PORT ST. LUCIE — Johan Santana can forget about representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
The Mets yesterday denied Santana’s request to pursue participating in the event, citing the fact the left-hander was injured at the end of last season and would be better served staying in camp to prepare for the 2013 season.
“I feel bad about it,” Santana said. “At the same time I understand everything they are saying and they’re doing, and there’s not much I can do about it.”
The decision means the Mets won’t have to accelerate Santana’s spring- training throwing schedule. His first Grapefruit League action (35-40 pitches) is scheduled for March 2 against the Marlins.
Santana represented Venezuela in the 2006 WBC but was denied an opportunity to play three years later by the Mets because he was coming off knee surgery.
The 33-year-old left-hander said he didn’t know if he would have another chance to participate in the event, which is held every four years. This year’s tournament begins on March 1 and ends March 19 in San Francisco.
“I would love to have a chance to be a part of it,” Santana said. “A few years ago they didn’t want me to do it. This year again they didn’t want me to do it, so it’s tough, but we’ll see. I’ve just got to now focus on the regular season and hoping that three or four years from now we’ll be healthy and hopefully we’ll play.”
* Manager Terry Collins said he intends to “start the process” on having David Wright officially named team captain, but needs to consult with COO Jeff Wilpon and general manager Sandy Alderson on the matter.
* Alderson indicated it’s possible Jenrry Mejia will be issued a visa before his age and identity investigation is completed by MLB officials in the Dominican Republic, but there is no timetable in place for the right-hander to arrive in camp.
Mejia continues workouts at the Mets’ academy in the Dominican.