A major blow for Team Canada on the eve of their opening game at the World Baseball Clsssic.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie says he won't be able to play for Canada for a least the first round due to a strain on his right side.

It's an injury the Langley native says he tried to play through last season, but just made it worse.

This time Lawrie isn't taking any chances, stating that his top priority is getting healthy in time for the Blue Jays opener in April.

Taylor Green will take Lawrie's spot at third base for tomorrow's first game against Italy.