Masahiro Tanaka Headlines All-Star Replacements Announced on Saturday
By Parker White
We talk about All-Star snubs immediately following the final selections for both the American and National League. However, things usually work themselves out when you factor in the replacements for players who can't make it to the Midsummer Classic for one reason or another.
Right on cue, it was announced Saturday that New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanka, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez and Milwaukee Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff have earned late All-Star nods.
Masahiro Tanaka has been named to the AL All-Star squad to replace Marcus Stroman.
— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2019
Felipe Vázquez and Brandon Woodruff have been named to the NL All-Star squad to replace Zack Greinke (personal matter) and Josh Hader. pic.twitter.com/A5xgPbdHek
Tanaka will replace Toronto's Marcus Stroman, who is dealing with a pectoral injury. Vazquez will replace Arizona's Zack Greinke, who will not attend for personal reasons, while Woodruff replaces teammate Josh Hader, who is dealing with a stiff back.
To hear him tell it, the Yankee hurler was surprised to get the call.
Masahiro Tanaka said he was surprised to be named an All-Star today. It seems he’ll replace Marcus Stroman. Tanaka is excited to be able to pitch this time because he was injured when he was an All-Star in 2014.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) July 6, 2019
A couple other American League pitchers will head to Cleveland for the big game, too.
It was announced on Friday that Oakland's Liam Hendriks and Cleveland's Shane Bieber will also be on the AL squad, as they'll replace Texas' Mike Minor and Tampa Bay's Charlie Morton, who start on Sunday and aren't eligible to pitch in the All-Star Game on Tuesday.