Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw says 'disappointing' to miss WBC

PHOENIX — Clayton Kershaw won't be able to partake in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the Los Angeles Dodgers' longtime ace revealed in an interview with reporters Friday afternoon, frequently calling the sudden turn of events «disappointing.»

Kershaw wouldn't disclose details, but a source with knowledge of the situation said he was unable to attain insurance for his contract, likely because of his history with back injuries. Kershaw, who will turn 35 next month, said he is nonetheless «a hundred percent healthy» and had the full support of the Dodgers throughout the process.

«Super disappointing,» Kershaw said. «We tried a lot of different things. All sides, we really tried to make it work. Nothing's wrong with me; it just didn't work out. I really wanted to do it, I really wanted to be a part of that group. Probably my last chance to do it, so I really wanted to do it. Just didn't work out for a number of reasons. Disappointing, but it's OK, I'll be ready for the season, ready to go.»

Teams require their 40-man-roster players to get their contracts insured before taking part in the World Baseball Classic in order to protect them in the event of injury during the tournament. The vast majority of those cases are handled through a private company that works with Major League Baseball, but players can seek out other third parties in hopes of getting insured. Kershaw, a source familiar with the process said, spent at least the last couple weeks exploring different avenues before ultimately deciding Friday that it might not be feasible.

Kershaw, a nine-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, has spent time on the injured list with back-related ailments in five of the last seven seasons, most recently