Jose Veras says he was unaware he was named to the Dominican Republic's WBC roster until a Dominican team official informed him Tuesday morning. Veras had previously said he would not participate in the tournament.

"It's an important season for me," Veras said. "I don't have a regular spot here, and I have to fight for my spot. I don't think that, if I go 20 days [away from] my team, it's going to be possible."

Veras, 28, was a regular presence with the 2008 Yankees, appearing in a career-high 60 games and going 5-3 with a 3.59 ERA, walking 29 and striking out 63 in 57 2/3 innings.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has listed Veras among those in competition for a middle-relief or setup role in camp.

"I just want to be here working for my spot and do my best to give the team a chance to win the game," Veras said. "All my concentration right now is here, not on the Classic. I promise you they'll find somebody else."

The problem is, I'm not sure if they are allowed to find somebody else. The rosters submitted on Tuesday were supposed to be final. So it looks like the Dominican team will have to go with 27 guys (WBC rosters can carry 28 players). It's probably not a huge deal but I've been under the assumption that Veras would have a spot on the Yankees' roster anyway.