WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — As World Baseball Classic pool play approaches, the Houston Astros find themselves in a rare situation: one of their roster hopefuls will soon be playing against them in their own ballpark.
Utility infielder Zach Dezenzo will represent Italy in Pool B, which begins March 7 at Daikin Park. For a player fighting for an Opening Day roster spot, it amounts to a live audition in front of Astros decision-makers, on their home field, under international pressure.
“It’s a unique opportunity,” Dezenzo said earlier this spring. “I get to showcase what I can do while also fighting for a job.”
The Italian Opportunity
Dezenzo qualified for Italy through his paternal great-grandfather. Managed by former MLB catcher Francisco Cervelli, Italy will face Brazil (March 7), Great Britain (March 8), the Netherlands (March 9), and Chinese Taipei (March 10), all at Daikin Park.
That means Astros evaluators will get an extended look at Dezenzo in meaningful games.
The 25-year-old hit .218 with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs in 84 games at Triple-A Sugar Land last season. He is out of minor league options, meaning Houston must either carry him on the 26-man roster or risk losing him via waivers.
The WBC provides a high-leverage stage to prove he belongs.
Altuve Staying Home
While Dezenzo heads into tournament play, Jose Altuve will not.
Venezuela is scheduled to play an exhibition game against the Astros at CACTI Park, but Houston plans to hold Altuve out. He represented Venezuela in the 2023 WBC and suffered an injury that cost him significant time that season.
With Altuve entering his 20th Major League season, the Astros are prioritizing health and regular-season preparation.
Manager Omar López, Houston’s bench coach, will lead Venezuela in Pool C, which opens March 5 in Phoenix. The roster includes Ronald Acuña Jr., Luis Arraez, Gleyber Torres, William Contreras, and Rangers Suárez.
For Altuve, the decision is straightforward: stay on schedule for 162 games.
Peña Joins Dominican Powerhouse
Jeremy Peña will represent the Dominican Republic in Pool D, beginning March 6 in Miami.
The 2022 World Series MVP joins a roster featuring Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodríguez, and Sandy Alcantara. Hall of Famer Albert Pujols serves as manager.
The Dominican Republic will face Nicaragua (March 6), Puerto Rico (March 7), Mexico (March 9), and Colombia (March 10).
Unlike Altuve, Peña does not carry lingering injury concerns, and his defensive stability makes him a strong fit for tournament play.
Whitcomb in Tokyo
Shay Whitcomb has already departed to join Team Korea in Pool A, which opens March 4 in Tokyo.
Whitcomb appeared in 47 games for Houston last season, hitting .217 with two home runs. His positional versatility strengthens his case for a roster spot, and the WBC offers valuable competitive reps.
Korea faces Australia, Cuba, Japan, and the Czech Republic in pool play.
Houston’s WBC Approach
The Astros’ approach reflects balance.
Peña, Dezenzo, and Whitcomb gain exposure and experience. Altuve and Carlos Correa remain in camp, with the focus squarely on durability and regular-season readiness.
Teams across baseball have become increasingly cautious during WBC years, particularly after high-profile injuries in previous tournaments. Houston’s strategy mirrors that league-wide shift.
Dezenzo’s Defining Stretch
Still, the most compelling storyline belongs to Dezenzo.
From March 7–10, he will perform in the very stadium where his professional future may be decided. Every at-bat and every defensive rep will carry added weight.
If he thrives, he could solidify his case. If he struggles, roster math becomes more complicated.
For a player out of options, there is little margin.
Pool B begins March 7 at Daikin Park. The championship game is scheduled for March 18 in Miami.