PHOENIX -- Following his head instead of his heart, Eric Gagne reluctantly pulled out of the World Baseball Classic on Thursday to focus on winning a job in the Brewers bullpen.

Gagne was on the provisional roster for Team Canada and wanted to play in the tournament, but that would have meant departing Maryvale Baseball Park on March 1 and missing at least one week of camp. Canada plays in Pool C with the U.S., Venezuela and Italy and has a decent chance to advance past the first round, which would extend Gagne's absence even longer.

That would have complicated things for the Brewers, who have to place Gagne on the 40-man roster by March 25 or offer him free agency. Gagne discussed his options with fellow Canuck and Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, who passed along word to Canadian officials that Gagne would stay in Phoenix.

"I want to, but I can't," Gagne said of playing in the tournament. "If it were a different year, maybe I would play."

A number of Canada's big-name pitchers have withdrawn from consideration after appearing on Canada's provisional roster. The Cubs' Rich Harden and the Rockies' Jeff Francis backed out because of health concerns, and another Cubs pitcher, Ryan Dempster, decided to pass after signing a $52 million contract over the winter.

Like Harden and Dempster, Gagne will continue to prepare for the coming season (Francis is down with a shoulder injury). Because he only signed his Minor League deal with the Brewers on Tuesday, Gagne is "a step or so" behind the rest of the pitchers, according to manager Ken Macha, and may get into games a bit later than other relievers. Gagne, like veteran Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman, will have some input on his throwing schedule as he progresses toward the season.

Gagne joined the legion of Brewers to undergo Lasik eye surgery over the winter, so fans will not see him trying to de-fog his signature goggles this season. Third baseman Bill Hall and pitcher Chris Capuano underwent similar procedures, joining catcher Jason Kendall, who did it last year.

"It's so unbelievable," Gagne said. "I still squint [out of habit], but I don't need to."

Said Kendall: "It's the best money I ever spent in my life."

Speaking of the Classic, there's no official word yet from Yovani Gallardo, who is on Mexico's provisional roster but has not formally decided whether he will play. Rosters for the tournament must be finalized by Tuesday.