The Philadelphia Phillies were already well represented when it was announced that a record seven Phillies players would represent the National League in next week’s All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Zack Wheeler, Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman, and Ranger Suárez were named last Sunday as part of the ultimate NL All-Star team. The travelling group to the Lonestar State has gained another member, as another Phillies player has been added to the All-Star roster.
MLB announced today that Phillies left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sánchez will become the ninth Phillies player to be named an All-Star, replacing Atlanta Braves starter Chris Sale on the National League team.
The honour is a significant accomplishment for Sánchez, who did not have a sure spot in the Phillies rotation until midway through the season. The underdog narrative got even better this season, as Sánchez posted his greatest stretch as an MLB pitcher, going 7-4 with a 2.96 ERA in 18 starts. Sánchez was recently rewarded for his breakout season with a four-year $22.5 million contract extension that includes two team options, potentially keeping the first-time All-Star in Phillies shirt until 2030.
The Phillies set an unbelievable new All-Star Game record with the latest addition.
Phillies supporters already had a lot to be happy about when seven players were named All-Stars. With top prospects Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller competing in the MLB Futures Game on Saturday, the festivities in Texas were already dominated by the Phillies.
The presence of Sánchez obviously elevates it to another level. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have set a new MLB record by sending five pitchers to the All-Star game. It should come as no surprise, given the Phillies’ pitching staff has been recognized as one of the best in the league all season, so the honour is well-deserved.
It’s unclear how many Phillies pitchers will take the mound on Tuesday night, as Zack Wheeler was removed from his scheduled start on Sunday due to back stiffness, while Ranger Suárez fared badly in Friday’s 6-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics. Sánchez should be well rested after his previous start on Wednesday, while Hoffman and Strahm are strong candidates to play depending on workload with two games remaining before the All-Star break.
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