Red Sox 2017 Review: Top 10 moments of the year

Trio of All-Stars

The Red Sox sent three representatives to the 2017 MLB All-Star Game: Outfielder Mookie Betts, starting pitcher Chris Sale and closer Craig Kimbrel.

Betts made his second career appearance. While his overall numbers at the plate were a disappointment compared to his career-year in 2016, any signs of regression had yet to become much of a concern at the time the voting was done. Betts hit .272/.351/.490 with 16 home runs before the break while providing his usual stellar defensive play and base running.

With Aaron Judge taking the right field spot in the All-Star Game, Betts shifted over to center field where his defensive skills made him the most suitable of the AL’s starting outfielders to cover. He went 0-for-2 at the plate batting from the No. 9 spot in the lineup but still managed to make an impact with his defense.

Sale made his sixth consecutive All-Star selection. He earned the nod to start the Midsummer Classic, making him the first AL pitcher to do so since 1984. Sale’s dominant first half put him in the MVP conversation. He was 11-4 with a 2.75 ERA and 178 strikeouts at the break.

The lefty tossed two scoreless innings to begin the game, allowing three hits without a walk and striking out two.

This was the sixth All-Star appearance for Kimbrel and second in as many seasons with the Red Sox. He posted a 1.19 ERA and struck out 68 batters in the first half to re-establish himself as the top closer in the league.

Kimbrel walked two batters in the ninth inning of a tie game but escaped the jam with a pair of strikeouts to send the All-Star Game to extra frames. Kimbrel earned the win when the AL squad scored a run in the top of the 10th inning.

A starting outfielder, the starting pitcher and a reliever who earned the win. Not a bad showing from the Red Sox at this year’s All-Star Game.