SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols says he will not play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic because of insurance issues.

Pujols, who hit .357 with 37 home runs and 116 RBIs for the Cardinals, says he regrets not being able to represent his native country in this year's WBC. He played for the Dominican team in 2006.

Pujols says he is 100 percent physically "but the insurance does not want to cover" him to play, leaving the Dominican Republic without one of its biggest stars. He made the comments Monday during a conference call with Dominican baseball officials.

Pujols had elbow surgery in October.