PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Pedro Martinez confirmed Thursday he will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic because of his sore toe, leaving the Dominican Republic without three of its biggest stars.

All-Star sluggers Manny Ramirez and Vladimir Guerrero also recently withdrew from the Dominican team.

SARASOTA, Fla. — Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Vern Ruhle has cancer, but plans to stay with the team while getting treatment.The 55-year-old Ruhle informed Reds players Wednesday, then accompanied the team to Lakeland for its spring training opener. He didn't disclose the type of cancer he has, but said doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

TORONTO — Owen Nolan has ruled out returning to NHL this season because of a right knee injury.The 33-year-old unrestricted free agent last played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2003-04. He had surgery last year.

DOHA, Qatar — Martina Hingis defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 7-6 (7), 6-2 Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the Qatar Open tennis event.Hingis will face top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo of France in Friday's semifinal. Mauresmo, ranked No. 2 in the world, beat Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-4, 6-0.