Garcia receives Classic invite from Dominican team

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers infielder Leury Garcia has been invited to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. If Garcia accepts, he will probably be used in a limited utility role for a team that is as deep in talent as any in the tournament. Their infielders include Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes.

"It's a big honor for him," general manager Jon Daniels said. "It shows you what kind of winter ball season he had down there. I just don't know how much he'll play down there. They have a stacked lineup."

Garcia, the Rangers' No. 19 prospect, faces the same decision as Jurickson Profar, who decided not to play for the Netherlands because he wanted to stay in camp with the Rangers. Profar, MLB.com's No. 1 overall prospect, felt that staying in camp increases his chances of making the team as a utility infielder.

Garcia, a switch-hitting middle infielder, also has a chance to make the team in a similar role. The Rangers were also going to look at him in the outfield, as well, so he is expressing the same reluctance to play in the WBC.

"I will see what the Rangers say and if I got a chance to make the big leagues, I might not go," Garcia said. "But representing the Dominican would be a lot of fun, so we'll see."