Mets withhold Johan Santana from World Baseball Classic

Johan Santana has been denied permission to pitch in the World Baseball Classic. (Elsa, Getty Images)

The New York Mets will not allow pitcher Johan Santana to play in the World Baseball Classic. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson confirmed to CBSSports.com that Santana, who had hopes of pitching for his native Venezuela in the tournament, will be held out due to his finishing of last season on the disabled list.

Even if Santana had been fully healthy, however, the WBC may not have allowed him to pitch. The left-hander, 33, has $31 million left on his contract with the Mets, a figure that the WBC would have to insure in order for him to play.