Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has been called upon to replace injured New York Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira on the United States team for the World Baseball Classic.
Hosmer received a text message late Tuesday from Tony Clark of the players union, asking if he’d be interested in a spot on the roster. After getting a call from U.S. manager Joe Torre and receiving the blessing of the Royals, Hosmer quickly agreed to join the Americans.
Meanwhile, Teixeira is going to be out 8 to 10 weeks with a strained right wrist tendon.
Pagan helps Puerto Rico top Twins: With the WBC about to begin, the Puerto Ricans appear to have their hitting in gear. Giants outfielder Angel Pagan led an All-Star lineup for Puerto Rico’s national team by going 2 for 3 with an RBI in an 8-7 victory over the Minnesota Twins in a tuneup for the WBC.
Cuba upsets Japan: Alfredo Despaigne hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, helping Cuba defeat two-time defending champion Japan 6-3 to finish first in Group A. Cuba set up a second-round showdown with Group B runner-up the Netherlands on Friday. Japan will face Group B winner Taiwan in the second round at the Tokyo Dome.
