Nestor Cortes will miss next month's World Baseball Classic because of a strained right hamstring.

The New York Yankees left-hander hasn't ruled out being ready for the start of the regular season.

Kyle Freeland will replace Cortes on the United States roster.

"Came in on Wednesday and told the staff I was a little banged up," Cortes said. "After long talks, obviously, the best interest was to stay out of it. The biggest goal right here is to get healthy and be ready for the start of the season. I think it's something that's definitely doable to start the season off healthy and in the rotation."