It wasn't the Rangers who told Francisco Cordero

Insurance keeps Cordero out of Classic

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher Francisco Cordero is out of the World Baseball Classic because of insurance concerns about his right shoulder.

Cordero showed up in San Diego and passed the required physical. But because he has a history of shoulder problems and had some stiffness early in Spring Training, the insurance company covering injuries decided against letting him play.

"This was not a Texas Rangers decision," general manager Jon Daniels said. "We supported him going out there. We had some concerns, but it was out of our hands."

Cordero is expected to return to Arizona and resume normal preparations for the regular season.

"This doesn't change the fact that our coaches and medical staff feel he's healthy," Daniels said. "He's going to come back and be slotted so he can be ready for the regular season. He's healthy and looking good, he's just getting back to where he needs to be."

Daniels had talked to Dominican Republic general manager Stan Javier and had been given assurances that Cordero would be used with care.

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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