Could these Red Sox pitchers be heading to their first All-Star Game?
While the Red Sox have a chance to send at least four position players to next month’s All-Star Game, manager Alex Cora would like to see some of his team’s pitchers make the trip to Colorado as well.
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts, third baseman Rafael Devers, designated hitter J.D. Martinez, and outfielder Alex Verdugo were all announced as finalists to start the All-Star Game for the American League over the weekend.
Voting for All-Star starters at all eight defensive positions in both leagues plus the designated hitter spot in the American League is left in the hands of the fans while voting for position player reserves and pitchers is determined “through a combination of Player Ballot choices and selections made by the Commissioner’s Office,” per MLB.com.
Having said that, Cora — who is appreciative of how fans have recognized the likes of Bogaerts, Devers, Martinez, and Verdugo thus far — is hopeful that the players and league officials who help fill out both All-Star rosters will show some love to Red Sox pitchers as well.
"“Hopefully the four of them and then obviously, on the pitching side, we can get a few there, too,” Cora said Monday (as transcribed by NESN.com). “It’s a great recognition.”"
With that thought from Cora in mind, here are three Red Sox pitchers who could very well be vying to make their first All-Star teams between now and the time All-Star rosters for both leagues are announced on Sunday, July 4.