Mar 20, 2009 5:35 PM EST

Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has already played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, but says he's ready to join Team USA if they need him.

The United States is looking for a replacement for the injured Kevin Youkilis.

"Why not?" said Gonzalez, who was raised on both sides of the San Diego-Tijuana border. "I qualify for both countries."

Mexico was eliminated from the WBC on Monday, and Gonzalez rejoined the Padres on Thursday night.

Via San Diego Union-Tribune