Glen Perkins to join Joe Mauer on team USA at World Baseball Classic

Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins was added to the USA's World Baseball Classic roster on Friday.

Perkins, who received the news via phone call from manager Joe Torre, will join teammate Joe Mauer on a USA team that has yet to finish better than fourth place in either of the previous two tournaments.

Full rosters have not yet been announced, but the Twins will have at least three representatives -- Perkins and Mauer on the USA team, and Justin Morneau on team Canada.

Scott Diamond was set to pitch for Canada as well, but he will miss the WBC due to undergoing minor elbow surgery.

Japan earned the gold medal in the first two WBC tournaments.

Twins pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training on Feb. 10 -- one week earlier than usual. The WBC is set to begin in early March.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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