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Mark Teixeira Replaced by Eric Hosmer on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic Roster Following Injury

Team USA is turning to the red-hot Kansas City Royals to find Mark Teixeira‘s replacement.

Teixeira injured his forearm while hitting off a tee before Tuesday’s exhibition game and was immediately removed from Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster. Teixeira’s spot will be filled by first baseman Eric Hosmer, who has helped the Royals jump out to a 10-0 start in spring training action.

Hosmer, who is just 23 years old, was selected third overall in 2008, and he quickly emerged as one of baseball’s most highly touted prospects before putting together a pretty solid 2011 campaign. Hosmer hit .293 with 19 home runs and 78 RBIs in 128 games, further solidifying himself as one of the game’s bright young stars.

Hosmer regressed in 2012, though. He hit .232 with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs in 152 games.

Teixeira, meanwhile, was scheduled to be examined by Yankees team physician Christopher Ahmad on Wednesday. X-Rays were negative, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has said that Teixeira will be out a minimum of 10 days.

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Photo via Facebook/Royals