Puerto Rico Weighs WBC Exit as Insurance Rules Sideline Stars

Overview

• Puerto Rico Baseball Federation president Dr. José Quiles said the team is considering not participating in this World Baseball Classic, with a final decision expected in the coming days.
• Reporting cites a stricter approval process for WBC insurance following prior high-profile injuries, limiting which players can receive permission to play.
• A new provision blocks contract insurance once a player turns 37, leading Miguel Rojas to say he was denied permission to represent Venezuela.
• Francisco Lindor, previously named Puerto Rico’s captain, will not take part after undergoing an offseason elbow procedure.
• Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the WBC, while the Mets set their rotation after adding Freddy Peralta and expect reliever Adbert Alzolay to be full-go for spring training.