Jays 2B Espinal named to All-Star Game
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Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Santiago Espinal is headed to next week's All-Star Game, the team announced on Saturday.
The 27-year-old is a replacement for Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.
Over 89 games this season, Espinal, who is playing in his third MLB season, is hitting .271 with six home run and 37 RBIs alongside an on-base percentage of .322 and a slugging percentage of .394.
The native of Santiago, Dominican Republic was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 10th round of the 2016 Draft before his was traded to the Jays in June of 2018 with Steve Pearce going the other way.
Espinal joins first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., catcher Alejandro Kirk, centre fielder George Springer and pitcher Alek Manoah as members of the Jays who were named for the All-Star Game. Springer will stay home to rest his sore elbow.
Andres Gimenez of the Cleveland Guardians will take Altuve's spot in the starting lineup for the American League.
Major League Baseball also announced that Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley will replace Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Anderson will replace Carlos Rodon of the San Francisco Giants.
Furthermore, San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth has been added to the National League roster in place of Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins. Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets will get the start at second base.
The game goes Tuesday night from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.