Mar 5, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) at bat during the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

After a wrist injury forced Mark Teixeira to drop out of the World Baseball Classic, the team needed to add a first baseman to the roster and according to Dave Skretta of the AP, Eric Hosmer has been selected as the replacement.

Part of the decision stems from Hosmer being a talented player, and part comes out of the Team USA workouts taking place in Arizona. J.J. Cooper suggested that Hosmer probably wasn’t the top choice as Teixeira’s replacement, implying that the search was probably limited to players already in Arizona (as Jeff Passan guessed). Players like Ike Davis, Prince Fielder and Freddie Freeman could have been options but all are in Florida.

Maybe it’ll be good for Hosmer though. After a tough 2012, he’s hitting well in spring so far with a .391/.462/.696 line in 23 at bats and has four extra base hits while leading the Royals with 8 RBIs.

And looks like Eric Hosmer is Mark Teixeira‘s replacement. Very good with the glove, hot bat and won’t mind hitting low in lineup of stars.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 6, 2013

Jon Morosi added that Team USA wanted a left-handed bat with a “relatively low strikeout rate” and that Hosmer’s early success this spring suggests he’s game-ready, an important consideration for the competition.

My outlook on the WBC is that I’d rather see the player in their own camp, but having Hosmer surrounded by a bunch of established stars might be good for him to see how they carry themselves. Hosmer’s inclusion probably cuts any experiments with Hosmer in right field short, if the Royals had that in mind over the next couple of weeks.

Hosmer joins Tim Collins who had previously been selected for Team USA’s roster.

(updated to include Morosi’s comments)

San Francisco’s AT&T Park will serve host to the World Baseball Classic semifinals and finals for the March 2-19 tournament.

Current Royals on the 40-man roster:

China – Bruce Chen (LHP)

Dominican Republic – Kelvin Herrera (RHP)

Mexico – Luis Mendoza (RHP)

Puerto Rico – Irving Falu (Infielder)

United State of America – Tim Collins (LHP)

Venezuela – Salvador Perez (Catcher)

Royals minor leaguers/spring training invitees on rosters:

Brazil – Paulo Orlando (Outfielder)

Dominican Republic – Miguel Tejada (Shortstop)

Netherlands – J.C. Sulbaran (RHP)

Chen is expected to anchor the Chinese staff during the classic as they are in pool A with back-to-back champion Japan, 2006 runner-up Cuba and Brazil. Perez is one of several MLB players on the Venezuelan roster and will likely be counted on to contribute. Mendoza should provide to versatility for the Mexican team either in the starting rotation or out of the bullpen.

Herrera will be an important arm in the Dominican Republic’s ‘pen on a roster that’ll have plenty of offense. Royals fans know how valuable Collins can be in situational or regular use as a lefty out of the bullpen which should be a great option for Joe Torre.

Orlando helped Brazil to qualify for the WBC last year as an outfielder and will probably see extended playing time. Tejada will be Herrera’s teammate on the DR team and give them infield depth. Sulbaran, was acquired in the Jonathan Broxton trade will be a bullpen arm. Lastly is Falu who became a fan favorite in KC when he was called up from Omaha.

One name Royals fans might be wondering about is Alcides Escobar who due to the incredible shortstop was left off the Venezuelan roster.

Those playing in the tournament will miss spring training from March 2-19^th with the semifinals/finals at San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

For full rosters on the 2013 World Baseball Classic click here