MESA, Ariz. -- A's right-hander Sonny Gray will not participate in the World Baseball Classic, after he was denied insurance because of his extended time on the disabled list last season.
A's general manager David Forst said Gray was considered a "chronic-condition player," having met one of the criteria that falls under the provision: He spent more than 60 days on the DL last season, because of two separate injuries.
"The one exception on the book is pitching 10 innings after the injury," Forst explained, "and he didn't even do that.
"MLB pushed the issue, asked the insurance carrier to make an exception to allow him to pitch, and they didn't do it.