Santander, W. Castro slide in for Tucker, Altuve on AL All-Star squad
This browser does not support the video element.
Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander and Twins infielder Willi Castro have been named to the American League All-Star team.
Santander replaced injured Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker on the AL roster on Thursday, and Castro replaced Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.
• MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, 8 p.m. ET July 16 on FOX
It's the first career All-Star selection for both Santander and Castro, who will head to Arlington for Tuesday's All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.
Santander entered Thursday batting .233 with 23 home runs and 57 RBIs for the first-place O's. The 29-year-old is tied for fifth in the Majors in homers and tied for third in the AL, behind only Aaron Judge and his Orioles teammate Gunnar Henderson.
"It is a blessing," Santander said. "All the work I’ve been putting up all these years in my career, I’m happy and grateful."
Baltimore now has five All-Stars in the 2024 Midsummer Classic, with Santander joining Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Corbin Burnes and Jordan Westburg. That's tied with the Guardians for the most All-Stars of any American League team.
"It’s an honor being with that young talent at the All-Star Game," Santander said.
Castro entered Thursday batting .268 with seven home runs, 10 stolen bases and 29 RBIs for the Twins. The 27-year-old utility player joins Carlos Correa as the Twins' second All-Star this year.
This browser does not support the video element.
Tucker, a three-time All-Star, hasn't played since June 3 due to a right shin contusion from fouling a ball off his leg.
Altuve, a nine-time All-Star who was voted in as the 2024 AL starter at second base, has been in the lineup for Houston but hasn't played in the All-Star Game since 2018. Altuve has dealt with soreness in his left hand after he was hit by a pitch last Friday.