Javier Vazquez won't pitch in 2013

Free agent right-hander Javier Vazquez won't pitch in the major leagues in 2013 as he continues to deal with an injured right knee, according to Ruben Rodriguez of El Nuevo Dia.

Vazquez has pulled out of the World Baseball Classic, reports James Wagner of The Washington Post. The right-hander is continuing to recovery from meniscus surgery on his right knee, and Wagner notes that an announcement regarding Vazquez's retirement from baseball could come soon.

Vazquez was reportedly looking to showcase his abilities during the WBC, as he hoped his appearances with Puerto Rico would result in a contract with a big league team. He had been drawing interest from several clubs this winter, including the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.

These teams and others scouted the right-hander, and he was said to be reaching as high as 93 mph on the radar gun. He pitched over the offseason in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Vazquez sat out all of last season after an impressive showing in 2011. Over 32 starts for the Miami Marlins, the veteran maintained an ERA of 3.69. In 14 seasons in the majors, the 36-year-old owns a career ERA of 4.22 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.32.