Phillies get MLB-leading 8th All-Star with Sanchez replacing Atlanta’s Chris Sale.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez is set for his first All-Star Game appearance as the replacement for Atlanta lefty Chris Sale, who is scheduled to start for the Braves on Sunday and won’t pitch in the Midsummer Classic.
The addition of Sánchez on Saturday pushes the Phillies’ MLB-leading total to eight All-Stars, adding to the franchise record.
The game is Tuesday night at the home of the Texas Rangers. Philadelphia will go into the break as the only team in the big leagues with at least 60 victories.
Sánchez is the third member of Philadelphia’s rotation to get an All-Star nod, but the only one who might participate.
Right-hander Zack Wheeler had already been ruled out by back spasms, and now Ranger Suárez has joined him with the same issue. The lefty was replaced Saturday by Atlanta right-hander Max Fried, who is set for his second All-Star appearance.
Sánchez becomes the 38th first-time All-Star, and Fried is the 10th replacement – six from the National League. Their additions raised the total number of All-Stars to 74.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said keeping Suárez out of the All-Star Game was precautionary. The 28-year-old experienced tightness and spasms in his lower back after a 6-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
