Berrios eager to go to ASG for 2nd straight year

OAKLAND -- Last season, Jose Berrios had planned a family vacation to Disney World during the All-Star break. This year, even though he hadn't been named to the American League All-Star team this past Sunday, he kept his schedule clear because he figured that his services could be needed in Cleveland.

He was right. Shortly after breakfast on Wednesday, Berrios got the call that he had been waiting for, as Twins manager Rocco Baldelli informed the 25-year-old right-hander of his second career selection to the All-Star Game.

• MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX

"I didn't plan [a trip] like last time, because I was waiting for this call, in all honesty," Berrios said.

Berrios, Rays infielder Brandon Lowe and Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts were named to the AL squad on Wednesday, replacing the injured trio of Angels infielder Tommy La Stella, Twins right-hander Jake Odorizzi and Rangers designated hitter Hunter Pence. Berrios will take the pitching spot of rotation-mate Odorizzi, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger after Tuesday's game.

Berrios joins Odorizzi and shortstop Jorge Polanco in representing the Twins at Progressive Field. The right-handed Berrios pitched a scoreless fifth inning in the 2018 All-Star Game, during which he retired his brother-in-law, Cubs infielder Javier Baez, on a flyout to right field. Berrios spoke of his excitement in meeting Nationals ace Max Scherzer at last season's Midsummer Classic, and he hopes to be a little more outgoing in the AL clubhouse this time around.

"Maybe be not too shy, because last year, I was too shy and I didn't speak to everyone over there," Berrios said. "This year, I want to meet everyone and spend more time talking to each one. I'm trying to put me and Polanco in the best position and have fun."

With Berrios scheduled to start Thursday afternoon's series finale against the A's, he will likely be ready to pitch in the All-Star Game, if needed -- and he expressed his desire to pitch in front of his family and friends. For Berrios, who sets high goals for himself before each season, which includes an All-Star berth, the second time around is no less special than the first.

"This one is still exciting for me, because I'm going to be an All-Star," Berrios said. "That's why every player goes out there and plays -- to be an All-Star player, or to try to win a World Series championship. I had a chance to accomplish this goal. Now, I want to be ready for the next one."

Berrios entered Wednesday seventh among AL starters with 2.8 Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs, and his 4.4 percent walk rate ranked third lowest among qualified AL starters, behind only Seattle's Mike Leake and rotation-mate Michael Pineda. Berrios has a 2.89 ERA with 102 strikeouts and 20 walks in 112 innings.

"We’re all happy for him," Baldelli said. "This is a guy that works extremely hard. He’s done it out on the field. He’s performed all year long. He’s been great. You add in the fact that on top of the production, he's a guy that we lean on in a lot of ways, that he’s just a phenomenal teammate and a guy that everybody pulls for. It’s just a great feeling for everyone. He truly, truly deserves it."

Marwin scratched with bruised right big toe

Marwin Gonzalez was slated to be the Twins' designated hitter on Wednesday night vs. the A's, but he was scratched from the lineup with a bruised right big toe. He hurt the toe when he fouled a ball off his foot on Tuesday, and it will be examined moving forward.

"When I say banged up, he’s probably dealing with a few different things, but he’s going to be fine," Baldelli said. "I think it’s more of a day-to-day issue, but we want to give him [Wednesday] and make sure that he’s fine and gets through OK before we get him back out there."