Eric Hosmer replaces Mark Teixeira on Team USA
As CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler reported, a forearm injury has forced Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira off the World Baseball Classic roster. Now, Team USA has tabbed his replacement: It's Eric Hosmer of the Royals, reports the AP's Dave Skretta. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman confirms the news.
From Skretta, the details on the hard sell and the subsequent acceptance:
Hosmer got text last night from union asking if he wanted to play in WBC. Then got call from Joe Torre and said yes on the spot
— Dave Skretta (@APdaveskretta) March 6, 2013
The 23-year-old Hosmer is coming off a disappointing season in which he batted just .232/.304/.359 with 14 homers. Still, he remains a highly regarded young player because of his scouting profile, his impressive rookie campaign (118 OPS+ as a 21-year-old in 2011) and his outstanding numbers coming up through the minors. Hosmer is a strong bounce-back candidate in 2013, and Team USA is obviously hoping that bounce-back begins sooner rather than later.
The United States begins main-tournament play on Friday against Mexico.
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