Hosmer to replace Teixeira on Team USA

Mar 6, 2013 - 8:08 PM Surprise, AZ (Sports Network) - Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has been selected to replace the injured Mark Teixeira on Team USA's roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Teixeira, who was the only true first baseman on the roster, will not participate since straining his right forearm during the team's workout on Tuesday. Hosmer is expected to join Team USA for its exhibition contest against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.

The United States will open WBC round-robin play against Mexico on Friday.

Hosmer is coming off a down year in 2012, but has led the Royals to an unbeaten record in spring training thus far, posting a .391 batting average along with one home run and eight RBI through nine games.

Last season, the 23-year-old hit 14 homers and knocked in 60 runs while batting .232 over 152 games.