Rodriguez was reportedly torn between playing for the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, which he was also eligible to play for under WBC rules.
Rodriguez is joined on the roster by New York teammate shortstop Derek Jeter. The other infielders named were Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, Cubs first baseman Derek Lee, Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira and shortstop Michael Young, and Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley.
Future Hall-of-Famer Roger Clemens, currently a free agent, leads a list of four starting pitchers. San Diego's Jake Peavy, Florida's Dontrelle Willis and Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia were the other starters named.
A group of 10 relievers, headed by closers Billy Wagner of the Mets, Houston's Brad Lidge and Minnesota's Joe Nathan, were also selected. Fellow closers Brian Fuentes, of Colorado, Detroit's Todd Jones, Oakland's Houston Street and Montreal's Chad Cordero join the squad. Other relievers named were Anaheim's Scot Shields, Boston's Mike Timlin and Houston's Dan Wheeler.
The outfield consists of New York's Johnny Damon, Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur, Cincinnati's Ken Griffey Jr., Colorado's Matt Holliday, Toronto's Vernon Wells and San Francisco's Randy Winn.
The catchers named were Jason Varitek of the Red Sox, Michael Barrett of the Cubs and Washington's Brian Schneider.
Although USA Baseball announced its team, a final roster isn't due until March 2.
The U.S. will open the WBC on March 7 against Mexico at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The Americans will also play Canada and South Africa in first-round play.