The MLB All-Star starters were announced on Thursday and Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco was named a starter for the American League.
Polanco, C.J. Cron, Eddie Rosario and Nelson Cruz were all finalists but Polanco was the only one who was named a starter. It’s the first All-Star appearance for the shortstop.
In 75 games this season, Polanco is slashing .321/.379/.532 with 11 home runs and 28 extra-base hits. His 3.8 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is fifth among position players in the American League.
There is a chance other Twins players will be named as reserves to this year’s squad. This year’s voting system is a brand new format, as reserves and pitchers will be determined through a combination of player ballots and the commissioner’s office.
Both Jake Odorizzi and Jose Berrios also have cases to be named to the All-Star roster.
Among American League pitchers, Odorizzi is first in wins (10), fifth in ERA (2.73) eighth in WHIP (1.07) and has 94 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched.
Meanwhile, Berrios is eighth in wins (8), fourth in innings pitched (104.2), sixth in ERA (2.84) with 97 strikeouts on the season.
This year’s All-Star Game will be played in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 9.
