Back to the Houston Astros Newsfeed

Classic-bound Astros excited to represent

"There's a lot of Major Leagues that are going to be playing in it on other teams, so I'm really looking forward to playing in the WBC," Aoki said.

Nori Aoki with trainer Kosuke Inaji pic.twitter.com/8WknLNFfGa

Veteran reliever Luke Gregerson jumped at the chance to represent the U.S. He will make the short drive to Miami on March 6 for workouts. He said he would have had to "been broken in half" to turn down the chance to play in the World Baseball Classic.

"It's an honor," he said. "I got a phone call asking if I was interested in playing again.