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BOSTON, MA - JUNE 29: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Last place teams don’t really have the right to complain about All-Star snubs. Nevertheless, Willson Contreras, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Sonny Gray are free to feel at least a little aggrieved in being left off the American League All-Star team, the roster of which was revealed last night. Ranger Suárez and Aroldis Chapman — both worthy enough selections — will represent the Sox. Rafaela, though, is second in the American League in fWAR amongst all centerfielders, just a shade behind Byron Buxton, who was elected as a starter. Contreras leads American League first basemen in that category. Sonny Gray is just 20th in fWAR among AL starters, but is second in ERA. Here are the full rosters. (MLB.com)
And given that he’s a veteran who has seen it all at this point, you might be wondering whether Sonny Gray even cares about going to the ASG. But he absolutely does. “I was disappointed for sure,” he said. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Contreras may or may not be disappointed about the All-Star snub, but he’s got other things on his mind: mainly, the seven-game suspension he’s facing. And, yesterday, he spoke through tears in offering an apology. “Those situations could have been avoided and controlled and handled better,” he said. “It’s been a really tough week, emotional week for me. I hope that they understand how emotional it has been, and I’ll prove myself with my actions on the field from here moving forward and show the kind of person that I truly am.” (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
No one can complain about Aroldis Chapman’s selection, particularly in light of the fact that he just set the all-time strikeout record for relievers. “That’s great, that reflects on what I’ve done throughout my career,” Chapman said through an interpreter. “On the other side, just want to be out there every time I can to help the team win and to save games.” (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
In light of the record — but acknowledging the very short tenure — the question must be asked: where does Chapman rank on the list of all-time Red Sox relievers? (Daniel Yanofsky, NESN)
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