Waiter José Altuve, a key player in the Houston Astros, and his partner, right-handed pitcher Luis García, confirmed on Wednesday their participation in the World Baseball Classic that will be played in March 2023 with the participation of 20 countries.
“Astroboy” said before Wednesday's game against the White Sox that he will represent the Vinotinto of baseball, which will be led by manager Omar López.
I'm going to be over here for whatever they need from me, whether been on the bench or in second base," said Altuve, who represented Venezuela in the 2017 Classic.
“For me it was a tremendous experience to wear the shirt of my country, and I think it will be even better now with Omar López. We've known each other for a long time. He was my first manager in professional baseball and I am very happy for him,” the 1,68-meter-tall player told mlb.com.
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Between Altuve and López there is a great friendship. Lopez, who serves as the Astros' third-base coach, was one of the scouts who recommended the waiter to sign with the Stars when he was 16 in 2006.
Altuve, the 2017 American League MVP, posted a .259/.286/.259 offensive line, with no extra-base hits, in seven games in the last World Classic.
Regarding Luis García, he is a pitcher with yhe experience of three seasons in MLB in which he has 51 starts.
“I am happy because I know Omar López and he is a very good manager and a very good coach,” Garcia said.
Venezuela will play in Group D, from March 11 to 15 in Miami along with the teams of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Israel and a team to be defined.
