Surprise, Ariz. ? Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer will replace the injured Mark Teixeira on the United States team at the World Baseball Classic.

Hosmer received a text message late Tuesday from Tony Clark of the players union, asking if he’d be interested in a spot on the roster. After getting a call from U.S. manager Joe Torre and receiving the blessing of the Royals, Hosmer quickly agreed to join the Americans.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Hosmer told the Associated Press on Wednesday. “Any chance you get to represent your country, you’re going to jump at the opportunity. So I’m very excited.”

Teixeira strained his right wrist while swinging off a tee Tuesday, shortly before the U.S. tied 4-4 with the Chicago White Sox in an exhibition game.