Jesse Crain injury: Hip knocks White Sox RHP out of WBC

Chicago White Sox reliever Jesse Crain is hampered by a hip injury that has caused him to remove himself from playing in the World Baseball Classic, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

Crain told reporters, including Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago, that he initially experienced discomfort in his hip a day or two after he pitched last Monday. He's since been diagnosed with a strained right adductor, and he's hoping to be throwing again off the mound by the weekend or early next week.

The right-hander battled an oblique injury last spring, and he told reporters, including Dave van Dyck of The Chicago Tribune, that he doesn't want to attempt to rush back from his hip ailment and have it linger like his oblique did last year.

Crain is hoping to get the hip injury "knocked out early," and he didn't want to push himself to get ready for the WBC. While he's "bummed" about not participating in the tournament, his top priority is preparing for a healthy season with the White Sox.

Crain has spent the past two years with the White Sox. He's been extremely effective during his time in Chicago, posting an ERA of 2.54 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.41.