This homer is even more important than the one I hit for the Marlins in the World Series. This was for my country.

I want to play but I don't want to play like that, not (being at) 100 percent.

I want to play, ... I don't feel like the same Alex, the guy you see every day.

I've got to wait until Wednesday until I start throwing, hitting, see how it feels, ... I want to take my time.

I'm not mad, sad because they told me I made the team 100 percent and they turn me out. They told me I was staying in a Marriott hotel and that we'd be working out at 5:30 Friday.

I feel like I am helping brothers... my American brothers.

I'm here to say God bless those people man. God bless.

I can't say I'm totally disappointed, I'm more sad. I'm glad to be back with my team. I can play more here. It's a new league, new pitchers.

It's very hard [to leave]. This is a new team I got to know. But it's part of the job. It's for your country, and you got to represent your country. It's a new league. I have to get to know the pitchers. I'm sorry I have to leave, but it's OK. Some of the guys, like Alex [Cora], they'll help me, tell me how a pitcher throws.