Cubs Rookie Kris Bryant Added To NL All-Star Roster

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Published on July 7 2015 6:21 am
Last Updated on July 7 2015 6:25 am

Two Kansas City 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.

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

Three players who served drug-related 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 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.