Astros' Alex Bregman to represent U.S. in World Baseball Classic

Astros third baseman Alex Bregman will play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, he announced Friday via Twitter.

Can't wait to represent Team USA in the WBC!!!!!

Bregman, 22, is one of at least six Astros players who will miss part of spring training to participate in the WBC. Jose Altuve (Venezuela), Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico), Carlos Beltran (Puerto Rico), Nori Aoki (Japan) and Luke Gregerson (United States) were previously confirmed as participants in the quadrennial tournament.

This will be Bregman's fifth time representing the United States. The former No. 2 overall draft pick previously played for Team USA at the 16-and-under level, the 18-and-under level and twice collegiately while at LSU.

The United States opens WBC pool play on March 10 in Miami against Colombia. The Dominican Republic and Canada are also in USA's pool.

The WBC runs through March 22 for the two countries that meet in the championship. The Astros break camp in West Palm Beach, Fla. on March 29.