MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol has decided to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic after all.
The 26-year-old Marmol said Saturday that after talking with Felipe Alou and Stan Javier of the Dominican team he had decided to join his countrymen. He'd said earlier during camp that he wouldn't do it.Marmol will pitch for the Cubs on Monday and then leave for the WBC the following day. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he's fine with Marmol's decision and it won't affect the competition between the right-hander and Kevin Gregg for the closer role.
Marmol went 2-4 with a 2.68 ERA and seven saves in 82 games last season, making his first All-Star team.
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