CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies left-hander José Alvarado announced on social media Sunday that insurance issues will prevent him from representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Alvarado wrote on his Instagram message the news “deeply saddens me.” He added “the insurance required for my participation was not approved. This is a situation that is beyond my control and without a doubt it fills me with sadness and is difficult to understand. I had the hope and commitment to once again wear my country’s jersey for the third consecutive time. Representing Venezuela has always been one of the greatest honors of my career.”

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