Phillies bring in MLB-leading 8th All-Star: Sánchez replaces Atlanta’s Chris Sale

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez will make his first All-Star Game appearance, replacing Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale, who is scheduled to start for the Braves on Sunday and will not pitch in the Midsummer Classic.

With the signing of Sánchez, the Phillies’ total number of All-Stars (MLB leader) rises to eight, setting another franchise record.

The game takes place on Tuesday evening at the home stadium of the Texas Rangers. Philadelphia is the only team in the Major League to go into the break with at least 60 wins.

Sánchez is the 38th first-time All-Star and the ninth alternate – five from the National League – bringing the total number of All-Stars to 73.

Sánchez, 27, has a 7-4 record and a 2.96 ERA. In his last start before Wednesday’s break, he allowed two runs in six innings in a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sánchez is the third member of Philadelphia’s rotation in the All-Star Game, along with right-hander Zack Wheeler and left-hander Ranger Suárez.

The Phillies have three starters: first baseman Bryce Harper, shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Alec Bohm. Relievers Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm complete the Philadelphia contingent.

Sale claimed his 12th win on Tuesday with a 6-2 victory over Arizona, making him the MLB’s leading player. It is the 35-year-old’s eighth All-Star nomination.

Seattle’s Logan Gilbert was replaced from his teammate and reliever Andrés Muñoz, with Gilbert also scheduled to start for the Mariners on Sunday.

Minnesota infielder/outfielder Willi Castro, Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander and Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg were added to the AL roster earlier, replacing Houston shortstop Jose Altuve (sore left hand), Boston Third Baseman Rafael Devers (pain in the left shoulder) and Houston outfielder Kyle Tucker (Bruise on the right shin).

Pittsburgh right-hander Paul Skenes, Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz and right-hander Hunter Greene and outfielder Heliot Ramos from San Francisco were NL replacements for the Philadelphia right-hander Zach Wheeler (Back-Spam), Shortstop of the Los Angeles Dodgers Mookie Betts (broken left hand) and right-handed Tyler Glasnow (back tension) and San Diego outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (right thigh).

Marcus Semien of host Texas replaced Altuve in the AL starting lineup.

Skenes is expected start for the National League after only appearing eleven times in the Major League.

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