For the second straight year, Rafael Devers has been named the starting third baseman for the American League All-Star team, Major League Baseball announced on Friday. Devers will represent the Red Sox in the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on July 19.
After being named a finalist to start at third base alongside Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez last Thursday, Devers ultimately beat out the Guardians star by receiving 60 percent of the Phase 2 vote.
Coming into play on Friday, Devers was batting a stout .330/.387/.598 with 27 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 51 RBIs, 59 runs scored, two stolen bases, 25 walks, and 61 strikeouts over 79 games (351 plate appearances) so far this season.
Among qualified American Leaguers, the left-handed hitting 25-year-old ranks first in hits (106), first in doubles, seventh in homers, second in runs scored, 10th in RBIs, second in batting average, seventh in on-base percentage, fourth in slugging percentage, third in OPS (.986), eighth in isolated power (.268), third in wRC+ (173), and first in fWAR (4.4), per FanGraphs.
While Devers is Boston’s lone representative in the Midsummer Classic at the moment, some of his teammates — such as Xander Bogaerts or Nick Pivetta — could still be joining him in Los Angeles. Pitchers and reserves for both the American and National League teams will not be unveiled until Sunday.
Opposite of Devers, Padres third baseman will be starting at the hot corner for the National League. Former Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts also made his second All-Star team as a member of the Dodgers.
(Picture of Rafael Devers: Elsa/Getty Images)
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