Bruce Chen to become first major leaguer to play for China in WBC

Bruce Chen will play for China in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. This wouldn't really be newsworthy, but Chen will be the first major league player to suit up for China in the event.

Bruce Chen will be suiting up for China in the upcoming WBC. (Getty Images)

Bruce Chen will play for China in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. This wouldn't really be newsworthy, but Chen will be the first major league player to suit up for China in the event.

Though China had a few minor-leaguers on its 2006 and 2009 WBC rosters (like Ray Chang), none of those players ended up making the majors.

This will not be Chen's first foray into the WBC, however, as he pitched for Panama in 2009. He is of Chinese and Panamanian descent.

Chen, 35, went 11-14 with a 5.07 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 140 strikeouts in 191 2/3 innings for the Royals last season. He appears slotted to be the Royals No. 5 starter this season.

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