen held off a ninth-inning threat to beat Venezuela, but said no one had contacted him about participating....

• Marte made two appearances in the Classic and is 0-1 with a 20.25 ERA and two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings.

• From MLB.com, 3/16/06

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