Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer will take injured Mark Teixeira’s spot on the U.S. roster for the World Baseball Classic.
Teixeira, a veteran New York Yankees first baseman, sustained a forearm injury hitting off a tee during workouts Tuesday before an exhibition game and will be out seven to 10 days.
Hosmer. 23, is coming off a 2012 season in which he hit .232 with 14 homers and 60 RBI and had 16 stolen base.
With Ben Zobrist and Joe Mauer on the roster, U.S. manager Joe Torre has some options at first base.
Other players mentioned as possible replacements for Teixeira were Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard and the Chicago White Sox’s Paul Konerko before the decision was made to go with Hosmer.
Team USA begins play Friday in the Classic against Mexico.