“It was actually wonderful (news),” manager Terry Francona said after the Reds lost 12-2 to the Miami Marlins. “He’s very deserving. His teammates were thrilled for him. On a tough night, that was the one really bright shining spot for us.”
Later Tuesday, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was named to the AL squad as a replacement for Boston’s Alex Bregman.
The 26-year-old Abbott was informed during the first inning of his first career All-Star selection, and he high-fived and hugged teammates who showered him with ice and bubble gum in the dugout.
“I thought I deserved it the first go-around,” Abbott said. “But there’s a lot of other deserving guys, so I get the process. Just have to wait until your name’s called. It’s just special. It means the world.”
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is Cincinnati’s other All-Star.
Abbott’s ERA would be the fourth best in the majors if he had pitched enough innings to qualify. A pitcher must have at least one inning pitched per games played by his team. The Reds have played 92 games and Abbott has tossed 83 2/3 innings since making his season debut on April 12 after suffering a left shoulder strain in spring training.
Caminero is batting .252 with 21 homers and 57 RBIs this season, his first as an everyday player.
The 22-year-old is the third Rays infielder to be named an All-Star, joining first baseman Jonathan Aranda and second baseman Brandon Lowe.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP