CLEARWATER, Fla. \u2014 Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jos\u00e9 Alvarado announced on social media Sunday that insurance issues will prevent him from representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.<\/p>\n
Alvarado wrote on his Instagram message<\/a> the news \u201cdeeply saddens me.\u201d He added \u201cthe 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\u2019s jersey for the third consecutive time. Representing Venezuela has always been one of the greatest honors of my career.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The tournament runs from March 5-17<\/a> in Tokyo, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami, where the final will be played.<\/p>\n Alvarado is the latest player to be blocked from participating in the World Baseball Classic by insurance issues. Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa were left off Puerto Rico\u2019s roster<\/a> due to insurance. Jose Altuve<\/a> also was not included on Venezuela\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n The tournament is co-owned by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, and insurance is provided by National Financial Partners.<\/p>\n Alvarado, 30, had a 3.81 ERA and seven saves in 28 games for Philadelphia last season. He served an 80-game suspension<\/a> for violating baseball\u2019s performance-enhancing drug policy. He was suspended on May 18 following a positive test for an external testosterone.<\/p>\n Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the positive test was caused by a weight loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason.<\/p>\n