The Houston Astros have placed a total of 14 members in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, as the rosters were released Thursday.
Six Astros, more than any other country, will represent Dominican Republic with Bryan Abreu (RHP), Ronel Blanco (RHP), Cristian Javier (RHP), Rafael Montero (RHP), Hector Neris (RHP), and Jeremy Pena (SS). Blanco is in the designated pitcher pool and could be added to the Dominican’s active roster in one or more consecutive rounds.
Houston will have two players join the United States roster with Ryan Pressly and Kyle Tucker. Also, two players on Team Venezuela: Jose Altuve and Luis Garcia will play for their home country.
Jose Urquidy will represent Mexico while Martin Maldonado will play for Puerto Rico. Additionally, two minor leaguers will play in the WBC: Colton Gordon (Israel) and Derek West (Netherlands).
The Astros will also be heavily represented in the coaching ranks at the WBC, with Omar Lopez managing Team Venezuela and Javier Bracamonte joining him. Alex Cintron will be the Puerto Rican hitting coach while Michael Collins will lead Team Australia. Lastly, Astros strength and conditioning coach Hazael Wessin will serve in the same capacity for the Dominican Republic.