Whitcomb goes deep twice off Czechia in Korea debut

TOKYO -- Some ballplayers opt out of the World Baseball Classic in hopes that their time in big league Spring Training may help them win a job. For the Astros' Shay Whitcomb, he may be making the best case while playing for the Korean national team in the World Baseball Classic.

On Tuesday, Whitcomb homered against the Orix Buffaloes in Korea's final exhibition game. In Korea's 11-4 win against Czechia in its World Baseball Classic on Thursday, he showed off the power that saw him hammer 25 long balls in just 107 Minor League games last year.

In the third inning, Whitcomb went deep against Jeff Barto. Two frames later, he did it again, this time off young Czech college pitcher Michal Kovala.

“The players that we have are amazing,” Whitcomb said. “I mean, we can all hit. Our lineup is just insane. It's going to be a fun, fun tournament for us.”

With Carlos Correa slotted in at third base, Isaac Paredes -- who hit 20 home runs last season -- likely playing a roving infield role and Yordan Alvarez holding down the DH slot, there simply might not be any place to put Whitcomb.

Whitcomb is one of three U.S.-born players to join Korea's roster this year, along with outfielder Jahmai Jones and pitcher Dane Dunning. His mother, Yoonie, was born in Korea, making him eligible for the roster.

“That's honestly one of the things that's making it very special, is the fact that I get to represent my mom and honor her in that way,” he said.