The Guardians — with the second-best record in the majors after July 2 at 53-30 — will have a nice representation in the American League’s All-Star Game starting lineup.
On July 3, there was no surprise at third base, where Jose Ramirez was the big winner in Phase 2 voting over Baltimore’s Jordan Westburg. Ramirez finished with 60 percent of the vote over Westburg’s 40 percent.
Also earning a starting spot was outfielder Steven Kwan, who a few weeks ago was flirting with a .400 batting average but has since cooled. Kwan is still batting a robust .362 with seven home runs and 24 RBI. This is his first All-Star Game selection.
This year’s MLB All-Star Game is set for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees’ Aaron Judge and the Phillies’ Bryce Harper clinched automatic starting spots by finishing as each league’s top vote-getter in Phase 1 voting.
Ramirez and Kwan got a boost during Phase 2 voting, which featured the top two finishers at each position, as well as the top four outfielders. Phase 2 voting began June 30 and ran through noon on July 3.
Ramirez’s All-Star nod is his fourth in row, and his third start. Overall, it’s his sixth All-Star appearance. As of July 1, Ramirez had a sizable lead over Westburg — 59 percent to 41 — and that lead stayed about the same.
Through July 2, Ramirez was batting .276 with 23 home runs and 76 RBI, which ranks second to Judge in all of baseball.
There were several close races in both leagues, especially for the final two AL outfield spots alongside Judge.
Through July 1, Kwan was in a tight race with the Yankees’ Juan Soto and the Orioles’ Anthony Santander. Soto had 29 percent of the vote, Kwan 28 percent and Santander 26. The Astros’ Kyle Tucker had 16 percent but is currently injured.
The final results for the AL outfield after Judge was Soto with 31 percent of the vote, Kwan at 28 percent, Santander at 26 percent and Tucker at 16.
All-Star reserves will be announced July 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase is a lock to be on the team. He’s been sensational out of the bullpen in the first half of the season.
Through July 2, Clase leads the AL with 25 saves and is second in the majors to the Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley, who has 31. Class is also 4-1 with a sparkling 0.62 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP. He has 39 strikeouts against just four walks.
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