Feb. 27 -- VICTORINO ADDED TO TEAM USA (UPDATED)

BY SCOTT LAUBER

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Busy news day for the Phillies. We've already told you that Adam Eaton was released this morning (more on that in the post below). Now, upon arriving at Ed Smith Stadium, Shane Victorino has learned that he'll be joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Grady Sizemore has elected not to play, opening a spot for Victorino.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity," Victorino said moments ago. "It should be fun."

Victorino spoke to Team USA manager Davey Johnson before taking batting practice here and was reassured that he'll get enough at-bats to be prepared for the season.

"That was one of my biggest questions to Davey -- am I going to get at-bats?" Victorino said. "He said, 'Yeah, you'll get an opportunity.' I wasn't trying to be a jerk or anything, but I'm not one of those guys who's that good that he doesn't need to prepare. I want to make sure I'm prepared for the season."

(Note: In case you're going to be in Clearwater next week, Victorino, Jimmy Rollins and the Team USA will work out at 12:30 Monday at Bright House Field. The practice is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m., and food and drinks will be sold at the food court behind home plate. Team USA also plays exhibition games against the Yankees in Tampa on Tuesday, the Blue Jays in Dunedin on Wednesday and the Phillies in Clearwater on Thursday before leaving for its first WBC game against Team Canada in Toronto on March 7.)

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Lineup for today's game here against the Reds at "The Ed," where you can actually get a suntan while sitting in the press box (don't ask):

CF Shane Victorino
3B Jason Donald
LF Raul Ibanez
DH Matt Stairs
1B Greg Dobbs
RF Geoff Jenkins
2B Pablo Ozuna
SS Ozzie Chavez
C Lou Marson
RHP Drew Carpenter

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Injury updates: Chad Durbin has a slight right hamstring strain, although Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies aren't overly concerned. ... Pedro Feliz continues to hit off a tee, but he isn't scheduled yet to take batting practice. ... Chase Utley continues to progress, but the Phillies haven't decided when he'll begin playing in games.

(Updated, 1:34 p.m.): This probably wasn't what Drew Carpenter had in mind for his first spring-training start. Carpenter allowed four runs on three hits and three walks, and he's out of the game without getting an out in the first inning. Ouch.