Betts, J.D., Bogaerts rewarded with ASG nod

LONDON -- Mookie Betts, last year’s American League MVP Award winner, has earned a fourth consecutive trip to the All-Star Game. He will be joined by teammate J.D. Martinez, the star slugger who will make his third All-Star appearance. Xander Bogaerts will also be representing the Red Sox in Cleveland, getting the late nod after starting designated hitter Hunter Pence was ruled unavailable.

• 2019 All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Betts and Martinez were both selected as reserves on Sunday, three days after they came up short in the Starters’ Election at their respective positions. Martinez was then shifted to be the starting DH on Wednesday.

Bogaerts was added to the AL roster on Wednesday after Pence reaggravated a groin injury that sent him to the injured list on June 17.

They are the only three All-Star players for the defending World Series champion Red Sox, who will also be represented in Cleveland by manager Alex Cora and the entire coaching staff.

“It’s an honor,” said Martinez. “It’s something to look forward to. Anytime you get together and you’re with the best in the game, it’s pretty cool.”

The 2019 All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. It 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. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.

While Betts and Martinez are excited to again be part of MLB’s midsummer spectacle, they were disappointed that Bogaerts (initially), third baseman Rafael Devers and catcher Christian Vazquez didn’t get selected.

In fact, Betts was candid in saying he feels those three players have been the most important pieces of Boston’s lineup this season.

“There’s a lot of guys on our team that are very deserving with Devers, Bogey and Vazqy,” Betts said. “Those guys have kind of been the people that have carried us all season, so in my opinion, they should definitely get more recognition. Those guys in particular that have made us go. Me and J.D. have been guys kind of in the rear to those guys.”

In his second full season in the Major Leagues, the 22-year-old Devers has been a machine, slashing .322/.372/.525 with 12 homers and 50 RBIs.

Bogaerts, who also made the All-Star team in 2016, is off to the best start of his career from a production standpoint. The shortstop clocked a two-run homer in the first inning in London against the Yankees on Sunday, his 16th of the season. He has a line of .299/.392/.540.

And Vazquez is giving the Red Sox production (11 homers, 34 RBIs) at catcher, where offense is at a premium.

“We were talking about it in [the clubhouse],” said Martinez. “Look at Bogey, Christian, Xander, three guys that have been carrying our team pretty much. They are doing a great job. Obviously wish guys like that would get more recognition. I hope that everyone knows they deserve it and deserve the recognition of being there as well.”

As for Martinez and Betts, they’ve made the All-Star team despite both, in their own words, “grinding it out” during the first half of the season.

Betts is hitting just .261, but he leads the AL in runs (66) and is second in walks (62).

“I mean, it is what it is,” said Betts. “I’m trying to do the things I can do and I’m working hard in the cage to try to get back to somewhat normal. I’m trying to do what I can as far as play defense, draw some walks, score some runs and help the team win in some way.”

Martinez went deep on Sunday for the 18th time this season. He has a sturdy line of .298/.374/.549.

“It’s been kind of a grind. I’ve been able to have success and hold my own,” Martinez said. “I feel like the numbers statistically a lot of people would be happy with. Me personally, though, I know what I can do so it’s a bit frustrating. I’ve fallen into some habits I can’t quite get rid of. I’m going to continue to grind. I’m proud of myself that every night I find a way to get it done, really.”

Betts and Martinez have pushed each other the last two seasons and are constantly in the batting cage together. Martinez is pleased to see Betts earn his way back to All-Star status, even if he had to scratch and claw his way there.

“Everyone thinks he’s having an awful year, but you look at that OPS number and you think, ‘OK, he’s still very productive -- an All-Star level of productive,’” said Martinez. “[I just] try to make sure he understands as well. I get it. It’s frustrating.”

Frustrating or not, three of Boston’s big hitters have once again found their way to the All-Star Game.