Yankees Spring Training Weekend Notes: Cervelli out of WBC, Rivera Fine

Saturday

- With one minor league option left on his contract and a competition for the starting catcher's job on the line, Francisco Cervelli has decided to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic. LoHud's Chad Jennings reports that he was put on the Italy roster back in December, but told the team manager that he was not likely to play.

- Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte tossed the first bullpen session of the day. Once again, there was no sign of discomfort with Rivera as he hit 30 pitches this morning. A little further ahead in his training, David Phelps faced live batting practice.

- CC Sabathia also threw around 30 pitches off a mound and felt completely fine. He does not believe that there were any strikes thrown, but it is a step forward after elbow surgery this off-season. He could toss again on Tuesday, but is not expected to pitch in a game until March.

Sunday
Manager Joe Girardi says don't expect the Yankees to try out Travis Hafner defensively. He will strictly be a designated hitter for the team. Derek Jeter will also be used as a designated hitter against lefties occasionally as Girardi told USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Posted in: Andy Pettitte, Francisco Cervelli, Mariano Rivera, MLB, New York Yankees, Spring Training