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Carlos Ruiz will take a break to play for Panama

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Seven years ago, Panama's president called Carlos Ruiz to ask why he would not play for his country. It was 2009, and Ruiz thought it best to stay in Phillies camp. The catcher later reconsidered.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Seven years ago, Panama's president called Carlos Ruiz to ask why he would not play for his country. It was 2009, and Ruiz thought it best to stay in Phillies camp. The catcher later reconsidered.

Now, at age 37, Ruiz will savor the chance in March to help Panama qualify for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. His career in its twilight, Ruiz needed no presidential convincing this time.

"It gives me a chance to represent my country," Ruiz said. "Bring them back to the World Baseball Classic. I don't know how much longer I'm going to play. So that's why I want to go."

Ruiz will miss a handful of Grapefruit League games, but the Phillies gave their catcher permission during the winter to head home. Team officials told Ruiz as long as he felt there was enough time to prepare for the season, he could do what he wanted.

That's why Ruiz arrived to Florida on Feb. 3, two full weeks before pitchers and catchers were required to report.

"I'll be ready for the season," Ruiz said.

Manager Pete Mackanin said the arrangement was a win-win for both player and team. Being in tense game situations will help Ruiz sharpen his game.

"And," Mackanin said, "it gives me a chance to get some other guys at bats, too."

Panama will host the modified double-elimination tournament at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama City with Colombia, Spain, and France as the challengers. The first Panama game is March 17 against France, with another scheduled for March 18. The pool's championship is March 20.

Ruiz said he felt obligated to compete because there are fewer Panamanian big-league players available to participate. He expects Arizona righthander Randall Delgado and San Diego catcher Christian Bethancourt to join him.

If anything, it is perhaps one last opportunity for Ruiz to play in front of his country's fans. "My friends are excited," he said.

Severino Gonzalez, a fellow countryman and Phillies righty who started seven games last season, will not accompany Ruiz to Panama.

Extra bases

Gonzalez will start on Tuesday against Toronto in the Grapefruit League opener. . . . Cody Asche (oblique), Brock Stassi (rib cage), and Andres Blanco (shoulder) remained sidelined.