Astros' Luke Gregerson expected to pitch in World Baseball Classic

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Relief pitcher Luke Gregerson plans to pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, an industry source confirmed to the Chronicle on Tuesday, meaning the Astros will be without at least five of their players for part of spring training.

Jose Altuve (Venezuela), Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico), Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico) and Nori Aoki (Japan) were previously confirmed as participants in the quadrennial tournament, which begins March 6 and wraps up with its championship game on March 22.

The list of Astros playing in the WBC could grow even longer by Feb. 6, the final day for participating countries to submit their 28-man rosters.

George Springer (eligible to play for USA or Puerto Rico) has yet to decide whether he will take part and Marwin Gonzalez is in the mix for a spot on Venezuela's team. Alex Bregman has said he would accept if Team USA invites him but it's uncertain whether he will get the call.

Gregerson may be the only Astros pitcher who participates in the upcoming WBC. The 32-year-old righthander was a member of Team USA for the 2013 tournament, appearing twice in games and logging two scoreless innings in all.

Team USA will open pool play on March 10 against Colombia at Marlins Park in Miami, Fla.