Tampa Bay Rays Star Wander Franco Added to American League All-Star Team

Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco is replacing New York Yankees star Aaron Judge on the American League All-star Team.

With New York Yankees star Aaron Judge still out as he battles a toe injury, Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco has been added to the American League All-Star team.

It will be the first All-Star Game selection for the 22-year-old star shortstop. Also added to the American League team among position players were Kyle Tucker of the Astros and Julio Rodriguez of the Mariners. They replaced Mike Trout and Yordan Alvarez.

#Rays Franco is replacing injured #Yankees OF Aaron Judge on AL All-Star team

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 4, 2023

One of the brightest young stars in the game, Franco is hitting .286 this season through 81 games. He's got 10 homers, 43 RBI and 27 stolen bases to boot.

He's one of the main reasons why the Rays have the best record in the American League at 57-31. Despite that though, the Rays have dropped three straight, including a 3-1 game against the Phillies on Tuesday.

Franco was 2-4 with a homer, an RBI and a steal in the loss.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET. Taijuan Walker (9-3, 3.93 ERA) goes for the Phillies while Zack Littel (0-1, 5.28) pitches for the Rays. Philly is 45-39 on the year.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DURING ALL-STAR WEEK in Seattle, per MLB.com:

Friday, July 7: HBCU Swingman Classic (7:30 p.m. ET)

Saturday, July 8: All-Star Celebrity Softball Game and MLB Futures Game (Futures Game 4 p.m., softball game after)

Sunday, July 9: MLB Draft, Rounds 1-2 (7 p.m. ET)

Monday, July 10: Home Run Derby (8 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, July 11: All-Star Game (8 p.m. ET)

Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.