CHICAGO — Third baseman José Ramírez will represent the Guardians for the seventh time as an American League All-Star on July 15 in Atlanta.
Ramírez was elected to manager Aaron Boone’s starting lineup by a vote of the fans. Boston’s Alex Bregman was the other AL finalist at third.
“I’m very happy,” said Ramírez, through interpreter/coach Agustin Rivero. “I’m very happy to get this opportunity and I’m thankful for the fans who voted for me.”
Left fielder Steven Kwan, the Guardians’ other finalist, was not voted into the AL’s starting outfield, but could still be named to the team as a reserve.
Ramírez will make his fourth start for the AL, setting a franchise record as a starter. He had been tied with Kenny Lofton and Sandy Alomar with three All-Star Game starts.
Hall of Famer Bob Feller is Cleveland’s franchise leader with eight All-Star appearances. Ramírez could tie him if he’s an All-Star in 2026.
Ramírez said he’d be more than happy to participate in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, but as of yet has not been asked. He’s done it twice before.
“It would be a beautiful opportunity,” said Ramírez.
Ramírez went into Wednesday night’s game against the Cubs hitting .305 (92 for 302) with 15 doubles, 13 homers and 38 RBI. He’s scored 43 runs and stolen 21 bases in 26 attempts.
Despite those solid numbers, Ramírez is not completely happy with his performance so far this season.
“That’s why I appreciate the fan’s vote,” said Ramírez. “I feel like this has not been the kind of year I want to have and that I worked for. I give credit to the fans who voted for me to represent Cleveland.”
When asked what he could have done better, Ramírez said, “Everything. Every aspect.”
Still, Ramírez has put up some impressive numbers. He put together a career-high 21-game hitting streak and a 39-game on-base streak.
“José is the best all-around third baseman in baseball,” said manager Stephen Vogt. “He’s one of the top five players in the game, in my opinion.
“Jose exemplifies what it means to be a professional baseball player on the field. I’m just thankful I get to watch him do it every day.”
Ramírez made his big league debut in 2013. This is his 11th season in the big leagues with the Guardians.
The Guardians went into Wednesday’s game having lost five straight and seven of their last 10 games. They trail first-place Detroit in the AL Central by 12 games.
Ramírez said he’s concerned about the team.
“There is always concern because I’m a winner,” said Ramírez. “As long as I’ve been here, I’ve been around winning teams. For me, it’s always a concern when we don’t win, but we’ll try to do our best.”
Here is the All-Star Game’s starting lineups for the American and National League teams:
American League
Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Mariners.
First baseman: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays.
Second baseman: Gleyber Torres, Tigers.
Shortstop: Jacob Wilson, A’s.
Third baseman: José Ramírez, Guardians.
DH: Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles.
Outfielder: Riley Greene, Tigers.
Outfielder Javier Báez, Tigers.
Outfielder: Aaron Judge, Yankees.*
National League
Catcher: Will Smith, Dodgers.
First baseman: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers.
Second baseman: Ketel Marte, D-backs.
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor, Mets.
Third baseman: Manny Machado, Padres,
DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers.*
Outfielder: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves.
Outfielder: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs.
Outfielder: Kyle Tucker, Cubs.
*Judge and Ohtani were named to the All-Star Game after receiving the most votes in Phase 1 of the voting.
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