Archer won't rejoin U.S. at WBC: I was told I'm 'no longer needed'

Chris Archer, who returned to Tampa Bay Rays camp after firing four perfect innings for the United States in its first-round victory over Colombia at the World Baseball Classic, won't be rejoining his countrymen for the tournament's championship round, as he'd expected, having received a message Sunday morning informing him he's "no longer needed."

Even before the United States secured a semifinal berth with a thrilling 6-3 victory Saturday over the Dominican Republic on night, Archer had booked a flight to Los Angeles to join his fellow Americans for the championship round, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Due to circumstances "out of (his) control," however, the 28-year-old will have to watch his countrymen take on Japan on Tuesday night on television, instead.

"I don't know what happened other than maybe they think there's a better option," Archer told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

A victory Tuesday at Dodger Stadium lands the United States a spot in the winner-take-all championship game against either Puerto Rico - still undefeated in the tournament - or the Netherlands.

Earlier this week, after returning to Port Charlotte, Fla. following his sparkling performance against the Colombians, Archer gushed about representing his country at the WBC, describing the experience as "some of the most fun (he's) ever had playing baseball."