HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros had 14 players named to 2023 World Baseball Classic rosters tonight. Those 14 players, including two not on their 40-man roster, will represent seven different countries in next month's tournament.
More than any other country, six Astros players were named on the Dominican Republic's roster: RHP Bryan Abreu, RHP Ronel Blanco, RHP Cristian Javier, RHP Rafael Montero, RHP Hector Neris and SS Jeremy Peña. Blanco is in the designated pitcher pool and could be added to the Dominican's active roster in one or more consecutive rounds.
The Astros will have two players play for the United States, RHP Ryan Pressly and RF Kyle Tucker, and two players on Team Venezuela, 2B Jose Altuve and RHP Luis Garcia. The other Astros Major Leaguers scheduled to play in the WBC are RHP José Urquidy (Mexico) and C Martín Maldonado (Puerto Rico).
Additionally, two Astros minor leaguers will play in the WBC: LHP Colton Gordon (Israel) and RHP Derek West (Netherlands).
The Astros will also be heavily represented in the coaching ranks at the WBC. 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 Collins will coach for Team Australia. Lastly, Astros Strength and Conditioning Coach Hazael Wessin will serve in that came capacity for the Dominican Republic.