NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is banning players from participating in the Venezuelan Winter League in one of the first public repercussions of new U.S. economic sanctions against the Venezuelan government.
MLB said Thursday it is in contact with the U.S. government to determine how to proceed under the new sanctions against President Nicolás Maduro's administration and at least temporarily suspending involvement in the league.
The Venezuelan Winter League is one many that major league players use to hone their skills in the offseason.
"MLB will fully adhere to the policies implemented by our government," MLB announced in a statement.