MLB teams
ESPN.com news services 9y

Full rosters released for 2015 All-Star Game

MLB, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers

Two Royals pitchers were added to the American League All-Star roster Monday, which brings Kansas City to an MLB-high six representatives, while New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez was left off the team for the Midsummer Classic.

Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera were selected by player vote and manager Ned Yost, respectively. They will join four position player starters who were elected by fan vote and announced Sunday.

"The one thing that Kelvin did that a lot of these guys didn't do was pitch in Game 7 of the World Series last year," Yost said. "That was kind of the deciding factor for me."

There was no room on the roster for Rodriguez, enjoying a renaissance in his return to the Yankees following a season-long drug suspension.

"As I've said all season, my number one goal is helping the Yankees win a championship. I'm excited that we're in a good position to get there," Rodriguez said in a statement. "Of course it would have been an honor to represent the American League next week, but I'll have fun cheering on the guys who were put on the team and watching them protect home field."

Rodriguez is among the top three AL designated hitters in five offensive categories: batting average (.284), home runs (16), hits (77), on-base percentage (.390) and runs (45). He has a higher WAR than Nelson Cruz, who won the DH voting, but Rodriguez was not selected for his 15th All-Star appearance.

"We talked a lot about Alex Rodriguez," Yost said. "I just felt very strongly if we could get another infielder or another outfielder out of that five-man vote, it would help us."

Three players who served suspensions following MLB's investigation of the Biogenesis of America clinic were named All-Stars. Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal was a first-time selection, joining Seattle slugger Nelson Cruz and St. Louis shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who were elected by fans to start.

The Royals have a chance for a seventh All-Star, as Mike Moustakas was listed for the Final Vote. Fans will select among him, Xander Bogaerts, Yoenis Cespedes, Brian Dozier and Brett Gardner for the last AL roster spot.

Among the other AL All-Stars, Albert Pujols was tabbed for his 10th All-Star team. He will start in place of Miguel Cabrera, who was replaced on the roster by Mark Teixeira.

On the National League side, Andrew McCutchen will replace Giancarlo Stanton as an outfield starter, and Chicago Cubs rookie Kris Bryant was added to the NL roster by manager Bruce Bochy.

Bryant became an All-Star less than three months after making his major league debut. He was one of two rookies selected along with Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson.

The 23-year-old Bryant made his big league debut April 17 and began Monday with a .279 average, 12 homers and 49 RBIs.

"I've been at some all-star games, but I don't think anything can compare to making the major league All-Star team," Bryant said.

Bryant said he is open to participating in the home run derby.

"It's all happened so quick. I've just been having so much fun with this, my baseball career," Bryant said. "Right now, it's a pretty special feeling for me."

Another potential injury replacement is for outfielder Matt Holliday, who is currently on the disabled list with a quad injury. If he can't play in the game, Pederson will replace him as the starter and Bochy will select another bench reserve.

Pittsburgh pitcher A.J. Burnett, in his 17th and what he says will be his final season, became an All-Star for the first time. At 38, he is the oldest player headed to the game.

The Cardinals lead the NL with five players on the All-Star roster. They could extend their lead with a sixth if Carlos Martinez is added to the team via the Final Vote, or they could be tied by the Dodgers if Clayton Kershaw is voted to the final roster spot. Johnny Cueto, Jeurys Familia and Troy Tulowitzki complete the NL's Final Vote ballot.

Voting for the last roster spot ends at 4 p.m. ET Friday.

There are 16 All-Stars born outside the United States, with six Venezuelans, five Dominicans, three Cubans, one Canadian and one Puerto Rican.

The All-Star Game will be played in Cincinnati for the first time since 1988. Closer Aroldis Chapman will join third baseman Todd Frazier as the Reds' representatives on July 14.

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN's Wallace Matthews contributed to this report.

^ Back to Top ^