(SportsRadio 610) - While the Astros continue their spring training schedule Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals, 14 players and five coaches are set to leave for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The WBC begins Tuesday, March 7 for two weeks until March 21.
Six Astros will represent the Dominican Republic: Right-handed pitchers Bryan Abreu, Ronel Blanco, Cristian Javier, Rafael Montero, Hector Neris and shortstop Jeremy Peña.
Closer Ryan Pressly and right fielder Kyle Tucker will play for the United States. Second baseman Jose Altuve and RHP Luis Garcia will represent Venezuela; RHP José Urquidy for Mexico; Catcher Martin Maldonado for Puerto Rico; LHP Colton Gordon for Isreal; and RHP Derek West for Netherlands.
First base coach Omar López will manage Team Venezuela and will be joined on his staff by Javier Bracamonte, who’ll serve as a bullpen coach. Alex Cintrón will serve as a hitting coach for Team Puerto Rico, while Michael (catching coach) Collins will coach for Team Australia.
Astros strength and conditioning coach Hazael Wessin will serve in that same capacity for the Dominican Republic.