Aaron Sanchez named to American League all-star team
Set to replace injured Red Sox reliever Craig Kimbrel
Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez was named to the American League all-star team on Saturday afternoon.
The announcement came after Sanchez started but earned a no decision in Toronto's 3-2 loss to the visiting Detroit Tigers.
AL manager Ned Yost of Kansas City announced the choice Saturday. The game is Tuesday in San Diego.
He was selected to replace Boston Red Sox reliever Craig Kimbrel, who injured his left knee while shagging balls before Friday night's game. He is expected to have surgery for a medial meniscus tear Monday and likely will be sidelined for three to six weeks.
Sanchez is the fifth Blue Jays to be named an all-star this season.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, starting pitcher Marco Estrada and left-fielder Michael Saunders had already been added to the AL's roster for the mid-summer classic on July 12. Estrada will not be able to participate after he was put on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back. Saunders was elected by an online fan ballot.
Sanchez is 9-1 with a 2.97 earned-run average and is a first-time all-star.