Injured Lester Named To AL All-Star Roster, Replaced By Jays' Romero
BOSTON (CBS) - Injured Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester was named to the American League All-Star team on Sunday.
Lester replaced Seattle starter Felix Hernandez, who started on Sunday. Any pitcher who starts on the Sunday before the All-Star Game is automatically ineligible to participate in the game.
Based on the players' vote, Lester was next in line to replace Hernandez, but due to strained back muscle, he is currently on the disabled list and will miss the game.
Toronto starter Ricky Romero will take Lester's place. Despite a poor track record this season against the Red Sox (0-2, 11.42 ERA), Romero has had a strong overall season (7-8, 3.09 ERA, 101 Ks).
Besides Hernandez, four other starters had to bow out of the All-Star Game due to Sunday starts: Rays SP James Shields, Yankees SP CC Sabathia (who was in line to replace Shields), Tigers SP Justin Verlander and Phillies SP Cole Hamels.
In the end, Yankees RP David Robertson, Rangers SP Alexi Ogundu and Mariners SP Michael Pineda will join Romero on the AL squad.
