BOSTON -- Backed by his big bat and joy for the game, Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers has been voted by the fans to start for the American League at third base in the All-Star Game for the second straight season.

The results were announced Friday, a day after Devers belted two homers and had five RBIs against Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.

In Phase 2 of the voting, Devers beat out fellow finalist José Ramírez of the Guardians, 60 percent to 40 percent.

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Just minutes after the announcement, Devers thrilled the Fenway crowd by making a diving stop down the line and a strong throw to first to take a double away from Yankees All-Star Aaron Judge in the top of the first inning.

“First of all, of course I’m super happy to be elected to be the starting third baseman for the American League team,” Devers said after Boston’s 12-5 loss to the Yankees. “I also want to take the opportunity to thank the fans who voted for me and who put me in that position. That’s a position that every player wants to be in, and I’m just grateful for our fans and the support that I have.”

The 25-year-old Devers was seen wincing and rubbing his back during Friday's game, and he was removed before the top of the fifth inning. He missed two games this week due to back and lower right hamstring tightness.

But he's been an impactful player since arriving with the Red Sox in the second half of 2017. And 2022 could wind up being his best season.

Entering action on Friday night, Devers led MLB with 106 hits and 192 total bases and was tied with Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Padres third baseman Manny Machado for the Major League lead in FanGraphs WAR (4.4).

This, to go along with a glittering slash line of .327/.384/.593 with 27 doubles, 19 homers and 51 RBIs.

“He’s been amazing,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “Before the game, I saw that he’s leading the league in WAR or something like that, if I’m not mistaken. The progress he’s made defensively has been unreal. He’s a good baserunner, good hitter. Like I said yesterday, he doesn't get caught up in the stage, he puts good at-bats and plays hard, and we’re very proud of him.”

Devers doesn’t just draw rave reviews from his own manager.

"In my opinion, it's 1 and 1A,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said of Devers and Ramírez this week. “Now, José’s our guy. I'd not be a very good manager if I didn't say that. But I think Devers is some kind of hitter. It's pretty good company both of them are in. He's pretty special."

At Dodger Stadium on July 19, Devers will proudly compete with and against the best of the best.

“Every time I go out there, I try to give my 100 percent,” Devers said. “I know the type of player that I am. I also know that the numbers I put in, so yeah, I think I deserve to be in the All-Star Game as a starting third baseman.”

He has plenty of teammates who agree with that assessment.

“We’re very proud of him,” said Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. “Hopefully there’s more to come, but he’s been phenomenal ever since he stepped into the big leagues, and I’m glad to see his hard work is paying off and he’s going to represent us and do an amazing job.”

The All-Star reserves will be announced on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. MLB All-Star Week information can be found at AllStarGame.com and on social media @MLB. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.