Rafael Devers has been named a finalist to start at third base for the American League in next month’s All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, Major League Baseball announced earlier Thursday afternoon.
Opposing Devers for the starting spot will be Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez. With Phase 1 fan voting voting on Thursday, it was revealed that Ramirez received 1,971,688 votes while Devers received 1,871,493 votes. When Phase 2 of head-to-head voting begins next Tuesday, each player will start back out with zero votes.
Fans will then have until July 8 to determine who between Devers and Ramirez will start for the American League in the 92nd Midsummer Classic on July 19. Devers got the starting nod in his first career All-Star appearance last year while Ramirez is a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Star starter himself.
As things stand now, Devers is the only member of the Red Sox who has a chance at starting in the All-Star Game since all other eligible players fell short in Phase 1 fan voting at their respective positions.
Xander Bogaerts, for instance, received 1,271,340 votes to finish third among American League shortstops behind Toronto’s Bo Bichette and the White Sox’ Tim Anderson.
J.D. Martinez, on the other hand, received 681,614 votes to finish fourth among American League designated hitters behind Houston’s Yordan Alvarez, the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, and Toronto’s Danny Jansen.
If Bogaerts, Martinez, or any other Red Sox player is hoping to be named to the American League All-Star team, they will have to get in as a reserve through the player vote. Full All-Star rosters for both the American and National League will be unveiled on July 10.
(Picture of Rafael Devers: Elsa/Getty Images)
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