Judge, Sevy lead 4 NYY All-Stars
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TORONTO -- Luis Severino watched last year's All-Star Game from the American League bullpen at Marlins Park in Miami, told that he would have been the next man on the mound if the contest had proceeded to another extra inning. This time, the Yankees ace has a compelling case to take the ball from the beginning.
Severino is one of four Yankees who will represent the AL at the July 17 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard in Washington, to be joined by outfielder Aaron Judge, closer Aroldis Chapman and infielder Gleyber Torres.
"I'd love to see him start," Judge said of Severino. "He's earned that, what he's done in the first half and how consistent he's been for us every time he steps on the field."
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This is the second All-Star nod for the 24-year-old Severino, who leads the Majors with 14 victories against two losses. In 19 starts spanning 123 1/3 innings, he has permitted 88 hits and 31 walks while striking out 143.
"It's great. Last year was a great experience with the guys, and this year is going to be the same," Severino said. "I just want to pitch. I don't know where or what spot. I want to be part of the game."
Judge will be in the AL's starting lineup, earning a spot for the second consecutive year via the fan vote. The 26-year-old outfielder is tied for second in the Majors with 25 homers and has tallied a .280/.399/.572 slash line, as well as a .971 OPS that ranks fifth in the AL.
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"Pretty humbling, getting this opportunity," Judge said. "First and foremost, I've just got to thank my team for always putting me in the right position. They're always getting on base for me and just helping me out. I know I wouldn't be in this spot without them."
Chapman heads to the Midsummer Classic for the first time as an AL player, having represented the Reds from 2012-15. Despite dealing with ongoing tendinitis in his left knee, the 30-year-old Chapman has converted 24 of 25 save opportunities with a 1.42 ERA and a 15.6 K/9.0 IP ratio that is second in the AL.
"It's definitely exciting," Chapman said through an interpreter. "I'm happy to be named to the All-Star Game. This is going to be my fifth. It feels good to be recognized. It feels good to be part of representing this team."
Currently on the disabled list with a strained right hip, Torres may have to take in the festivities from the dugout. The rookie infielder has been excellent since his late April promotion to the big leagues, batting .294/.350/.555 with 10 doubles, a triple, 15 homers and 42 RBIs in 63 games.
"It's pretty fun," Torres said. "I think every player wants to go to the All-Star Game, and now I've got the opportunity. I'm happy, and I'm super excited right now."
Fans can cast votes for the final player on each league's roster -- on computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online as part of the 2018 Camping World MLB Final Vote, as well as via the MLB At Bat and MLB Ballpark mobile apps, until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Then on Tuesday, July 17, while watching the 2018 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, fans can submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2018 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote.
The 89th Midsummer Classic, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.
For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, visit AllStarGame.com and follow @MLB and @AllStarGame on social media.