Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez Named to MLB All-Star Game

The young superstars are two of five injury replacements who were named to the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday.

Major League Baseball announced several additions to the 2023 All-Star Game on Tuesday, as replacements for injured players.

Among the additions was Tampa Bay shortstop Wander Franco, who was added to the American League All-Star roster in place of injured Yankees slugger Aaron Judge who will miss the July 11 Midsummer Classic in Seattle because of an injured toe.

Franco, who slugged his 10th home run of the season in the Rays’ 3-1 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday, is batting .286 with 43 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

Houston’s Yordan Alvarez, who will miss the All-Star Game due to an oblique injury, will be replaced by Mariners sensation Julio Rodríguez. The 22 year-old star is batting .248 with 13 home runs, 47 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. 

Wander Franco is Seattle-bound!

The @RaysBaseball shortstop has been selected to the AL All-Star team, replacing Aaron Judge. pic.twitter.com/PcEZdOPvQg

— MLB (@MLB) July 4, 2023

Rodríguez will be joined by Mariners teammate George Kirby. The hard-throwing ace, who sports a 3.21 ERA has recorded 86 strikeouts in 101 innings, replaces Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan, who is out with a back injury.

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Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, is headed to his second All-Star Game. Tucker, who’s hitting .293 with 13 home runs, 55 RBIs and 14 stolen bases, will be replacing injured Angels superstar Mike Trout, who’s on the injured list because of a hand injury. 

On the National League side, Pittsburgh closer David Bednar replaces the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, who’s dealing with a shoulder ailment. Bednar, who possesses a stellar 1.44 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 16 saves, was named to his second All-Star Game.