sports

Phillies' Alvarado Won't Play for Venezuela in WBC

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander José Alvarado announced Sunday that insurance issues will prevent him from representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Alvarado expressed deep sadness over the decision, stating the required insurance was not approved, despite his desire to wear his country's jersey for a third consecutive time. The tournament runs from March 5-17. Alvarado joins Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa as players blocked from the tournament by similar insurance concerns.